Summer Survival Guide - Part 2 - Kids' toys rated

If you want to stop the continuous calls of 'Are we there yet?', think about some electronic gadgets. These will keep your passengers amused and help the miles pass.

We're not just talking about arcade-style shoot-'em-ups, either. Some can play music, movies and even your favourite TV shows.

Read on, as we look at six of the best.

Apple iPod 80GB
Price £205
For Good sound, easy to use, great features
Against Screen rather small, a bit expensive

The iPod is the king of MP3 music players, and the latest generation also lets you watch videos, TV programmes and films - even whatcar.com's weekly video podcasts. With the right kit, you can even connect an iPod up to the car's audio system, so the whole family can enjoy the music. You'll need a computer to load up the player, but it has plenty of memory, so you shouldn't run out of things to watch or listen to on even the longest journey. And, the rechargeable batteries shouldn't let you down. The only complaint is that the screen is too small to watch a lot of movies, but it has enough detail for the odd flick or your favourite music videos.

Archos AV 700 TV
Price £266
For Big screen, digital TV tuner with portable aerial
Against Bulky to carry and pricey to buy

For TV on the go, it doesn't get any better than this. The Archos records TV programmes at home so you can watch them on the road. You can also transfer music and pictures to the internal memory, to enjoy those in the car. It's quick and easy to use, and you don't need a computer. However, the Archos's Achilles' heel is that you can't copy DVDs onto it, although you can copy your home movies. If you don't have anything recorded, the portable lets you watch any free-to-view TV, and it can even let you watch one channel while recording another. It is expensive, but it's the best bet if you can't bear missing an episode of Eastenders.

Nintendo Gameboy Micro
Price £50
For Small but perfectly formed; cheap; plenty of games
Against Looks old-fashioned compared to newer equipment

The Game Boy Micro is showing its age, but if you want a cheap games-only machine, then it's hard to beat. The small 5cm colour screen is big enough to see what's going on. But the real benefit is that it keeps the unit's size and weight down, making this a truly go-anywhere console. The rechargeable battery seems to last forever, and the backlit screen means you can even play in the dark. There's a massive selection of games available at low prices and, if you want to be different, you can even customise your Micro by changing the facia.

Sony PSP
Price £125
For Multi-talented, desirable and easy to use
Against Games, movies and memory upgrades are expensive

Sony's PSP is best known as a portable games console, with a massive selection of games available, but it can do so much more. Add some memory, and you can play music, look at photos or watch videos. You can even buy pre-recorded films, and one console can 'talk' wirelessly to another, so you can challenge your mates with a PSP to a game. The 11cm screen provides an excellent picture, and the sound quality is good, too. But, you'll need to buy a reasonable pair of headphones to get the best from the PSP. The battery should give a reasonable five hours' play, and the only complaint is the price of the games, movies and memory upgrades.

Nintendo DS Lite
Price £95
For Affordable; dual-screen action; addictive game play
Against No movies or music, lacks high-quality graphics

If gaming is your thing, look no further than the Nintendo DS Lite. This inspired design has two displays and a touch-screen interface, as well as built-in wireless communication for gaming against other DS Lite owners. It's small enough to slip in your pocket, and the controls are child's play. True, it might not have the big-name games of the Sony PSP, but there are plenty of cult classics, as well as arcade titles, brainteasers and logic puzzles. Likewise, the looks are a little dated next to the PSP, but the Nintendo is cheaper and available in a range of colours.

LG Touch Me FM37
Price £150
For Excellent picture and sound quality, neat design
Against Controls take some getting used to, small memory

This alternative to the iPod isn't as accomplished as the Apple, and has a smaller screen, but it is less than half the price. As with the iPod, you will need a computer to load it up, but it's quick to do. Thanks to its slimline case, it fits in your pocket, while the touch-screen controls are simple once you've got used to them. The headphones are surprisingly good, too, and the built-in FM tuner means you can catch your favourite radio as well as your music and video. The only limitation is the tiny memory, which will fill up quickly if you store a lot of movies.