iFM Score: 80% Developer: Griffin Technology Device Type: Audio

Function: Do you have MP3's on your PSP, but every now and then want to know what's on the radio? Well with Griffin's iFM, you don't have to take your head phones off and dial up a local station. The iFM is a replacement for the PSP's bundled remote control that also acts as an FM radio receiver. This means that not only can you control the system's audio levels as well as movie and music track selection, but with a flip of the switch you can listen to any of the FM radio stations in the area. The device itself is a sleek black and silver elongated oval that complements the look of the PSP itself. It contains the remote controls on one side, a switch to change from receiver to controller on the top and a bright LED screen that displays the radio station you are on.

Performance: As a remote, the iFM works just as well as the one that comes with the PSP. The only functional difference is that it doesn't have a switch that locks the controls like the proprietary device does, but I didn't find myself accidentally hitting the buttons as much as I did with the old controller either. As a radio, the device seems to act fairly well. What stations I can pick up sound fairly clear and the audio controls let me select a volume between 0 and 10. The iFM doesn't seem to drain a lot of juice from the PSP either, which is evident by the fact that the receiver lets you listen to the radio even when the PSP is hibernating (but this causes problems that I will touch on in the Drawbacks and Problems section). One feature that I wish the iFM had that it is lacking is the ability to set favorite stations, but I guess that is functionality left more for a higher end product with more bells and whistles.

Features: FM radio at your fingertips -- Just plug and go Control movies or music with iFM's easy-to-use remote Headphone jack Bright, clear display Belt clip for comfort

Drawbacks & Problems:: There are only a couple of problems with the iFM. For one, it doesn't seem to have the best antenna. Though the system was able to pick up all of the major stations in my area, there were a couple of smaller (granted also weaker) stations that I typically listen to that the system either didn't pick up at all or were so filled with static that it wasn't worth it. This can probably be overlooked in bigger cities where there are several of stations of each type, but when you get into smaller cities or towns, this could be an issue. The other problem happens whenever the PSP goes into hibernation. When the handheld sleeps, you no longer have any control over your iFM. If you want to change the station or even change the volume, you have to wake up your PSP and then make the necessary adjustments. This can be a problem if you plug yourself in at work or while on the treadmill and suddenly don't like the song that's on. This is different than when I am listening to my MP3's because though the screen shuts down, the system itself does not hibernate and I still have control over song-choice and volume from the remote (both the one that came with it and the remote-mode of the iFM. In general, Griffin's iFM for the PSP accomplishes what it sets out to do. It lets you listen to most of your local FM radio stations while not draining to much of your battery life, and with a simple flip of a switch it can be used to replace the remote that is bundled with the system.

-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Meyer