Electronics: The VideoNow Color Personal Video Player

By Michele Blandino

At the top of many Christmas lists this year is the VideoNow Color Personal Video Player. Manufactured by toy giant Hasbro, the VideoNow Color Personal Video Player is a follow-up to the black-and-white version that was introduced last year.

Winner of the Best Toy of 2004 at the Ultimate Toy Awards Show sponsored by Toy Wishes magazine, this portable video player has been flying off store shelves since its introduction earlier this year.

As the name implies, the VideoNow Color Personal Video Player provides portable entertainment for children ages 6 and older. Each unit is small enough to be held in a child's hand and features a 2.5 inch full-color, backlit screen.

How it Works

The VideoNow Color Personal Video Player is a handheld unit that plays special video discs. This is an important point as many people mistakenly assume that the unit will also play standard DVDs or, conversely, that the video discs will play in their home DVD player. Unfortunately, neither one is true. As a result, you will need to buy special discs for the player at an average cost of $8-10 each.

The unit retails for an average of $60 and requires 3 "AA" batteries in order to operate. Among the available accessories are headphones, a car adaptor, and a carry case. Each of these accessories typically retail for $10 and up.

Who Will Like it?

This toy is aimed toward children ages 6 and older. Because the unit is somewhat fragile and will probably not withstand too many bumps, it's generally not recommended for younger children (for those under 6, you may want to consider VideoNow Color's more durable first cousin, VideoNow, Jr.).

Originally conceived as a form of on-the-go entertainment for the cartoon-watching set, the initial video disc offerings were limited to Nickelodean network favorites such as SpongeBob SquarePants and The Fairly Odd Parents. Recently, however, additional titles such as Trading Spaces: Kids has been added. As the manufacturer continues to bring these and other titles to market, it's possible that this product's appeal will extend to the pre-teen and young teen markets as well, although the advent of personal DVD players will make this a tough market to crack.

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for DVD quality entertainment, then this isn't for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking for something to entertain children during road trips or while waiting in the doctor's office, it is worth considering.