What is the best recommended model CDi console?

[OldSchoolGamer]

Considering picking one up soon. I know (I think) the video - card capability is built into some models but I have seen some auctions that include an add on card, I think I also would want the phillips game pad (looks kinda lik a genesis pad but all grey?). What I am wondering is what is the best model of the actual unit, there seems to be a few, I guess I am not to worried about the portable models as I don't really see using it on the go but please give any personal recommendations or opinions on what to look for, why one model might be better than the other, the benefits (if any) between different versions. THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!!!

:D

[OldSchoolGamer]

Doh! Sorry, there goes the old memory again, thought I was having Deja vu, goes I have already asked this kinda:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=364699&highlight=#364699

So feel free to close/delete this thread or whatever, unless of course anyone wants to add their view or opinion I would still appreciate it..........................

[FullCircle]

I would wait until one of the commercial/military CD-i systems show up. There are two styles: one that requires a CD-ROM caddy and another with a disc tray. Both are gray, and have a 3.5" disk drive. These are harder to find, have the DV cartridge, and are cheaper to acquire than more common styles. As for games, not to many good games are exclusive titles. I'd go with the ones suggested to you previously.

[Borman]

Check out my site for some games and stuff to play. Ive slowly been covering parts of my growing CD-i collection, its quite fun hehe ;) Be sure to buy a controller though, you wont regret it

[Ze_ro]

Personally, I like the Magnavox CD-i 450. Out of all the CD-i's, it looks the most like an actual game system, while the rest look like VCR's. The 450 uses a rather odd power supply, so make sure you get a power supply with it... it also doesn't have an infra-red receiver, so you can only use wired controllers (not a big loss, as the remote control is apparently pretty bad anyways). The 450 is relatively common and inexpensive, unlike the professional or development systems.

The portable systems are nice, but they're far more expensive, you'll need to find a docking station in order to do digital video, and some (notably the Sony ones) lack digital video capabilities altogether. Still, pretty nice conversation piece if you can get your hands on one.

In case you haven't already noticed, there are two different models of the digital video cartridge. They're both functionally the same, but they're different sizes, so make sure you get the right one for your system! The DVC's are relatively easy to find, and many of the systems you'll see may already have one installed, so don't spend too much time/money looking for a system with an integrated DVC. There are quite a few games that do require the DVC though, so make sure you get one eventually or you'll be cut out of a good chunk of the CD-i's library.

As far as I know, all CD-i models are compatible with the gamepad, so no worries there... although the gamepad on it's own goes for upwards of $20 on eBay, so if you can find a system that includes one, you might save yourself some money.

--Zero

[vintagegamecrazy]

The 470 is the best actually, it's a 450 with a built in DV card.

[Ze_ro]

According to the DP Guide, some models of the 470 (http://www.digitpress.com/DP/cmf/game.cmf?gameid=13508) had the DVC integrated and some didn't...

Perhaps you were thinking of the 550 (http://www.digitpress.com/DP/cmf/game.cmf?gameid=14554), which was actually made by Magnavox (as was the 450).

--Zero

[Playcosm]

I'd go for the newer 470 and 490 models. Hardware wise all models are up to the same standard, although the 450 simply is a cheaper product and less durable. If you'd go for the most durable hardware, pick up a 740. However, this model is quite rare and expensive. But IF you find one of these, don't hesitate and spend the money because it's definately worth it.

Still, my recommendation will go to the 470/490 model. These players are the youngest generation, which means an average longer lasting battery lifetime (relatively, ofcourse ;))

Another plus is the newer driver versions which are included, which make games like Lost Ride less likeable to crash during play.

I've covered a lot of info and comparisons between all the models in the CD-i players section of my site (every site on the web included)

cheers
David

My CD-i, coming soon (http://cd-i.eigenstart.nl)