How to Decide What Portable DVD Player to Buy

It is summer, and that means one thing: road trip! All that time spent in the car with your kids is going to be easier if they are entertained and don't keep asking, "Are we there yet?" A portable DVD player could be exactly what you need to keep your sanity while driving across the country.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the most important thing to you when looking at a portable DVD player. The first thing to figure out is why you want a portable player. Will it be used on the go or at home? Who will be using it, and where? If you are going to use it in the car, you don't need to worry about battery life as much as you would if you plan to use it mostly on a plane.

2. Create a checklist that shows all of the features and functions that are important to you. Consider price, availability and shipping delays.

3. Read what other people think about the players that you are looking at purchasing. Websites such as Amazon, BizRate, Consumer Reports and CNET have reviews that discuss how the players really work and the good, the bad and the ugly about them. You can find out a lot about the players by reading consumer reviews.

4. Conduct research. Use the compare feature on websites such as Best Buy and CompUSA. All you have to do is check the box beside the players that you want to compare, and a side-by-side comparison list is generated. It is a great way to check particular features of each machine against one another.

5. Go to the store and talk to a sales associate. The store employee can be an invaluable resource in helping you make your decision on which player to purchase. They can talk to you about picture resolution, battery life, typical usage problems and benefits of each player. You can also purchase a player and take it home that day-–if it is in stock.

[lilaclady]

on 2/24/2008 Good info, I believe a check list is good for anything electonic you buy, there are so many features to look for, thanks.