I have a Memorex 10" portable DVD player ( Memorex 10.2-Inch Portable DVD Player), so I thought it would be interesting to compare the two in some aspects of this review.

The first test run for this unit was a 2-hour car trip, and I thought it would be a good way to check out the portability (size and weight), as well as battery length and the car power cord. On a full charge, I would say that the battery lasted about the stated 2-hour duration. My kids watched The Polar Express, which is approximately 100 minutes long, and we did not have to plug it in during the movie.

When it came time to plug the player in, a message on-screen informed us that the battery will not charge while the player is on, which is unfortunate. It would be nice for the battery to be charged, even if it is a little, while the player is being... Read more

I must admit that acquiring a portable DVD had never crossed my mind but I was offered the Philips PD703 for review and decided it was worth a shot. Impressions follow.

The Philips PD703 has a 7" LCD screen and comes with a wireless game controller that assumes the end user is familiar with its operation (i.e., it has no instructions), a DVD containing a number of games (the instructions for which, unlike the excellent instruction booklet for the unit itself, are provided both in hard copy and on disk in a truly execrable attempt at English), and--I was truly appalled to discover--the means of attaching the unit proper to the back seat of an automobile--what on earth happened to kids looking out the window, listening to the radio, and/or talking to each other and their parents?! ("I see something...green," anyone?) It's no wonder we're in trouble if a ride in the car without some sort of video pacification is impossible, But I digress.

DVD playback, with regard... Read more

As a relatively new parent with family in some far-flung destinations, it was nice to acquire a portable DVD player for those upcoming car trips. The Philips PD703/37 7 inch LCD portable player is extremely lightweight and travels well. I thought the sound and picture quality were very good, considering that it is not a large screen. I had no problem playing a variety of DVDs or navigating through the menus and buttons no the unit itself. The instructions for the device are very well-written.

However, the "extras" - the video games - are a bit ludicrous, and so is the set of game descriptions for each of the ten games included which read as if they were translated from a foreign language into English by someone who doesn't speak English. While they somewhat defined the intent of each game, the player must figure out how to play it and the battery life for the controller was next to nil. The battery life for the DVD player averaged between 2 to 2 1/2 hours - perfect... Read more