Need portable DVD player recs

[ClaraB]

DH and I are in the market for a portable DVD player that our DSs can use in the van and on the plane trip back to Canada. We've been looking at dual screen players, but we're also considering a single screen player with dual audio jacks. I've been looking at reviews on Amazon, and it's made me nervous that we're going to get a dud :(, so I thought I'd ask you all for advice and recommendations. (We're hoping to spend no more than $200.)

[funnybone]

I bought one in Costco about 2 years ago and we use it regularly. At the time, I think an 8" screen was the largest and that is what we have. Any player can be used with dual headphones with just an adapter. Ours came with it, but since has been misplaced, so we replaced it for about $5 at Target. When going on long trips, we take the Playstation with us too, so that they can play games as well. With a few audio/video adapters and a adapter that plugs into the car voltage jack, it works well. Ours is a Mintek. At the time, it was about $250, but they are cheaper now. Also, since we bought it at Costco, I know they warranty everything, so we are safe there, but frankly, we haven't had any problems with it.

[funnybone]

I just wanted to add that HSN and QVC both have great deals from time to time on portable DVD players. You may want to check them out. Plus they have that 30 day return policy - you can try it out and send it back if it isn't what you want.

[DebGo]

we have a sony. it's okay.

this is my advice: remember what you are buying is little, with little pieces and parts. it is traveling and being moved, etc. so whatever you choose to buy, make sure you get the extended warranty option (we have already used ours to replace) or get it at a place like costco where they take everything back.

deb

[ellielk]

This is what my son did and I think it's an excellent idea. He went to a used computer store and bought a laptop with a DVD drive. I don't know what he paid but he's pretty cheap so I'm sure it was only a couple hundred dollars.

The reason he did this is because the screen is so much larger than on a DVD player.

I'm not sure how he's handling the sharing issue with his two daughters but with a screen as large as on a laptop, the picture can easily be seen by both.

[ClaraB]

Thanks for the replies - I think I might look at an extended warranty program for whatever I buy, and I might buy local, rather than online. Ellielk, that's a good idea, but I'm not sure how I'd hang a laptop in our minivan. I think a laptop would be too heavy for my sons to hold on their laps for any length of time.

Any other advice/suggestions?

[funnybone]

Thanks for the replies - I think I might look at an extended warranty program for whatever I buy, and I might buy local, rather than online. Ellielk, that's a good idea, but I'm not sure how I'd hang a laptop in our minivan. I think a laptop would be too heavy for my sons to hold on their laps for any length of time.

Any other advice/suggestions?

Laptops are too big for kids of any age to use comfortably on their laps, IMHO, plus they can get hot. Also, I may be wrong, but most lap tops don't have the ability for headphone use, which is so important when travelling for everyone to keep their sanity.

With electronics, it's either hit or miss. Like I said, we've had ours for over two years, no problems, and it gets used a lot. I take it outside in the summer and watch movies while enjoying the weather. You really just have to find one that suits your needs and take the chance with it.

[Terri_A]

I'm pretty sure that every laptop I've ever had did have a jack for headphones. I have 2 right now and both do. I do agree that between weight and heat, it's probably not the best option, not to mention the inability to hang in the car.

I'd be interested if anyone has a portable dvd player with a built in tv tuner??? That's what I keep looking for...but they're not easy to find!

[funnybone]

I'd be interested if anyone has a portable dvd player with a built in tv tuner??? That's what I keep looking for...but they're not easy to find!

My neighbor has one that she records shows on and takes it on the train with her. I'm not sure if that's the type you mean - not sure what kind hers it. I just saw her in the yard one day with it and she showed me what it was. She said it was like a DVR. That's really all I know about it though.

Thanks for the info on the laptop/jacks. DH has one but I never use it, so I wasn't sure.

[MrsReber]

We bought a portable DVD a few years ago for our kids as we regularly take long car trips. I can't remember the brand name, but I know we got the Eddie Bauer one- it was a few dollars more than we wanted to spend. We got it at Target and the sales rep recommended it. It was specifically built to use in a vehicle. It can absord the shocks without skipping. It has 2 headphone jacks. I think we paid about $250 for it.
The only thing I don't like is that it only has one screen. Now they have all the dual screes players out. That would've been perfect because sometimes it's not so easy for both kids to comfortably see the screen.
This is the most durable peice of equipment I have ever bought. My son (he's 3) even jammed 2 dvd's into it on our last trip- and it still works! I was able to pull them out, thankfully.

[mrswaz]

Do you know someone that you can borrow from for a trial run? We borrowed a player that we really liked. This unit was actually from Wal-Mart, and had two separate screens that attached to the seat in front of you, and the actual player was separate. We really liked it, and each child had their own screen. Unfortunately, we found out that both our kids get very carsick watching anything in the car, so we were only able to use it along with a healthy dose of Dramamine. We are now very glad that we simply borrowed one instead of buying one.

[Member10000]

I remembered this thread when I saw a portable DVD player as Today's special on QVC. It's under $200 and seems really good. I'm not sure if you bought one already, but if not, here is the link.

www.qvc.com