IF YOU'VE ever completed a car trip to the soundtrack of "are we there yet?” you'll appreciate more than most the increasing in-car, rear-seat entertainment options on the market these days.
But it's not only the little ones who feel the strain of long-haul drives. Beating the boredom is crucial to the sanity of everyone on board.
The most popular rear-entertainment options available are either roof-mounted or set into the back of the front-seat headrests, making them slimline, unobtrusive and less susceptible to theft.
Furthermore, most are headphone-compatible meaning that if the Wiggles is the DVD of choice, the whole car needn't hear about Dorothy the Dinosaur and Captain Feathersword's adventures and, rather, can enjoy the journey in peace.
Then there are portable models which can be brought into the car and require a quick charge before the journey, but it's imperative these are used appropriately, with the rear-seat entertainment to remain in the back of the car and not passed around while the vehicle is in motion.
While nothing beats a good sing-along or game of I spy, read on to find out how to diversify your car journey and permanently banish the "are we there yet?” refrain.
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NECVOX RE-1043
Price: $699 This functional 10.4-in flip down LCD monitor comes with a remote control and AV inputs, transforming it from a static screen to an interactive in-car device. |
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NECVOX FD-7569
Price: $259 Considerably less expensive than the roof mounted models, this seven inch headrest monitor is functional and to the point allowing you to play video and also make use of two AV jacks. |
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ROSEN G8
Price: $799 Comprising 15 games and a wireless controller, this model is an eight inch LCD flat panel monitor with a slimline design which would not intrude too much into the cabin space. With an inbuilt DVD/MP3 player, widescreen format, wireless FM transmitter and two sets of headphones, this is one unit set to keep even the most hyperactive travellers entertained for the long haul. |
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NECVOX RE1269D
Price: $899 Spanning just over 12 inches, this is the full package in rear seat entertainment. This overhead all-in-one system boasts 50 on-board games and a wireless controller plus plays DVDs in widescreen format which can be watched with headphones so as not to disturb travelling companions. |
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MYMOVIE Portable Entertainment Console
Price: $249 This portable console is a cheap alternative to installation, provided it is used safely and stays in the rear of the car while in motion. Boasting a 8.9 inch screen, on full charge it can provide up to six hours use, making it a viable option for shorter trips rather than around the nation adventures. |
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AXIS AX-907
Price: $239 At the cheaper end of the scale, the seven inch headrest monitor comes with the mounting apparatus but will still need to be installed. With three front panel sockets - for audio, video or earphones - this is unobtrusive in-car entertainment which won't affect visibility but still offers high quality video. |
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