Cowon A3

Record Straight From TV to Media Player's Gorgeous Screen

Archos 705 Wi-Fi $400 (80 GB)
Archos pushes the definition of portability with this hardcover-sized player featuring its own keyboard and Wi-Fi.

Apple iPod classic $349 (160 GB)
Fantastic battery life and good sound, but the aging iPod can't compare to more feature- laden competitors.

Microsoft Zune $229 (80 GB)
Though it has a hearty screen and Wi-Fi, the quirky "squircle" nav pad is frustrating.

It may be big, boxy and brickish, but this lug will charm you once you lay eyes on its gorgeous screen. The highlight? Line-in video recording that lets you tape TV shows while TiVo is busy with Mad Men. It also works as a USB host, great for grabbing files from a friend's drive. Sure, the joystick navigation is janky, but with all the A3's features, a few flaws are easy to overlook.

WIRED Recording straight from TV rocks. The sharp resolution is sweetly addictive. Piles on features, including an FM tuner, radio and voice recording, and AV out. Substantial six hours of battery life while playing video.

TIRED Awkward joystick control induces endless errors. Gets hot during use, making it ideal for cold flights or lonely Arctic expeditions.

• Style: Video
• Manufacturer: Cowon
• Price: $320 (30GB)