I'm going to sound like I WORK for Panasonic or something when you read this. I'm a perfectionist, and I don't like paying more than I need to.
So I did my research and homework. After many trips to Circuit City and Best Buy among other stores, and personally handling this model alongside it's competitors, it came down to buying a Panasonic, and ONLY a Panasonic.
The DVD LA95 and LX9 with the 9 inch screens are fantastic, but out of my price range. Remember, I said 9 inch screens; that's on the upper end of the scale in price AND screen size. Then I looked at the slew of 7 inch screen units out there from various manufactures. None cut the mustard, and that included the new SONY 7" unit.
At first, I didn't want a model with "only" a 5 inch screen. Then I looked at the picture quality. I mean I really looked at it - and WOW was there a difference.
I used the first "Lord of the Rings" DVD as my test; all those scenes in the dark caverns and underground areas looked SO much better on the Panasonic units than ANY of the others. Like I said, it was the 9" model or the 5" model, and price dictated the 5" was for me. LS5 it was!
Since buying it, I'm continually amazed at the clarity of the image, and the sound is more than sufficient without headphones. (Astonishing WITH headphones). I have set this unit on my chest while laying in bed, and watched one thing on it, and another on my widescreen 38" RCA TV across the room. The image clarity on the 5" screen is at least 95% of what my $1800 TV makes. Not bad for $300!
The supplied standard battery pack provides a good 2+ hours of playback, and with no problems at all.
Tough little unit too, but I've typed enough already. ;-) I SAY BUY ONE!

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 300.00