Coby V.Zon TF-DVD560
© 2006 Coby Electronics Corp.
Anyone who's survived a cross-country road trip with young children knows the value of a portable DVD player. After all, there are few things that can keep children mesmerized more effectively than to pair a favorite movie with a pair of headphones. There are now dozens of DVD players in the $100 range, all with rechargeable batteries and headphone jacks. The Coby V.Zon TF-DVD 560 ($105, www.cobyusa.com) takes the concept up a notch, mixing 12 mid-90's Sega games with the DVD playing abilities. The game menu includes fast paced 8-bit versions of Sonic the Hedgehog and an addicting bejeweled-like puzzle game providing an active alternative to the passive videos. The player is designed to fit into a lap rather than for sharing, with a smallish 3.5 inch screen. It opens like a clamshell to load disks and comes with two power adapters — both DC for the car and an AC adapter — plus headphones and a carrying pouch. After you reach your destination, you can watch the movies on a TV screen using an A/V port (cable included) or, in the case of the video games, use the unit's heavy, clunky controller. Whether playing games or watching movies, this new generation of players is a great antidote for, "Are we there yet?"
$105, TV
Teaches: a DVD player and TV peripheral
CTR Rating: 84%