(no subject)

[entelein]

OK, so I am in the market for a portable DVD player.

I am looking in the $300-$400 range.

Any first-hand stories of players you've liked? Does a friend of yours really like their cheapie Mintek they got from Target?

Please, comment away.

Comments

[clayfoot.livejournal.com]

Start here:

ConsumerSearch - DVD Players

The highest ranked report is this one:

CNET Reviews - Portable DVD Players

The top ranked player is the

Toshiba SD-P2000

Be sure to get a good price on it:

PriceGrabber - $517.09 shipped
Froogle - $400 + shipping

[clayfoot.livejournal.com]

Update: highest rated in your stated price range:

Panasonic PalmTheater DVDLX8 Portable 9" DVD Player

PriceGrabber - $357.85 shipped

[clayfoot.livejournal.com]

Consumer Reports ratings from last December:

Only the Sony ($500) and Mintek ($250) did well in all four areas we consider important: picture quality, sound quality, battery life, and warranty.

The Sony is the most expensive unit tested. It had the longest battery life, 4 1/2 hours, and was the best of the quartet with good picture quality. It also has features that make it easy to use for playing music CDs. But like all the tested portables, the Sony doesn’t come with headphones; you’ll have to provide your own. The Panasonic is fine in most respects, but has short battery life.

The Mintek is half the price of the Sony. You need to avoid putting pressure on its lid, which might cause the disc to misplay.

Very Good:
Sony DVP-FX701 $500

Good:
Panasonic DVD-LS50 $400
Audiovox D1710 $250
Mintek MDP-1720 $250
Initial IDM-1731 $200
Toshiba SD-P1400 $300

[entelein.livejournal.com]

This is good stuff. Thank you very much. I've been hunting down reviews at Cnet and Amazon, as well.

[clayfoot.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. And BTW, I see that the Sony is available for as low as $350 shipped:

PriceGrabber

[entelein.livejournal.com]

That particular Sony model keeps coming up for me as I narrow my search in various ways. I think we may have a winner.

[firesign3000.livejournal.com]

i saw one of the mintek's at target, and personally i wasnt impressed with the picture quality. ymmv. as a word of caution, i know several people (including me) who have had problems with mintek stuff. i had a mintek vcr that was awful. i'd go for the sony if it were me.

[entelein.livejournal.com]

Thanks, man! I think the Sony is turning out to be the favorite. Yeah, that's why I specifically mentioned those Minteks, even though I personally haven't touched one. I keep hearing about people buying 'em cos they're cheap and easily available, but then ... nothing. That's kinda odd, you know? I guess they figure it was money down the drain, not really an investment.