Gadget: Aiptek MobileCinema D25

The 1980s gave us Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet, and although they continue to grace the airwaves, few of that era's gadgets have survived the test of time. The boombox is one exception to this rule.

Most commonly seen these days pumping out tunes at gyms or loitering in a student's study, its bug-eyed design has remained popular. Looking to give the boombox a blast into the 21st century is the Aiptek MobileCinema D25, a combined mobile projector, DVD player, Freeview TV tuner, FM radio and CD player. That's a lot of balls to juggle.

It may look dated, but this boombox Freeview DVD Projector impresses with its cunningly designed 180 degree swivelling LED powered projector, which pops up like a spitting cobra. Its projecting power is a tad weak though, and you need a pitch-dark room to get a decent picture.

While the 20 Lumens brightness and 640 x 480 resolution doesn't stand up well against a dedicated home cinema projector like the Acer X1130P, with its 2300 Ansi Lumens, that's a bit like comparing a McDonald's Drive-Thru to a fine dining restaurant.

The Aiptek MobileCinema's forte is its portability, being able to work off batteries or the mains. Take it to your mate's to watch the footie, or view holiday snaps with Granny via its handy SD card slot. The Aiptek comes with a mobile Freeview DVB-T antenna, but make sure you're in an area with strong reception.

A decent home cinema projector starts at the best part of 400, so the Aiptek's tempting price of 329 seems like a cracking bargain. It can project the latest DVD blockbuster or an episode of EastEnders onto a wall or ceiling, and you can plug in your iPod for amplified sound.

Quality is compromised for portability, but if you're looking for a portable jack of all trades, the Mobile Cinema D25 is a decent investment. Personally, I'd rather have a master of one.

Aiptek MobileCinema D25

(329.99, from www.firebox.com)

• This article was first published in The Scotsman Magazine, April 24, 2010