missjen's Full Review: Magnavox MPD850 8.5 in. Portable DVD Player
I received this DVD player for Christmas of 05. I've had many occasions to use it since.
What was most impressive to me was the size of the screen. It is large but unintrusive. The unit is compact enough to sit on your lap in a car or airplane, but the screen is large enough to make sharing with another person quite feasible. The picture is crisp, clear, and un-pixelated, with accurate levels of brightness and contrast. The screen can also be positioned at a variety of angles, which makes it adaptable for multiple environments.
The unit includes an ultra-thin remote, which can control all functions of the machine except volume and power, which are controlled from the machine itself. It would be convenient if these two features were added to the remote. On the other hand, all controls are also on the unit, so if you're prone to losing things (like I am), even if you lose the tiny remote you still have total control of and access the player itself.
I appreciate the configuration of the machine. The buttons are in convenient places, and most are protected by the screen itself when the unit is in the "closed" position. I do wish the power button were located elsewhere; its current position on the side of the machine as a switch makes it vulnerable to being accidentally switched on in movement.
The machine also comes with a power cord, car adapter, and A/V cables. The car adapter is a nice, complimentary addition, and works well for sustaining power in lieu of battery (even when the battery is totally dead) and for charging the battery when the machine is not in use. The A/V cables are also appreciated; frequently during hotel stays we use them to plug the unit in to the room television for larger display (the prime reason for wanting remote control of power and volume). My complaint with the power cord is that it is a big square with the prongs sticking straight out. The rest of the unit is completely sleek, as are most bags designed to carry these types of players. The obtrusive nature of the power cord makes it hard to find an affordable carrying case that is compact but still wide enough to accommodate both the player and the cord. A cord with collapsible or folding prongs, similar to what many cell phones have, would have been a much better design. However, this is only a minor inconvenience.
The volume ceiling could be increased. The maximum volume is not loud enough to be heard over the noise of an average car without headphones. If you're considering purchasing this unit, I would recommend purchasing headphones at the same time. Two headphone jacks, with simultaneous function capability, are built in to the machine.
The battery life is long (I've experienced 3.5-4.5 hours), and the battery itself is quickly recharged. I appreciate that the battery does not have to be detached from the player in order to be charged, though it should be noted that the player cannot be both charged and viewed simultaneously. Also, unlike my mom's player, the prongs on the battery hold it securely in place, minimizing the risk of accidental detachment.
The machine plays well. Over bumpy roads and through turbulence I've remained entirely skip free.
The machine is sleek and lightweight, which is nice because usually when traveling, I have enough other stuff to weigh me down.
I've used the machine extensively (over 100 hours) since I received it and so far, my only complaints are minor (remote and power cord size issues). Given how temperamental portable electronic devices can be, I appreciate how reliable and excellent this one has been.
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