Myvu Personal Media Viewer

PMPs should be in your face, not on your tray table. Plugging my iPod into the plastic battery sheath took five seconds, and the combination of privacy, comfort, adequate sound, and surprisingly reasonable resolution (even in direct sunlight!) was satisfying. Why hold a 2.5" iPod screen at half-arms length when these lightweight, immersive specs simulate the experience of peeping a decent 20-inch TV from a couple feet away? Looking like a cyborg did elicit stares, but watching iPod videos on public transit welcomes freeloading lurkers anyhow. Bonus: in an emergency, the hands-off aspect means I can pull off some truly epic exit maneuvers.

WIRED Fully charged battery lasted through three viewing of Star Trek: Nemesis. Transparent windows won't block peripheral vision; you won't miss the in-flight booze cart! Doesn't look half as absurd as Toshiba's Bubble Helmet.

TIRED Frames don't fit over standard eyeglasses--be ready to shell out $99 for a clip-on Rx insert. AC adapter won't fit in travel case. An iPod accessory that costs more than a 30GB iPod. Good Lordy, you look like Geordi!

• Style: Combo, Video
• Manufacturer: Myvu
• Price: $300
Release Date: Dec-06