Introduction

The Goldstar GPI-1200 was the most sophisticated portable CD-i player ever released. It was more compact than the Philips portable CD-i predecessors. It also had onboard Digital Video.

Development

Ironically, Goldstar, a Korean-based company we now know as LG, not only developed the GPI-1200, but also the more common Philips CD-i 370. In fact the CD-i 370 was a re-branded version of Goldstar’s GPI-1200M. Most of the Goldstar units, like this one, used the portable CD-i board (Motorola 68341). Goldstar’s GDI-700M and DVS VE-200 also belonged to this family of CD-i devices.

In addition to Philips and Goldstar, there was another company that marketed CD-i handhelds. Sony introduced its IVO series CD-i players (V10 and V11). These players clearly deviated in appearance and hardware from the GPI-1200 and 370.

Specifications and appearance

The GPI-1200 was the most advanced CD-i model ever made. It is a lot smaller than other CD-i consoles, including its CD-i handheld predecessors: the 350 and 360. Only the Sony IVO V10 and V11 were sleeker and more portable, but lacked a built-in Digital Video Cartridge (DVR), which prevented the more sophisticated CD-i games and movies from being played. A planned Sony V12, that would have a built-in DVR, was canceled prematurely.

The GPI-1200 was powered by an MC68341 processor which operated on 15 MHz. This was an upgraded version of the MC68070 which powered the CD-i 350 and 360. The GPI-1200 also had a better GPU and twice as many RAM (2mb vs 1mb) compared to the 350 and 360. Unlike the 350 and 360, which needed an external Docking Unit, the CD-i 370 had a build in digital video cartridge (DVC).

Furthermore the GPI-1200 had a (for its time) high quality full colour LCD panel.

Appearance and use cases

The GPI-1200 is gray and has a clamshell LCD screen. Due to the DVC and its enhanced portability, the 370 was more portable than its predecessor’s. Some even argue that it is also a handheld gaming device and yes, it could play CD-i games, just like its predecessors 350 and 360. However, the 350 was only portable in the sense that it was smaller and more compact than regular CD-i systems and had a built-in screen, but it was far from a handy device. It’s thicker and heavier in real life than it looks in the pictures, and it also came with a huge power brick.

All portable CD-i players were intended for the professional market. In its advertisements for the GPI-1200 just like the 370, Philips and LG therefore did not focus on the everyday consumer, but instead the businessman who wanted a portable device to display his business presentations. With this specific use case in mind, the device could easily be hooked up to TV’s and projectors via the Video and S-Video output.

Explanation of different buttons and ports

Rarity

The GPI-1200 is a very rare device, just like other portable CD-i players. Especially in working order. Probably because the (professional) market for the device was limited, and it was introduced late in CD-i’s life cycle. Prices on eBay range from 1000 to 1500 dollars and even for that amount of money, almost all advertised GPI-1200’s and 370’s have laser issues, transistor leaks or screen problems.