Portable DVD Player Reviews

If you're looking for an easy way to pass the time on a long flight, train ride or car trip, you might want to consider investing in a portable DVD player. These lightweight, relatively inexpensive devices allow you to watch DVD discs on a compact screen for hours, depending on the player's battery life. When the battery dies, you simply recharge it using an AC adapter or pop in an extra battery and keep watching. Many of these players will last far longer than a laptop, making them ideal in situations where electrical outlets are unavailable.

The first thing you'll want to do is pick out a screen size. In general, the larger the screen size, the heavier and more expensive the player. What you will gain, however, is a better picture that utilizes the high quality video from a DVD to its fullest. It will also reduce eyestrain when watching movies or TV shows for extended periods of time. If a movie's aspect ratio is important to you, go with a widescreen player which will allow you to watch 16:9 movies while utilizing the full width of the screen.

Portable DVD players generally come in two different designs, each offering distinct advantages. The more common clamshell design is similar to a laptop and rests on your lap or on a table. These players are very stable, especially on a counter-top or table, since their center of gravity is low. Some of these clamshell players offer swivel screens, allowing you to rotate the LCD display without having to move the entire player. The tablet design, while less common, offers a slim profile and sits comfortably on your lap since it lies completely flat. Tablets also typically come with a kick out stand, allowing you to prop it up on a table, although this method is somewhat less stable than the clamshell version. Ultimately, go with the design that feels most comfortable to you.

Finally, if you plan on watching DVDs with another person, dual screen players have the advantage of offering two separate screens linked to a single DVD player, offering each person a more personalized viewing experience. With dual screens, a "master" screen transmits a duplicate video signal to the "slave" screen. Keep in mind however, that the "slave" screen is sometimes not as sharp as the "master" screen.