The hard disk-based iPod seems to have stagnated, having not really changed in design or features for the past two years.

However, iPod accessories have not stopped evolving.

The iLuv i1055WHT ($149.99) finds itself challenging two markets of portable video players - those made for the road and those found in cars.

The iLuv is basically a portable DVD player which happens to have a dock for the video-capable iPod at the rear.

Just pop in your iPod (only video-capable versions) and you can watch all the videos stored on your portable players on the 7-inch screen.

However, I think most people will simply use the DVD function more often than the iPod.

This is because iPod videos are generally low resolution (320 by 240 pixels) by nature. Display them on anything but the standard 2.5-inch iPod screen and you’re going to be in for a pixelated treat.

Kids watching cartoons probably won’t mind though.

Also, the iLuv needs to be plugged into a power source either in the home or in the car (a car adaptor is bundled) constantly, because the rechargeable batteries will barely last the duration of one movie.

I’m not really into portable DVD players, so I can’t tell you how the iLuv’s LCD compares to other conventional models on the market. Still, the colours are a little too rich and DVD image resolution is passable.

The iLuv’s loudspeakers aren’t anything to shout about either, so prepare to use the pair of headphone jacks for some couple-bonding.