Eviant T7

Though it is not without some warts, no portable LCD television delivers as much value as the Eviant T7. The tuner has been tested in professional reviews, and it's found to be excellent. Receiving digital TV signals in some areas will still be a challenge using the built-in whip antenna, but that's the nature of digital TV signals. The included external antenna helps in that regard, reports say. Despite the relatively low resolution, picture quality is quite good and audio is surprisingly robust. The nonreplaceable battery is a major drawback, and the short run time between charges limits extended viewing on the road. We saw some early complaints that the car adapter cost more, but many retailers are now including it. The TV is getting harder to find at retail. Some may appreciate that it is available in red and white as well as black.

One drawback is the lack of Mobile DTV support -- an updated version of the digital broadcasting standard that allows better reception by mobile and handheld TV receivers. However, Mobile DTV is only available in a few larger markets at present, and few portable TVs support it. One that does is the RCA DMT-336R (*Est. $160). Though it is more expensive and has a much smaller screen -- just 3.5 inches -- reports say that its standard tuner is more sensitive than the one in the T7, and that Mobile DTV -- for those who can receive those signals -- delivers what it promises.

The Eviant T7 is the subject of a couple of reviews based on testing. The report at HDTVExpert.com is especially helpful for the way it tests tuner performance in a variety of settings. The report at CNET isn't as detailed. User reviews can be found at Amazon.com.