Nintendo: Making long flights bearable since 1989.

Author's Rating:

Pros: -Gorgeous graphics-Responsive touch screen-Innovative games-Battery Life-GBA Compatibility-Fun

Cons: -Can be replaced by other models now-Lacks "Stealth" option to hide during long meetings

The Bottom Line: 
Beautiful graphics, innovative games, excellent battery life, lower price tag, backwards compatibility, and no lack of titles to choose from makes this my DS of choice.

Author's Review
Why I had to have it: It's a freakin' Nintendo handheld, that's why. They've been making them, and making them well, for over 20 years. Buying the Nintendo DS Lite Onyx Black Console wasn't a choice for me-it was a responsibility! 
Why I use it: 
Video: I was a little skeptical about the 2 screens when I originally saw it. I wasn't sure how many game developers were going to jump on the opportunity to implement 2 screens for any game they make for the platform. After playing it for a while, I knew I had something special. The graphics were pretty, and the dual screens definitely weren't just a gimmick, but for many of the games available is a fully integral part of the gaming experience. The dual screens allow game ideas that wouldn't have been realistically possible on any other system. 
Audio: Very good. I often play without headphones, and I've never had an issue with not being able to hear it. I would recommend playing with headphones, though, since the audio quality is amazingly good for the small system.
Other: The lower screen is the touch screen, and it's always very responsive, never giving me an issue. From writing letters and numbers to shooting aliens, it just plain works. I bought this system for portable gaming, and by golly they delivered! The backwards compatibility with Game Boy Advance games is a huge plus for me, since the DS Lite replaced the GBA as my mobile system. In 3 years I've never had a single issue with my DS.

What I don't like about it: This will be short. There's not a lot to dislike about this console. The only reason not to recommend it completely is that there are other, newer models out there now(although more expensive).

Why I still use it: I've put more hours into this handheld than I'd care to think about. It's shortened bus rides, plane trips all around the world, lectures, and yes, sometimes long days at work. I've gotten far more than my money's worth out of this product, and it's still going strong. I have since purchased two more of these as gifts for family--they love them too.

Why you should want it: If you want one of the best portable gaming platforms out there. If you are looking to save a few bucks, or just don't care about which DS you get. If you have a Game Boy Advance collection that you want to able to use without taking two gaming systems with you. If you like fun.
Game Selection: Amazing game selection to choose from. There's racing games, First Person Shooters, Role Playing Games, Platformers, Puzzle, Strategy.. there's guaranteed to be many games that you will like. I personally own over 40 DS titles, and all of them are worth owning. There's remakes and updates of classic games(like Super Mario 64), sequels, and new franchises altogether that are entirely worth checking out. I can't really put a list of the games worth having on here--it would be far too long. Suffice it to say that there will be games on this platform that you will love, whether it's Tetris, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Zelda, Puzzle Quest, or Sudoku.
Why you should buy it: If you are looking to save a few bucks and don't need or want the features on the new DS models(bad camera, wi-fi internet browsing). If you have any Game Boy Advance games that you want to keep playing, then you'll want to check this one out. The newer models don't have this, and while that feature isn't going to be for everyone, for those of you who would use it-this is the DS to get.
The Bottom Line: . This is probably the most affordable Nintendo DS available, and as far as performance and display goes it's practically identical to other models. It's rugged and will last you many years. Beautiful graphics, innovative games, excellent battery life, lower price tag, backwards compatibility, and no lack of titles to choose from makes this my DS of choice(the color, of course, is up to you).