Portable video players (a.k.a. PVPs or portable media players) are the video equivalent of portable MP3 players. In fact, they are MP3 players at heart but with the ability to play back video on a larger color screen. PVPs come in all sizes and shapes, and some have more features than others. For example, the compact Archos Gmini 402 does not record video or audio, but it's the same size as an iPod, while the Archos AV700 has a mammoth body and screen, as well as excellent recording features. Some, such as the bulky Creative Zen PMC, have amazingly intuitive interfaces, while PVPs such as the Archos PMA430 are a little more complicated but come with early-adopter features, including a touch-screen interface and built-in Wi-Fi.

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8.3

1. Archos AV500 Mobile DVR
The well-appointed Archos AV500 puts wide-screen video in your pocket, but we're still waiting for a point-and-click way to get video into the device.

Specs: Digital AV recorder, 4.9 in x 0.7 in x 3 in, LCD 4 in - Color, Hi-Speed USB, MP3, WAV, WMA, WMA DRM, AVI, WMV, MPEG-4, MPEG-4 SP, 9 oz

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8.3

2. Toshiba Gigabeat S MES30VW
Many prospective MP3/PVP buyers have been waiting patiently for this compact, easy-to-use, one-stop shop for media files--looks like the Toshiba Gigabeat S was worth the

Specs: Portable media center, 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 3.9 in, LCD 2.4 in - Color, Hi-Speed USB, MP3, WAV, WMA, 5.3 oz

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8.0

3. Archos Gmini 402
Archos's supercompact Gmini 402 portable video player adds DRM-protected media to its long list of features.

Specs: PlaysForSure Audio, Digital AV recorder, 4.2 in x 2.4 in x 0.7 in, LCD 2.2 in - Color, Hi-Speed USB, PCM, WAV, WMA, ADPCM, WMA DRM, DivX, XviD, MPEG-4 SP, 5.6 oz

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4. Archos Gmini 402 Camcorder
Many prospective MP3/PVP buyers have been waiting patiently for this compact, easy-to-use, one-stop shop for media files--looks like the Toshiba Gigabeat S was worth the wait.

Specs: Portable media center, 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 3.9 in, LCD 2.4 in - Color, Hi-Speed USB, MP3, WAV, WMA, 5.3 oz

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5. Archos 604
The do-it-all Archos 604 with its improved design and low base price is slightly marred by mediocre audio performance. It's an amazing PVP, but not a great audio player.

Specs:

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8.0

6. Creative Zen Vision
The Creative Zen Vision, a dazzling but occasionally frustrating personal media player, handles video and music with aplomb, all for a tantalizingly low price.

Specs: Portable media center, 4.9 in x 0.8 in x 2.9 in, LCD 3.7 in - Color, USB, MP3, WMA, WMA DRM, WMV, XviD, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DivX 4.0, DivX 5.0, MPEG-4 SP, Motion JPEG, 8.4 oz

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7. Cowon A2
The Cowon A2 is a sleek portable video player with a bright, wide-screen color LCD, as well as full multimedia recording and playback capabilities, but it's not the most efficient device. Plus, it's in desperate need of Windows Media DRM 10 (Janus) compatibility.

Specs: Digital AV recorder, 5.2 in x 0.9 in x 3.1 in, TFT 4 in - Color, Hi-Speed USB, ASF, MP3, WAV, WMA, AC-3, Ogg Vorbis, AVI, WMV, XviD, DivX 4.0, DivX 5.0, MPEG-4 SP, 10.5 oz

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8. Archos Pocket Media Assistant PMA430
Sticker shock and minor problems notwithstanding, Archos has crafted the most capable, enviable PVP we've seen yet with the PMA430.

Specs: Digital AV recorder, 4.9 in x 3.1 in x 0.8 in, TFT 3.5 in - Color, Hi-Speed USB, IEEE 802.11b, Infrared (IrDA), MP3, PCM, WAV, WMA, MPEG-4 SP, 9.9 oz

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9. Kingston K-PEX Portable Media Player
For a budget portable media device, the likable Kingston K-PEX definitely rocks.

Specs: Ogg Vorbis, WAV, WMA, ASF, MP3, 1 x Lithium ion Rechargeable, 2.3 oz

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10. RCA Lyra X3000
If you're looking for a good way to record and watch video using a compact device, the RCA Lyra X3000 is a solid choice; however, serious music addicts may want to use something else as their primary portable audio device, due to the device's 20GB capacity, its poor audio battery life, and a few navigation foibles.

Specs: Digital AV recorder, LCD 3.6 in, MP3, WMA, Motion JPEG