I'm thinking about getting a portable DVD player, and wanted to know which my fellow FlyerTalkers recommended. I'm looking at the 7" models (Sharp DV-L70, Panasonic LV75 and SONY FX1). What I am most concerned about is weight, and compatability with airline seats. Any thoughts would be appreciated! .
PS- I am hearing that early next year 8" models will be coming out. Should I wait??

I have the Panasonic LV75 and love it for its size and picture quality. The battery lasts about 4 hours -- good enough for 2 movies on my trans-Pacific flights. I have not plugged it to the airplane's power port because I don't have the necessary adapter for it but I'm usually good for just 2 movies on these flights anyway.

When you get to your hotel, you can connect the DVD player to the TV for a larger picture.

A must-have accessory for the DVD player is my Sony NC-10 noise cancelling (in-the-ear) headphone.

Also before my flight, I rent movies from netflix.com and keep them as long as I want at $20/month for 4 movies at a time.

Another option, if you have not considered it, is to buy a portable DVD player and a device like Sony Glasstron/Olympus Eye-Trek.

I, too, can vouch for Netflix. Whatever device you end up picking, be sure to check out a membership at http://www.netflix.com.

(No, I don't work for them. I am just a satisfied customer

-levi

Personally, I enjoy the picture on my 15 inch display on my Dell notebook computer. NetFlix is the best place to rent the movies and I can keep plugged in on AA for an entire international flight.

I had no idea netflix existed. What a great idea! BTW, the 14.1 inch picture on MY new Dell laptop is fine too. One of the reasons I bought from Dell this time was all the people watching DVD movies on their laptops on every flight I've been on for the past 6 months!

Personally, I think a good Laptop beats the portable DVD player. Because most people who travels would need some kind of laptop, so why not get a good laptop with a DVD drive? Sony's Viro comes in mind, my friend has one with DVD drive and the movies are great in it, he also has a Sony NC-10 that goes with the rest of his Sony attire...

Al

I actually do have a 15" Compaq laptop, but at6 - 7 lbs, I was looking for something a little lighter that could be packed into my one piece of carry on. (I never travel with my laptop, or with anything that I would have to check).

I use the Pioneer 7" portable DVD player. It handles all codings for DVDs which I find useful as I often purchase them in places where they are not compatible with the Zone 1 coding in the US. It kind of allows me to buy wherever I am, and since Asia (specifically SE Asia) is a common part of my itineraries it is nice. It hooks up nicely to the TV at home for a home unit when grounded between flights. I carry a spare battery and can see my way through 6-7 hours (approx. three movies) with that. The other nice thing is that it fits on the table next to the tray when I am eating on the plane. Having said that, I might opt for a DVD drive in my next laptop and try to plan my travels well enough that HMV or Tower could deliver (to Japan) ordered DVDs before I departed. I have started to keep a stock of "legal" DVDs for traveling so as to not risk running into a thorough customs official. Works like carrying an umbrella to keep the rain away.

[This message has been edited by mjm (edited 12-18-2000).]

Protable DVDs are useful if you don't have a DVD player at home, but if you do, I really don't think it's worth of the money to get one.
al

A fair call, I agree. Can one buy mutli-system (multi-code) capable home DVD units in the U.S.? This was, when buying my VCR, a major consideration as I work in Japan and deal with videos for our buildings in both China and Japan. (Japan = NTSC, China = PAL). Also, can a computer DVD drive handle multiple codings? I would love a yes answer for that one because I have a newish Dell Latitude and would splash out if it meant more viewing real estate and the ability to run off the in flight power source.

1. I think DVD software allow you to change code certain times and after that it is fixed.
2. All code DVD player is common in Asia but no idea about its existence in US.
3. I just bought a Sony F590, great bright monitor, but by any chance we can put a DVD file into Harddrive, I think I will use SR7K.

BTW, where I can buy NC-10? I am leaving town on Wed!