The new Philips DCP850 ($200) pulls DVD movies, iPod video files, and other digital-media content together into one, thoughtfully designed package. The DCP850 looks like a lot of portable DVD players, but next to its top-loading disk compartment is an inset docking station for a fifth-generation Apple iPod (the model that plays video). By joining the two devices, you can bypass the iPod’s 2.5-inch screen and instead enjoy its stored video on the DCP850’s 8.5-inch widescreen LCD display.
That screen is mounted on a multidirectional hinge, so you can turn it, tilt it to the optimum viewing angle, or fold it back against the bottom of the device, creating a tablet-style player. Such flexibility—and dual headphone jacks—makes it a nice option for airline seatmates or kids in the back of a car.
Philips bundles the DCP850 with a vehicle power adapter and a remote control that stores snugly in the iPod docking slot. An internal, rechargeable battery lasts about 2.5 hours. The unit also houses a flash-memory reader that retrieves digital photos, music, and video files from SD (secure digital memory) cards.
