It might look like any other portable device, with player controls set below the screen, but swivel the screen and the Sony DVP-FX870 can be turned to a new angle, reversing so far that it can completely point away from you.

And that 800 x 480 screen really does justice to everything from TV’s greatest hits to blockbusters, with pin-sharp images that are backed up by some very impressive speakers.

Add a battery life of up to six hours and this should definitely be one to stick in your bag for long flights.

Sadly, there are a couple of annoying omissions. First, the lack of USB or memory card option seems odd since the device can play MP3, Jpeg and DivX files (although it plays multiple DivX episodes on recordable DVDs). Also, there's no NTSC out for playback on hotel TVs.

Thankfully, that screen helps overcome the last problem someway.  However, if you have the funds to buy this model, you could afford the LG DP391B. And we know which one we'd go for.

VERDICT: 7/10

(Specs on next page)