This sultry unit from Philips includes an 8.5in screen in a chic tablet-PC style chassis, making it look and feel more expensive than it actually is. The design includes a fold-out stand for desktop use, and a headrest bracket for in-car mounting.
Usefully, the design features a slot-loading disc mechanism, making changing discs on the move less of a chore, while the player's modest dimensions are aided by an integrated (rather than external) battery pack. However, that only offers three hours of playback time.
Still, the Philips offers good performance: it has blacker blacks, more realistic colours and superior ‘off-centre' performance to any rival.
Short battery life aside, our only other gripe is the absence of a resume function; that's enough to annoy in-car users.
Philips PET830 review
Design features a slot-loading mechanism, making changing discs on the move less of a chore Tested at £190
What Hi-Fi? Verdict
Impressive large-screen picture and good sound.
Pros
- +
All round good performance, realistic, superior colours and better off centre performance than any rival.
Cons
- -
Battery pack only offers three hours playback, and no resume function
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