PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS

Entertainment For Adults And Kids


Over the past few years a new entertainment phenomenum has hit the road and the skies: Portable DVD Players. These small entertainment packages play your favorite DVD, taking the sting out of a long airplane or car ride for both adults and their children. Now you won't hear "Are we there yet?" quite so often from bored kids. And if you're on a long airplane trip, you can watch your own movie rather than the airline's choice, and watch them uninterrupted. Sizes typically vary from 4.2 inches up to 10.2 inches, come with battery packs as well as adapters, and most can handle other formats such as CDs and MP3. The larger sizes usually have better picture quality, but the smaller ones are easier to handle and are for more personal use. We review some of the available models by picture quality, features and accessories, battery life and prices. We also tell you where you can pick one up--either online or through a local dealer.

Features

Aside from the obvious ability to play dvds, most are also able to play your favorite music CDs so you don't have to take one of those along as well. Many will substitute for the regular size dvd players if they have output jacks that will plug into a TV at your motel or your final destination. Your kids can still be entertained when visiting Grandma, especially if she doesn't happen to have a dvd player. Portable dvd players should also have headphone jacks, so you can listen privately. Many will also support jpeg photos and MP3 audio as well.

Portable DVD Manufacturers and Basic Information

Here's a list of manufacturers of portable DVD players, including their basic models and features. Sites we looked at for reviews included C/Net and Portables.About.com
  • Phillips Pet 1002 got the best reviews from C/Net. Somewhat pricey at between $330 and $400, this model got high marks on picture quality and battery life (between 4 and 5 hours). It carries a 10-inch screen and can play CD's and MP3 files as well as DVD's. The only bad marks it got from C/Net was the price, but if you are looking for picture quality and don't mind spending the money, this one should be at the top of your list to consider.
  • The Sony DVP-FX810's picture quality isn't as good as some, but it's strong points are in its above-average battery life (4-6 hours) and lower price (around $200). It also offers dual headphone jacks, MP3/photo CD compatibility, among other features.
  • Audiovox makes a couple of different models that should be considered. Their model D2016 has a 10.2-inch screen with pretty good picture quality, dual headphone jacks, plays CD's and MP3's, has an SD card slot, and battery life of about 2.5 hours. Priced at around $200, most people would be happy with this model. Their model D2011 also has a 10 inch picture, but is a little cheaper at $159-$200.
  • Initial IDM-1731 is priced at under $140, and gets good reviews from C/Net for its low price, good picture quality and long battery life. It features a 7-inch screen. Some downside comments had more to do with the battery and recharge function.
  • Mustek MP72 sports a 7-inch screen, supports the widescreen format as well as MPEG-4, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, JPEG. Prices range from $85-$120.
  • Toshiba's SD-P1850 is priced under $200, features an 8-inch screen and supports CD, JPEG photos and MP3 audio formats. It also has a 4-in-1 memory card slot which allows one to view photos from digital cameras.
  • And finally, if you're looking at REALLY small and portable, consider the Phillips PET 320. With a screen size of 3.5 inches, it's more on the order of the portable CD players, size-wise. Priced at around $130, the main drawback is that it doesn't do a good job with wide-screen dvd's. Battery life is rated at 2.5 hours, but closer to 3.5 hours is what the C/Net reviewers mentioned.

Online and Onsite Sources for Portable DVD Players

With their amazing popularity, shopping for a portable dvd player is as close as your neighborhood Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, Staples and other dealers. Additionally, if you're not close enough to one of these stores or are lacking time, there are some online possibilities as well. The above retailers will also sell you one online. Additional online sources include TigerDirect.com, MSN.com, PriceGrabber.com and more.

In Conclusion

If you travel frequently, or even not-so-frequently, you should find plenty of uses for a portable dvd player. Most will do more than just play dvds, are useful when you have access to a standard TV set, and can keep kids and adults both entertained on a long trip. Prices range from under $100 to $400 or more, so you should be able to find something to meet with your budget and other needs.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes