14 DAY TRIAL // Normally, when traveling somewhere, those in need of a so-called computerized traveling companion usually opt for a netbook or ultrathin laptop. There are even a fair number of netbooks with decent multimedia capabilities nowadays. Still, for those that want full HD video playback on the move, there is a certain other type of device that, while not as widespread as laptops, is quite good at 1080p rendering. Panasonic released one such product back at CES. Now, RCA seems ready to thwart its efforts by unleashing its own version that is much cheaper than its predecessor.
The product in question is called BRC3108 and, for all intents and purposes, is a Blu-ray player that looks like a laptop. What it has on the inside of its enclosure is all the necessary hardware that such a player usually comes with, as well as the obligatory rechargeable battery. The machine also has its own integrated stereo speakers and, of course, a HDMI output. It will behave quite well during in-car use and has its own carrying bag, for easy transportation.
All in all, this product may prove more popular to the masses than Panasonic's DMP-B15, the so-called “world's first portable blu-ray player”, because the latter has a rather massive price of $800. BRC3108 sells, or will sell, for only $349.99 on Amazon, as is evident from the listing found here, and Target reportedly has it on show at even less, namely $299.99. Granted, one won't actually be able to perform other computing tasks, or browse the web on this electronic, but this may prove to be of little consequence, especially when crossing through regions where wireless connectivity (3G or WiFi) is not exactly easy to come by.
The HDMI output will obviously let the RCA BRC3108 playback full HD media files on external displays, such as monitors or Full HD TVs.