Two screens, 3.25 inches in size. They are larger than the previous DS Lite and have a resolution of 256 x 192. The screens are smaller than the Sony PSP which has a 4.3 inch display and the Apple I-touch at 3.5 inch but bear in mind that the DSi has two screens creating a bigger viewing area.

Cameras. Two cameras provide the DSi with unique gaming abilities and one of them is VGA. The first camera is located on the internal hinge to capture the players face and the second is located externally on the corner of the lid allowing the user to take pictures like a proper camera and using the gaming screens to view the shot. The PSP has an optional camera, which is 1.3mega pixels. The iPod Touch has a built in camera of 2 mega pixels.

Memory wise the Nintendo DSi provides an SD Card slot along with internal flash memory storage of 256mb. The PSP can hold a memory card of up to 16gb and the iPod Touch has 8 to 32gb depending on which size the owner opts for.

All handhelds mentioned have Wi-Fi capabilities. This is an excellent feature which allows users to surf the web, connect with other consoles of the same type, and download new games, applications and software updates. They all have their own customised stores. Nintendo DSi has the DSi – ware shop, PSP has the PS Store and the iPod Touch uses the App Store.

The DSi has single touch screen technology, the PSP does not have this capability although there is a home brew piece of equipment that owners can buy to set up their own touch screen function. The iPod Touch does have touch screen which is multi-touch technology.

The Nintendo DSi is 12% thinner than the DS Lite but the length is a little longer. The power switch on the DS Lite has been replaced to a button on the DSi which is going back to the original DS. A matted finish has been applied compared to the gloss finish of the DS Lite, which is meant to prevent showing finger prints.

The CPU in the Nintendo DSi is an ARM clocked at 133 MHz and has 16 MB of RAM. and the speakers have been improved from the previous model.

Technorati Tags: DS Lite, dsi, Nintendo DSi, nintendo handheld

This is for Nintendo customers based in the UK and Ireland only as we are going to talk about the official Nintendo website and this is the areas they cover.

Logging and sending the console

First log on to the Nintendo repair website. Here you will see the first heading on the page labeled “fast track repair”. You need to click to the right and you will be given a selection of models from which to choose your console. As mentioned above this covers the following; Wii Systems, DS, DS Lite and DSi handheld consoles. If you can’t see your model listed here it’s probably because it’s older and you then need to contact the Nintendo customer services.

Now select continue and you will be prompted to enter the serial number of you console. This is found on the official sticker normally on the base of all units. Make sure you include all the numbers. For example on the Wii the last number is surrounded by a black box but you must include this number. Some people leave this out. The code for the Wii is 11 digits long. Select continue.

The next stage asks you if you are sending back any other items with your console. Things such as adapters, Wii remotes etc. Only send them back if you think they are faulty.

Next Nintendo ask you to include proof of purchase if it’s still in the warranty period. This means al repairs will be done free unless they are exempt. If you need to pay for a repair to be carried out then Nintendo will require payment before the repair is completed. Major faults are charged and £70 and minor faults are £28.

After continuing there is the option to add additional comments which you might like to inform them of. Hit continue and fill out your details, after proceeding your details will be processed in their system and they will send you a freepost label that you use to post them your console. They also provide a username and password on this screen which can be used below.

Tracking the repair progress

After submitting your details the last screen would result in them giving you a username and password. Go back to the home screen and select track repair. Enter your username and password and they will give you the relevant update on how your repair is going. It fairly straight forward.

Other Info

You pretty much just need to wait for them to inform you with the status of repair. If you get stuck at any point then use their FAQ section or failing that there is a help line you can call. The number is 0870 6060247 or email nintendoservicecentre@codestorm.co.uk.

Technorati Tags: DS Lite, dsi, HandHeld DS, Handheld Nintendo, Wii Systems