I liked the screen, but holy shit that black smudging is nasty. It was so bad on the left hand side of the screen that it impacted any image that was a solid white or grey (like the screen you're greeted with when you first turn on the device). I could see discoloration in the same spot that the black smudges appear.
I've never noticed the dark patches affecting anything other than a black screen. Never noticed anything on a white or grey background before. Not seen anyone else mention seeing them at any other time either. Might want to see if Amazon will swap one out for you. Should be able to do so without losing any play time.
I am quite disappointed by the ergonomics of the machine:
- I hate rear touch.
- The face-buttons are tiny and hard to press.
- The sticks are so far down on the unit that my hands cramp while using them.
- The shoulder buttons feel like crap.
- The sticks are so close to the buttons/dpad that I wind up pushing the sticks accidentally a lot.
- It feels heavier then my PSP and is less comfortable to hold for long periods of time.
- The d-pad is tiny and I don't like it as much as the psp one.
About the only thing I think is better ergonomically compared to the PSP is that it has two functional sticks.
Maybe I'll get used to all of this by playing more.
Rear touch - When used badly it is indeed god awful just like many new control methods. When used well though it is great. I like uses in Uncharted (zooming for sniper and camera), Browser (scrolling) and Escape plan.
As for the controls, I think many people had similar issues at launch but it's just getting used to it same as any controller. The d-Pad however is I think considered one of the best on any controller in gaming history by those who know about these things (I am not one of these people, though I do like it)
As for the weight, the WiFi Vita is lighter than the 1000 and the 3G is the same as the 1000. The 2000/3000 were about 2oz/90g lighter if the figures from Wiki are accurate.
I'm surprised that nobody has released little clip on attachments for the sticks to make them taller. That would make them feel like they had more throw and would probably feel a little more accurate.
Yeah, after holding my other handhelds it's not that heavy. I think it's the awkward, claw-like grip you need to use to hold the system and use both analog sticks and the shoulder buttons.
One of the grips might be an idea if you are having problems in that regard. Several guys in the main Vita thread have one.