Good portable option but needs sound enhancement
Written: Jan 28 '03
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Pros: Value (price for performance); screen size
Cons: Stand alone sound (correctable)
The Bottom Line: For the price, it was a very good selection for decent size screen. The sound issue is curable at a low cost.
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| matchpenalty's Full Review: Toshiba SDP1500 8 in. Portable DVD Player |
I have seen the constant complaints about this unit because of it's sound output. Having found a reasonable cost correction for it (a boostaroo for about $20), I asked for this unit for Christmas due to the price drop at Costco to $499. This was knowing about the excellent return policy in case the unit/boostaroo combo was not good.
A large screen was important to me as I use this while commuting and plan to use while travelling. The 8" screen on this unit was more than acceptable.
Picture quality was decent. It is not going to be as crisp as a higher resolution laptop, but it won't take up the same size or weigh as much. My laptop is 7lbs and it's battery life was too short for a full length film.
Battery life has been decent. I have been getting very close to the stated 3 hours on a single charge. There is a longer life replacement available too, but it is expensive (the regular replacement is expensive too).
With the battery, the thickness is about double the machine by itself, but it easily fits in my computer/briefcase.
The unit also comes with the cable to connect it to a tv while travelling. This can be a nice way to carry along video capability if you have kids as it will run off ac power with the charger/adapter.
I haven't run into any disc compatibility issues, which is extremely critical.
One other nice thing is that the unit has TWO headphone ports. However, the sound volume needs amplification unless you are going to use the unit in utter quiet. The boostaroo I mentioned above adds that amplification as well as each boostaroo has ports for THREE sets of headphones. This can come in extremely handy if a family of 3 is sitting in the same row on a plane and everyone wants to watch a movie/show. The boostaroo runs off two AA batteries and does not use power from the portable DVD unit. It also turns changes this unit from a fair portable option to a very good one especially given the price of other 8" units.
If someone is looking for a top notch, no other items needed unit, this is not it. However, if you are looking for an enhanceable, reasonably priced, larger screen option, this can be a very good choice.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 499
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Epinions.com ID:
matchpenalty
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Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 1 member
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