PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS : I'm just wondering why these companies put out portable DVD players at all. It seems like it would be a real luxury item, don't you think? Maybe they are supposed to just be showcase pieces that are supposed to get people excited about the technology? The reason I ask is that they are still extroardinarily pricey. The cheapest I've seen is the Panasonic L50 for about $735, which is less then it used to be, but still a lot for something with a 5" inch screen. Ok, let's figure this out, a regular DVD player is on average about $375 street. That means you're paying $350 for a 5" LCD? There are much largre LCD's on laptops costing under $1000. Ok, so maybe this example isn't as ludicrous, but what about the newer Pioneer and Sharp 7" screen-models that go for $1,400-$1,500+ ? What's the point of buying these when for a few hundred more you can get an entire Computer with a DVD player, DVD-ROM capability, etc.? Doesn't seem to make sense except for the compactness of these stand-alone units. But I couldn't see spending almost as much as a laptop with DVD for less functionality, or several times the price of non-portable unit (which, when you think about it, is reasonably portable, or at least reasonably transportable) with also probably less functionality... PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS : ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Levi Wallach DVDMON.com - DVD News, Views, and Reviews, plus Music Reviews, Book Reviews and more!----------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- ---In the case of the Panasonic, it has a Lithium Ion battery, so if you usethe laptop comparison, this is $100 - $150. You could ask the same questionabout Laptops. Why are they so much more expensive than desktops? It is moreexpensive to make things this small and I'm sure part of it is they cancharge this much (like with laptops). As for comparing using a laptop or thePanasonic for example, I have done both and I much prefer the Panasoinc overa DVD enabled laptop. Unless you use hardware acceleration, you needprobably a 400 Pentium II class to really watch DVDs. I use a teeny littleSony 505 notebook computer and quit using my big DVD enabled computer andI'm quite happy not to lug the extra weight. And I have the Panasonic forportable DVDs. I like it that way. I am really drueling over the Pioneer,but I'll stick with the Panasonic. If I didn't have the Panasonic though, Iwould be happy to pay a grand for the Pioneer. PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS : Actually, you're paying for more compact electronics, the 5" screen, stereospeakers, AND it will plug into your audio system like a stand-alone player. So you can spend that $750 and not only take DVD on the road with you, but canplay it through any sound system/home theater wherever you go. You can take iton vacation to friends' or relatives' homes and impress them with this newtechnology. I suppose they'll be coming down in the future, though.Ken I got tired of explaining my list of interests to those who buy toiletpaper that says "THIS SIDE UP" on it. Instead, you get this: "Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid." John WayneAnother factor that raises the cost is miniaturization--to use yourexample of laptops vs. 'convenional' PCs'--look at the cost differencebetween the 2 comparably equippedunits--laptops cost more because they cost more to produce, as do port.DVD players--If you think that portable DVD with a viewing screen is going to beonly marginally more in cost than a 'home' unit, dream on--it won'thappen--Panasonic's P-10 portable (w/o screen) is going for around $459(street, new)and that's a low price for all that it does, in the 'space' alotted-- PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS : Do any portable DVD players (with screens) plug straight into the cigarettelighter in a car for power? I prefer not to use one of those bulky DC-ACconverters. Most manufactures will offer an optional adapter, usually around $30 to$50. Good luck.Jim,radio shack or a host of other stores sell convertors that will allowyou to use 2,4.5,6,9 volts(off the top of my head, dont quote me) fromthe cigarette lighter...and it is usually as small as the stockcigarette lighter adapter..in my earlier days i used a discman with aconvertor like the one i am describing..i believe i got it from radioshack...if you cannot find one for the exact voltage or cannot find aplug to fit your DVD player then buy an adapter built for the DVDplayer, cut off the wire or better yet, open up the adapter anddesolder the wires..that way you will have quite a long powercord..then go to radio shack and buy a variable voltage regulator..ithas instructions on how to set your own regulated voltage veryeasily...shouldnt take more than a few hours for an inexperiencedperson to do...dont forget a heat sink ;^)....all info above is to be used at your own risk....BTW..i am pretty sure that just about every company that buildsportable DVD players already have the adaptor as an accessory...Kevin PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS : I am looking for a portable DVD player. Information on Google or the netsearches is minimal on certain brands.Anyone know anything about the Minteks at Best Buy (they do have limitedwebsite) or the "Initial" brand at Walmart (no info anywhere).Any suggestions or comments on portable dvd players or website addresseswould be helpful.Of course, check vcdhelp.com for compatability issues. Minteks are made inChina (well so is RCA for that matter). I had nothing but trouble with myRCA portable (four exchanges and it still did not work). The Taiwan madeAudiovox 1680 seems to work well, but is bulky and rather heavy with thebattery. It does actually play for 3.5 hours straight on one charge.I have tried several brands and had some kind of trouble with all of themafter about six months. The delicate nature of laser positioning on theseunits does not seem to be worked out to be robust. They all start out fine,then need to go to the shop after they are used as a portable for a while.Just my limited experience (Sharp, Panasonic, RCA, Pioneer, Audiovox).
| ||
|
players guide, windows media player 6.4, real audio player, media player free, flash player 6, real player 8, windows media player codecs, mp3 player download, dvd players, xbox media player, mpg player, media player skins, player skins, real player linux, windows media player 7, windows media player 8, video cd player, mpeg2 player, xing player, codec for windows media player, media player 6.4, media player codecs, windows media player update, asf player, player 7, ati dvd player, single player demo, xing mpeg player, disc players, media player 7, windows media player 7.1, player codec, media player 8, player skin, divix player, player 9, real player basic, vivo player, media player mac, player downloads, player dvd, media player 7.1, player 6.4, media player update, player plus, player 7.1, avi player, download flash player, download real player, dvd player, free media player, free real player, media player download, mp3 cd player, player divx, player mp3, player one, player video, real player one, windows media player codec, windows media player download |