Sometimes it’s the little things that get to you most. Like some of the Sony’s design choices on PlayStation 3 that are rather hard to understand. For instance, consider the charging of a controller. They’ve somehow managed to build a device that is charged via USB, but only accepts charge from USB ports of a few selected devices – mainly the PS3 itself.

You can’t use USB chargers that plug into power outlet, the controller won’t charge. Besides PS3 itself, I’ve only managed to charge the controller using a laptop’s USB-port, with the condition that the computer isn’t on standby. Speaking of standby, you can’t charge the controller with PS3 either if it’s not powered on.

Sony keeps sweetening the deal by including an amusingly short USB cord to charge the controller with. If the battery runs out while you’re playing, you’re essentially forced to sit 10 cm away from PS3 (and possibly your TV) while waiting for the controller to charge. Either that, or invest into a longer USB cable that is probably useless for any other purpose besides PS3. Makes me wonder what the grand idea behind this is…