Has anyone used a portable DVD in their car?

[Lisa3]

I am looking at portable DVD players for our trip in Dec. and was wondering if anyone has used them in their car. I have been looking at a Panasonic 7" and have found that Suspension Theater makes a "bag" much like those that hold 9" TV/VCR only it holds the DVD player suspended between two seats. Anyone have any experience with these? Thanks.

 

[Elke]

We took a portable DVD player to Florida (for the plane) and have used it in our car too. In the car my husband used wood for a platform between the two front seats and used velcro to hold the player in place. Worked like a charm. My children, DS 11 and DD 8 used headphones. There is space for two to plug in. It was quite funny to hear laughing out of the blue every now and then. I know you have three children, but my husband said there is something to put on the piece you plug in to make it accomodate another headphone - in other words - two from one.

Without headphones the player did not seem loud enough in the car. Could be I have a noisy car, I don't know.

Anyway, last summer the children enjoyed a movie on the plane to Florida and a movie when we took a trip to Pennsylvania.

We certainly enjoyed having them occupied.

Elke

 

[joyful1nh]

We bought a cheap TV/VCR combo unit that we sometimes use in the car -- but it is pretty big so you need a big car to go this route. We also use our laptop computer with DVD built in. This option is my preference -- those portable DVD units with the screens built in are pretty expensive for what you get.... At least with the laptop the kids can play games too.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I bought an 8" Sharp portable dvd player two years ago for our airline trips to WDW. One of the smartest things I ever purchased.

We use it in the car, in bed and on airplanes all the time. I have one child, DS6. We hook up game cube or PS2 in the car and he plays it through the dvd. My DH got a car battery for it, so it goes and goes.........

 

[Threehearts]

Laurajean,

If you don't mind my asking, how much did you pay for the port. DVD? I'd love to get one but they are so expensive. I think that you have a real advantage in that yours is an 8". The smaller ones seem harder to see the movie on. Thanks. Threehearts

 

[zurgswife]

We just got back from WDW ....driving for the first time in 5 years....just made me realize how much I really like flying...I degress...DH turned our laptop into a DVD player and it worked like a charm....

 

[zurgswife]

We just got back from WDW ....driving for the first time in 5 years....just made me realize how much I really like flying...I degress...DH turned our laptop into a DVD player and it worked like a charm....

 

[Lisa3]

Thanks everyone for your great responses. After much discussion with DH we decided to wait until the portable DVD players come down in price (and I expect they will in the next two years). That settled, we decided to make the trip without a TV like out last trip which went fine.

Then I saw the Target flyer for this week and on the cover was a 9" TV/VCR and coupons for a FREE travel bag for your car and a VHS movie for $175.00! Needless to say I made my way to Target this morning where these things where flying out of the store. TV has a nice picture and o.k. sound (this would probably be better on a name-brand model -but with headphones should be fine for the kids). I even saved an additional 10% by opening a Target charge. For this price DH will be happy and the kids will be thrilled (and quiet) on our trip.

 

[Threehearts]

Lisa-
You're going to be very happy w/the tv/vcr. We have had ours for 4 years and it has been a lifesaver on long trips. Have fun!! Susan

 

[mtdewhead]

Lifesaver is an understatement! I have 4 kids and a two day trip to WDW. I won't go without our TV/VCR! My DH went to Radio Shack and bought a 4 way splitter, to accomodate all four kids listening at the same time, and a little amplifier jack. I works great! Suggestion: we found that the kids needed the TV louder (even with headphones) due to the sound being split.

He also pick up little light-weight headphones that have their own individual volume controls on them. Nothing was expensive. Just tell the radio shack guy what you need them for and he will show you where everything is!

Have a great time!