Axion AXN6042 portable DVD player
By Marc Perton 
posted October 19th 2005 1:00AM
posted October 19th 2005 1:00AM
The Axion AXN6042
portable DVD player may not
have the biggest screen around (it's just 4.2 inches), but it does have a form factor that may make it attractive to
DVD-toting travelers: the display is built into the lid of a player not much bigger than a standard portable CD player.
Of course, it's still bulkier than most hard-drive portable video players, but in addition to the on-lid display, this
player has a secret weapon that you won't find anywhere else: a built-in "Axi-Port" to connect it to Sega games (no, we
don't get it either, but somebody must).
"Axi Port" Huh. So it's really a GD-ROM reader for my Dreamcast Games right? Why didn't they just say so!! I love nonsense advertising.
AxiPort is the silly connector for their handheld gaming system (JAXX'ish) that has Sega(tm) games on it.
http://www.axiontv.com/www/ProductDetail.asp?did=143
-Will
Looks like you can play these "classic" sega games if you but the Axi-Port controller:
Plug And Play Game Pad with Built-in 7 Classic SEGA Games
Powered by the AXI-PortTM, No Extra Battery Is Needed
Games List:
Super Shinobi II
Altered Beast
Columns III
Shadow Dance
Flicky
Gain Ground
Alex Kidd In The Enchanted Castle
http://www.axiontv.com/www/ProductDetail.asp?did=143
The thing that kills most players is battery life. So, it this one topping out at 1.5 - 2 hours too?
The screen and design reminds me of my old Lyra 2840 mp3 player. It has that rectangle in a circle thing going, and the curved edges, but then again half the mp3 players out there either look like something else, or vice cersa.
Not impressed.
Thinkgeek.com just released another brand's DVD player with the same concept and it's better. http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/video/7b60/
Specs:
7" Widescreen (16:9) Color TFT Display
Plays DVD discs as well as MP3/CD/CD-RW/JPEG
Built in Anti-skip Circuitry
Two Headphone Jacks
Plays NTSC or PAL
3 hour battery life
Built-in Stereo Speakers
Audio/Video Out
Coaxial Out Supports Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound
Integrated Retractable Stand
Accessories:
Rechargeable LI Polymer Battery
AC Wall Adapter
Cigarette Lighter Adapter
Two Behind-The-Ear Style Headphones
Car Audio Cassette Adapter
Car Headrest Mounting Bag
Full-Function IR Remote
The whole point of getting a portable DVD player versus a PMP is the larger screen size, in my opinion.. I dont see the benefit of a 4.2" screen built into the lid of a bulky DVD player..
In my opinion, the whole point of getting a portable DVD player is summed up in its name: (1) the desired media type is DVD, (2) it's portable.
Screen size is negotiable as long as it's reasonable, and 4.2" seems to be competetive with non-DVD players.
I disagree that the 7" screen mentioned above can be assumed to be better unless we restrict the conversation to in-car use. The larger screen size takes it out of the realm of "small enough to fit in your purse". The above site did not mention brand or dimensions of the player. This player is said to measure 5.51"x5.51"x1.02" with battery. 7" screen players may approach double that volume.
I notice some useless negative comments about the Axi-port. It's akin to critiquing a computer because it has external serial ports or a floppy drive which are rarely used. If you don't need them don't use them.
Another panel-type player is the 7" Coby TFDVD7705 which is side loading which may preserve the life of the screen connectors.