Entertainment

Sometimes you could be forgiven for thinking that mobile music was the sole preserve of the iPod but there are other devices often with a far more attractive price point.

This is described as a ‘Wide LCD TV Monitor’ but apart from being able to display Analogue and Digital TV it can also be used as a computer monitor and can also accept both Analogue and Digital input and has a range of other connections on its back.

Here I am looking at iPod docks from Pure (the DAB radio people) and from Gear 4. Both seem to work with most iPods and of course both will charge the iPod while it sits in place playing or not providing you have mains power. Similar products but aimed for slightly different jobs.

This is a tiny MP3 player that also can make voice recordings. Although it is tiny the screen is still very readable and with battery life of close to twenty hours between recharge it certainly has things in its favour.

This is an iPod dock with speakers behind. It is of course also able to play MP3 files from an MP3 player and it also has an FM radio. So far it has refused to do the washing up, the vacuuming or even the dusting.

While I am new to the world of the DS Lite, I am not discussing the unit but a couple of game inserts that are made strictly for relaxation. While both in their early stages are certainly that as you get into higher levels they become challenging.

I must be showing my age as I remember the days when 20MB was a large hard disc (I actuary remember the days before hard discs) now an MP3 player with 8GB of internal memory in a tiny body and compete with rechargeable battery.

First an offering from Altec Lansing whose two speakers each have their own sub woofers. Second an offering from Gear 4 intended to pep up the output from your iPod of almost any type.

I've mentioned in previous reviews how one of the most important elements required for good sound is often neglected my media player manufacturers. In this case I review some headphones that not only address the sound quality but also aesthetics.

This is what used to be called a clock radio but with the ability to accept input from any device with a 3.5mm jack socket. It also has a dock for almost any kind of iPod. It has FM radio and of course a good sized clock display with two alarms and of course a snooze setting, so now the iPod has invaded the ‘clock radio’ bedroom.

I've reviewed a number of iPod docking stations over the last couple of years. This one has an extra twist to take account of the latest range of video capable iPods.

Here I am looking at two items from John Adams; either have a good chance of the child’s parents having a good period of peace. The first can encourage the drawing skills while the second encourages the creative genes. Wonder of wonder two different toys and neither need a single battery. Possibly even better value now and a good way to spend that Christmas cash.

Not a photo frame that currently seems in vogue but a device solely for the display of images. What has an object not that much larger than a camera have that a decent photo frame does not?

Not perhaps obvious items to be put together but either or both could make a great present. The first something for that frustrated drummer I am sure you will have heard or Air Guitar but how about Air drums? The second a twist of a jigsaw that is made in the shape of a globe.

Physically the largest iPod docking stereo system I've reviewed the iLuv uses this size to good effect to provide sound worthy of your music collection.

The first is hidden inside a standard looking pillow, the second inside a fabric hat. Both allow you to use your favourite iPod or MP3 player to provide the material.

Sometimes you want to listen to your music stored on a portable player without the need of a headset. Altec Lansing offers a solution.

It must be at least two years since I first saw these sort of items advertised, however for one reason or another it is only now late in 2008 that I finally got to test one. This unit from ION comes with three different pieces of software.

Video glasses for your iPod or other video player with good battery live and that can also show 3D content. A great idea for watching your video in bed or on the move.

Here I am looking at two kids toys that will be very popular with younger kids – not quite so sure about their parents – one a tiny guitar with built in songs and the other another item a belt buckle giving guitar sounds from a mini amplifier this again comes with built in sounds. They are both reasonably priced.

A 500Gbyte hard disk aimed at those wishing to centralise their multi-media storage, or at least to have a usable copy of those files somewhere near their television.

A small, lightweight, portable iPod docking station aimed at those that want a robust home dock that's also capable of battery powered use on the move.

Visiting various toy-based events makes it clear that one type of toy that always attracts attention are the one that require the use of a remote control.

After my last review of a SanDisk unit this came – initially – as a disappointment, in fact more than a disappointment. I was sent a replacement unit and that had the same problem, so once solved I have put it through a thorough and rigorous set of tests to see that it did not occur again.

The Gemini 33 is an attractive bedroom radio/alarm system, but it wouldn't be out of place anywhere in the home.

A high definition projector aimed at gamers, but that is equally at home providing a taste of the cinema in your own home.

Described as a "finger-twirling, light-whirling, head-spinning, mind-popping game...easy to master but endlessly challenging" this next product has single and group action.

This is the only product I have so far received from my visit to CEDIA in June this year. Of course some promises always fail to materialise but this year is worse than normal. However this product took my eye as I walked past their stand.

The addition of video to the iPod range is great for when you're on your travels. Despite the excellent quality screens on the iPod it's still nice to watch on a larger screen. Of course most video content is still available on DVD - not iPod.

Light-weight radio-controlled flying toys have been available for a couple of Christmases now. This year we look at a clever helicopter design that has the advantage of entertaining two children at the same time.