portable dvd player, portable dvd players

Summer's coming quickly, and it's nearing the time for family vacations, distant weddings, and family reunions that are half-way across the country from home. You're already dreading the miles between home and your destination of choice, as you know the kids are antsy with anticipation, and you haven't even left the driveway. What is a parent to do? You can't afford to buy multiple personal gaming systems. Simple toys don't occupy enough time or hold enough interest to your high-tech kids. The most cost-effective solution would be some form of portable DVD player.

It's easy to find a variety in your selection of portable DVD players these days. When shopping for your portable DVD player, be sure to look for some of the following features:

Portable DVD players come in varying sizes, from screens that are 7" wide up to and including screens that are 10.4" wide. Most portable DVD players are available with widescreen LCD video screens. If you have only one child riding in the backseat, you may only need a smaller screen. If you have multiple children taking the trip with you, I highly recommend purchasing a larger screened portable DVD player, or a double screened device. Screens generally come attached to the player itself. However, there are models available with screens that can separate from the portable DVD player and hang from the back of your seat. The double-screened models tend to be the type to hang from the seat in front of the viewer. Another cool feature on some portable DVD players is a swivel screen, which allows the screen to be turned in different directions.

One feature that most, if not all portable DVD players have is the anti-skip circuitry. This feature acts like the shocks in your car, keeping the disk from skipping with the bumps in the road. Most packaging or listings will let you know if this feature is included on your portable DVD player.

Car rides can be long, and it makes no sense to have a portable DVD player without a car adapter for its power source. Be certain to look for this featured accessory whenever you are purchasing this item. It will be the end of your nerves if your children are in the middle of their newest DVD and the power shuts off. Most portable DVD players come with a wall plug adapter and a reachargeable battery. Beware that battery life is only approximately two and a half hours long, just over enough time to play a feature-length movie all the way through. Don't forget the car adapter!

A sweet option for your portable DVD player is one that comes with a pair of video game controllers and games that are already programmed into it. This is a fantastic option if you have boys who love gaming. You are all set for a peaceful car ride if this feature comes with your portable DVD player!

The last feature that I would like to mention is that some portable DVD players now come with multiple format viewing capabilities. This means that you can not only watch your favorite movies on the go, but you can also now view those fantastic family photos on your player, as well as share them with the friends and family you are visiting along the way! Audio CDs and MP3s will also play on these multi-format portable DVD players. Some will also come with USB ports. Be certain to look closely for these bonus features when purchasing your portable DVD player.

I hope that you enjoy your trip to visit your family and friends or to enjoy that family vacation! It's time to get packing, and don't forget your new portable DVD player for that peaceful ride! Drive safely, and remember to bring your remote, so you can keep your hands on the steering wheel while skipping to your child's favorite scene!