GAME BOY ADVANCE SP
Still can't be beat, especially since its recent makeover: new metallic sheen; cell phone-style flip top; and front-lit screen, perfect for night drives. Nintendo, www.gameboy.com; $99.
LEAPSTER
A math and reading tool cleverly disguised as another button masher. A cast of cartoon characters does the teaching. Leapfrog, 800/701-5327; www.leapfrog.com; $79.99.
AV320 PERSONAL VIDEO PLAYER
Like a pocket-sized TiVo that converts to a digital camera. With 20-gigabyte hard drive and 3.8-inch color screen. Archos, www.archos.com; $549.95; lens $199.95.
VIDEONOW
The teeny screen plays black-and-white, but surprisingly watchable, mini-DVD's (including SpongeBob SquarePants). Hasbro, www.hasbro.com; $49.99; mini-DVD's $7.99 each.
ZODIAC
A digital suitcase that carries games, an MP3 player, an address book, and a diary, with memory left over for videos and pictures. Tapwave, www.tapwave.com; $299.99.
PIXTER COLOR
Fisher-Price reinvents its black-and-white virtual sketchbook, adding 128 colors and 15 programs. Great for junior artists and animators. Fisher-Price, www.fisher-price.com; $79.99.
PCS GAMEPAD
With this controller that attaches to Samsung cell phones, kids can play video games—Ms. Pac-Man, Monkey Ball—without pressing any wrong phone buttons. Samsung, www.sprintpcsaccessories.com; $39.99; phone not included.
