Hi folks!

I know there are a lot of you out there who play games - and I need some advice.

We are going to buy a gaming system (or two) for our kids. We need something that is most of all portable, as we want to use them on rainy days when we are camping, and in the truck on long trips. My son wants a Playstation desperately, and has been campaigning hard: he's only eight, though, and is probably not making the most informed decision.

I initially thought I would get them each a Gameboy, even though the games themselves seem pretty expensive. I'm looking at around $125.00 Canadian for each Gameboy, and games seem to range from around $25.00 to $45.00.

Then, this weekend, a friend bought over a PlayStation 1 - which is portable, and which I think I could attach to a TV and work there. I don't remember the cost of the initial system where I was pricing Gameboys, but I do remember that the games themselves seemed significantly cheaper.

I don't mind a larger initial outlay if it will end up with a cheaper cost per use overall. I have no idea about the comparative quality of the two systems, and no idea which games would most likely keep my kids attention for the long run. I won't let them play anything that isn't rated E, so that may be an issue as well.

I'd appreciate any help you folks can give me. Another parental lesson in never say never - I swore we'd never get a system . . .

te "Not a jellyfish, just flexible" ach