Portable DVD players

[goofy4wdw2]

We are looking to purchase a portable DVD player (mainly to use in the car), and would like to know if you have any tips in selecting one. Any particular features we should look for or avoid? Any particular brand or model you like or don't like? Thank you!

 

[Laurajean1014]

I bought a JVC 8" - 8 years ago and it works great. No problems. Love it.

We paid $431/8 years ago. They should last a long time, so buy one with a big enough screen that you can enjoy. Other than that, they are probably all the same. We got ours at Costco.com - they didn't sell it at Costco at the time.

 

[PollyannaMom]

We have an Audiovox 5". (Not sure about price, as it was a gift some time ago.) As for features, I actually like its small size, because it's very portable, and also that it can run off the lighter adapter in the car, so you don't waste batteries. DS loves that it has a regular outlet adapter as well, so he can use it at Grandpa's when the grown-ups are watching "boring" stuff. They probably all have headphone jacks, but I would say to make sure of that too. Good luck!

 

[briarberry]

We have a 7" Polaroid purchased at Costco. It works very well and I like that the screen rotates all the way around so you can position it. We use it in the car and a few times in a hotel to watch a movie. It came with a carrying case that straps on the back of the car seat. I think it was around $150. You will love having one.

 

[jillyjoey]

We bought the Polaroid 7" dual screen portable for the car. It comes with straps to attach to back headrest. Remote control, 18 built-in video games (1 kid can play games/ 1 can watch movie. Clearance priced on WalMart website for $140. Shipping was only $2.98. Lifesaver on our recent trip to NC.

 

[wrighter]

I would recommend looking at the battery life, as well. When we purchased ours, the most you could get was a 4 hr battery. Now they make them up to six, I think. We travel bi-coastally with our young children often, and I desperately wish I had more battery life! Sad, but true. Heck, I'd let my DS3 watch videos for the whole flight if I could! Heaven!

Good luck!

 

[Thekidsmom]

we bought a durraband one from walmart. they have since added games like this to the package http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4288266 we have had our for about 2 years now and it works great. We have those plug and plag games that we bought at the store and while one kid is playing games the other can be watching a movie. That really comes in handy.

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

We bought an 8" screen Audiovox, and when it worked it worked GREAT. Clear picture, great sound, no problems. We had it about 3 months, planned on taking it to Disney...it didn't last that long. Just went to use it one day in the car and it was dead. I bet it was used maybe a dozen times, if that. Contacted Audiovox and Circuit City, neither would do anything for us. I think we paid around $300 for it. Needless to say, I don't recommend that one.

 

[HRPro]

Letsgoagainsoon

We must have had the same model Audiovox. Mine worked great for about a year and just before the Disney trip it quit. I have a 3 hour trip to my parent's home so DD5 gets to watch movies and it makes the trip much quicker without all the "I have to go potty" stops and "Are we there yet" We stop once, when the first movie is over.

I will never buy another Audiovox product again.

I bought a polaroid 8" DVD player to replace it. It has a swivel screen.

 

[KristiKelly]

"Santa" brought DD a Polaroid DVD player for Christmas, it has a 7 or 8" screen, I'm not sure. Anyway, since it was for a 6 year old, Santa also left us a Service Agreement for Best Buy for 4 years in case something happens to it, I think that was an additional $30 or so. Worth it considering it's for a 6 y/o. It was on sale for $99.00.

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

Letsgoagainsoon

We must have had the same model Audiovox. Mine worked great for about a year and just before the Disney trip it quit. I have a 3 hour trip to my parent's home so DD5 gets to watch movies and it makes the trip much quicker without all the "I have to go potty" stops and "Are we there yet" We stop once, when the first movie is over.

I will never buy another Audiovox product again.

I bought a polaroid 8" DVD player to replace it. It has a swivel screen.

I thought maybe I got a lemon...guess not. No Audiovox for me again either. I will check into the Polaroid.

 

[texasthree]

I would stay away from go video brand. I bought it at Circuit city a year or so ago and it didnt last but 8 or 9 months. It was suppose to be able to handle more rough handling (hence for children). It was maybe used 2 times on a couple airline flights and it stopped working. We also had an audiovox that stopped working within a year but my husband had taken in to afganistan on deployment so I expected it wouldnt survive the dust.

 

[Tumblwd501]

We have a Poloraid with a 7" screen and we love it! We've had for about 2 years now, and no problems so far, knock on wood. I love that it's got it's own battery but can also be used in the car with a cigarette lighter or at home with an AC plug. In fact, our DS uses it at home all the time, as well! So we've definitely logged a lot of hours with it!

 

[puffkin]

If you plan to use with headphones, I would make sure it has two jacks. Also, I would make sure it has the adapter to plug in the car.

 

[disnut1149]

I have the polaroid with 7" screen. I love it. The screen rotates and the picture is really clear. I'm taking it with me so my DGD can watch movies on the plane.

 

[jodifla]

Stay away from Cyberhome from Target. It works great in the car and at home, but the battery is a piece of...work, let's say. It only worked once, and it's like $100 to get a new battery, which is practically what the whole unit cost.