Cheap portable DVD players have other applications, of course. But they do seem to be very popular with travelers. Frequently people, especially children, become bored on long trips. Having a convenient way to watch a DVD while on the go can be a real life (and sanity) saver.
Just how cheap is cheap? While portable players can sell for as much as $800.00 US they start as low as $16.00 US. For under $150.00 US, it’s possible to get a player with all of the bells and whistles that most viewers will require.
Shoppers will want to consider the players screen size, which other file types that it may be able to play, if it has headphone jacks, its battery life, its ability to run on power sources other than batteries, and the weight. Let’s take a look at those features.
Screen sizes generally run in the 7″-8″ range. Screens can go as large as 10″, but those are usually found on the more expensive units. Of course, the larger the screen, the more that the player weighs. Some units feature dual screens. It’s not uncommon to see a player with a built in screen and a jack to plug a second screen in. There’s also usually a way to fasten one of the screens to the back of the front seat. Portable players will normally handle several different types of DVDs including, DVD, DVD+/-R, and DVD+R/-RW. This capability will allow the user to play DVDs that they’ve recorded themselves, as well as DVDs that were pre-recorded.
Besides DVDs, many players will also play MP3s and graphic files like JPEGs and WMAs. Headphone jacks are a standard feature, with wireless headphones becoming increasingly popular. Battery life, along with weight, are the two factors that will really determine if a player is portable or not. The most common battery lifetimes seem to run in the 2.5-3 hour range although batteries in some units can last as long as 6 hours. If the player is to be used mainly in the car, the ability to plug into the cars power port or cigarette lighter is especially helpful. The weight of most portable players will range from 1.75 lbs. all of the way up to 6 lbs.
Whether you’re traveling or at home, a cheap portable DVD player may be just the thing for your movie watching needs.