Hack13.Repurpose Everyday Objects as UMD Cases | PSP Hacks: Tips & Tools for Your Mobile Gaming and Entertainment Handheld

Hack 13. Repurpose Everyday Objects as UMD Cases

Although there are some commercially available sleeves and cases for your UMD discs, there are some homebrew options you should consider as well.

You've probably noticed the gaping hole in the back of the UMD disks. Why Sony didn't make a little cover over that spot is anyone's guess. You need some sort of case for your UMDs to cover that hole, and you don't want to carry around the cases your games originally came in because they are nearly the same size as the PSP itself. In this hack, I'll cover four ideas for some handy and inexpensive cases for your UMD disks.

2.3.1. Altoids Circular Tins

Shortly after the release of the PSP, several people realized that the small, round metal tins in which Altoids Curiously Strong mints and sours are sold make a curiously effective case for holding a nice little stack of UMDs. The metal makes it a tough case that will protect the disks from basic impact damage. The tins are designed for being carried easily, so the case is small enough that you can carry it around in your pocket. They are also sturdy enough that they won't collapse upon the UMD disks, whether in your pocket or in your backpack, scrunched under your laptop and a stack of papers.

Since the tins are metal, simply dump out the contents and remove the little paper discus in the bottom of the case. Then rinse it all in water to remove the Altoids dust (wouldn't want to get that in your UMD disks!) and dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Stick up to three UMD disks in the tin and check out the fit (see Figure 2-13). The first two fit nicely, while the third fits in, but skewed diagonally.

Figure 2-13. Three UMD disks per Altoids case

2.3.2. Pringles Short Stack

Now, if you have a large collection of UMDs that you'd like to take with you, you could simply purchase multiple Altoids tins and divide them in threes. This option would ensure that your UMDs remain in good condition, even if you have them crammed in your pockets. If you have a messenger bag or backpack to work with, however, you might find that a short stack can of Pringles works better.

These little cans of Pringles aren't metal like the Altoids tins, so they aren't quite as sturdy. They are made of a pretty firm cardboard with a metal bottom and a metal ring at the top to keep the cardboard in shape. My guess is that you could fit about 1520 UMDs in there comfortably. I only had 11 when I was testing it out, and they fit with plenty of room to spare. See how 11 UMDs stack up to the Pringles short stack can in Figure 2-14.

To make your Pringles short stack can into a UMD holder, you first have to get rid of all the little Pringles bits and the potato chip greasiness. Follow these easy steps:

Remove the plastic top.
Peel back the little paper lid. Discard.
Eat all the Pringles in the can (or put them someplace safe for later munching).
Squirt a little soft soap inside.
Put some water in.
Quickly close lid, shake violently, and dump out the suds.
Rinse quickly with water.
Dry carefully with a paper towel.
Fill with UMD disks.

Figure 2-14. How do they stack up?

I'm sure you could do the same thing with a full-sized can of Pringles, but that sort of defeats the portability of the case. Not to mention that if someone sees you with a full stack of UMDs in a full-sized Pringles' can, your chances of getting either beaten up or mugged will increase dramatically for every half-inch of UMDs.

2.3.3. Intec Game Cases

One of the commercially available options, the Intec Game Case (http://www.inteclink.com/inteclink/products/psp/psp.asp) comes in a pack of two for about $5 USD in most places. Each case holds three UMDs snugly (see Figure 2-15).

These cases are made out of a rigid, black, formfitting plastic and hold your UMDs firmly in place, albeit at a slightly higher price tag than two tins of Altoids.

2.3.4. Pelican Disc Jackets

The Pelican Disc Jackets are clear plastic sleeves for the UMD disks, and I have only seen them offered as a package with four jackets alongside a face armor attachment for the PSP (http://www.pelicanperformance.com/psp/psp_spec_sheet/6019.htm).

Figure 2-15. Each Intec case holds three UMD disks

As you can see in Figure 2-16, the Pelican Disk Jackets work with a single UMD disk and only cover the one side where Sony left the gaping hole. The disks slide into them, and a slight rim over the front and top part of the disks hold them firmly in place.

Figure 2-16. The Pelican Disc Jackets with UMDs in them

Unfortunately, since there is no top cover, the UMD disks are still vulnerable to pressure on the top of the disk, which can cause the clear plastic faceplate to push in to the disk [Hack #6] and prevent it from spinning properly in the PSP.

2.3.5. Which Case Is Best?

While I would recommend avoiding the Pelican Disc Jackets, which leave the UMD disks somewhat vulnerable, any of the other three solutions offered in this hack will keep your disks safe. The Pringles can, being made of cardboard, is somewhat less secure and protective than the Altoids or Intec solutions, but you do have the advantage of being able to carry many more UMDs at once.

If quantity isn't your thing, but having a small and sturdy case is, then it really is a toss-up between the Altoids tin and the Intec cases. The Intec cases are pricey in comparison to the Altoids (and sans the Altoid goodness inside), but they are still only $5 USD. They are the most compact solution and tend to be the cases I use most often.

Nevertheless, the Altoids tin is definitely the most retro-styling cool of these four solutions.

2.3.6. Hacking the Hack

There are tons of prepackaged products, such as the Pringles short stack and the Altoids tin, which can be easily cleaned and repurposed as UMD disk holders. Look around your house and see whether you can find a few. There are also many more commercially available options than the two covered here.

Also, if you prefer the strength of the Altoids tins, but you wish they held more than three UMDs, why not bolt two of them together, as I have done in Figure 2-17? All you need is a short bolt, a nut, and a drill, and you are in business: six UMDs in a nice, strong tin.

However, if you are really feeling professional, why not design your own case for the UMDs? I think a nice one could be made out of cardboard [Hack #12].