These innovations can make any device, like an ordinary audio CD player (Discman) or a portable DVD player, look old.  So, what can these old thingamajigs offer to level up to the new-age digital devices?

From Next Base, makers of a popular line of portable DVD players, comes the Pop-up DVD player which offers a lot more than your usual, portable DVD player.  It can play DVD, VCD, CD, DVD+/- R/RW, CD-R/RW discs, MP3 and JPEG files; all of which can be viewed via its unique 75-degree, 3.5 inch TFT pop-up display.

The screen really does pop-up whenever you press a specific button.  This is very functional because, unlike other portables, you need not hold the unit while watching; this player can be placed on top of a table, or on your lap while traveling.  The pop-up screen gives better angles for clearer viewing.

Given the bewildering variety of digital discs available in the market, you have to wonder if this thing can play it all.  The short answer is, yes it can.  It can read any disc, original or otherwise, mainly because of its class-one laser system that has a wavelength of 650nm/780nm, an output power of 5mW and a beam divergence of 60 degrees; standard for all of Next Base’s disc players.

The Dolby Digital decoder adds to this unit’s usefulness.  It enhances the sound quality especially when connected to a TV set--although the built-in loud speaker is not that impressive.

The main control panel located below the display is very user-friendly with simple switch buttons and commands that even kids can operate.  The system also has a screensaver, which is a good thing because it can protect the screen from any damage.

One of this unit’s outstanding features is that it can adjust itself to movies that have an assigned content rating (G, PG-13, PG-R, etc.).  This helps parents control the types of DVDs their children can watch.

At only 395g or barely half a kilo, it's very handy.  It also has an anti-shock system, which is good for traveling.  Though compared to MP4/MP3 players and even Discmans, this unit may be a little bulky given its diameter and other dimensions.

This player has many things to offer but it isn’t perfect.  First, the small screen is one of the device's drawbacks.  Trying to watch foreign films or any film with subtitles using this device can be difficult.  The text is barely readable so don't even bother reading the credits when the movie is done.  Watching movies with wide-screen formats is also not advisable.  It is a good idea to connect the player to a television via the unit’s AV cables if you really want bigger pictures or a wider screen.

Another flaw in the device is the short playback time.  It has a video playback time of only two hours using four, rechargeable, Ni-MH batteries (not included in the basic package).  If, say, you want to watch a three hour movie using the unit, extra batteries are a must.

You have a choice of four colors when you buy this unit: black, red, pink and blue. The enhancements included in the sales package are AV cables, a pair of earphones and an adapter.

If you happen to have a collection of DVD/VCD movies or audio albums and you constantly play them, this unit may be your thing.  However, if you’re the type who wants to watch movies without the hassle of loading a CD and you want to watch films on a bigger LCD display, you might want to consider other options.