DVD on the go

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Nov, 2004

What we really love about the high-tech electronics revolution is portability. No sooner does the latest marvel hit the shelves than a smaller, slimmed-down version--that still retains all the bells and whistles-is available as well. And the list of such products seemingly is endless. While our wants are many, there are only so many zeroes in the bank account. As such, we really needed to make our selections count, which is why we now own the D2010 Personal Portable DVD Player from Audiovox Electronics Corp., Hauppauge, N.Y.

What first hooked us on this slender (10.5" x 7.2" x 1.2") model was the wide screen--10.2" for a portable unit is huge. Moreover, the resolution and brightness are mint. Its projected lifespan is huge as well--there's a 30,000-hour backlight life. It connects to most home TVs or monitors and comes with a headrest bag for in-vehicle use (and a cigarette-lighter adapter). The supported media formats for this gem include DVD, DVD R/W, CD, CDR/W, JPEG, and MP3.

The rechargeable lithium polymer battery lasts two hours and the remote is the size of a credit card. Of course, there is the requisite amplifier, A/V input/output jacks, headphone jacks, and AC and DC power adapter. Display languages include English, French, and Spanish.

The D2010's suggested retail price is $600, but with holiday sales and some judicious shopping, don't be surprised if you can get it for less.

As long as we're on the Audiovox "portable" bandwagon, the company's new GMRS500SLK Ultra-Slim two-way radio is as lightweight as it is powerful. Although it has a five-mile range, it's smaller than many cell phones--as well as thinner than a slice of bread--and slips easily into a shirt pocket. A built-in flashlight, FM radio, leather case, wrist strap, earbud, rechargeable battery, and multiple shared and dedicated channels make this the ideal accessory for the mall, amusement parks, ski slopes, and around the neighborhood.

The GMR goes for $49.95 and is available at mass merchandise and electronics stores. For more information on these and other quality products, check out www.audiovox.com.

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