As a mom with three children I have found the in-car DVD player a marvellous bonus on long journies. We debated for AGES about the extra expense but I'm SO glad we went for it. I remember, as a child, being bored on long journies and, of course, always ended up fighting with my sister. Even as an older child, I couldn't read or draw (made me sick) so I just had to sit there and wait for the journey to be over. What else do you think is essential for a family car?