We will be driving to Michigan several times this year with a toddler and I am interested in in purchasing a portable DVD player to keep her occupied for a portion of the trip. Can anyone recommend a good quality, affordable player that they have experience with? Also, do you recommend single or dual screens? Right now we just have the one child, but may be looking to expand our family soon and will be driving at least twice a year to Michigan for the foreseeable future (all the G'parents live there).
L.,
Definately keep an eye out for one on www.craigslist.org
you may have to check back frequently. So many people had the portable ones, then bought some sort of van or suv that had one already, that they frequently pop up there. You can even post a "wanted" for one. Its a great deal.
I bought a cheap generic brand from Target like 3 years ago I'd say and it's held up just fine.
We have the type you can sit on your lap, bring in the house, or buy a thing to attach to the back of a headrest. It's nice because she can use it when were visiting in someone's house or on a airplane as well. I like that it's portable and not just for the car. We have had a hard time finding a device that secures it to the seat in front of her though. I would get a dual screen if you plan to have more children soon.
It's been a real lifesaver too!
Many of the dual screens do not have a battery so you are limited to the car or an outlet. We bought one for the car ride and for while we were camping for emergency (rain) and could only use it in the car. I returned it and will do some more research. I like the idea of dual screens. We bought (and returned) the Disney brand, only for not having a battery - worked great otherwise.
We bought ours at Sams...not sure the brand, but it works great and was cheaper than anywhere we looked. We got the dual screen as we have 2 kids...i would get the two screens if not much more expensive...even if you only have one kid right now, there may be a time when one of the adults needs to sit in the back seat. And, i do not think you can add a screen on in the future (my guess, i would ask)
Best Buy has a brand called Insignia. We bought two of them. The only reason we had to buy two is one was stolen out of our car! We liked it so much we went back and bought it again. I like the 2nd model better, the controllers are inside the dvd player that is also a screen. It is a dual screen one but the kids have to watch the same dvd. I only have one kid so that is no matter for us. I can't remember the price but it was worth every penny. We were on a 10hr car drive and we did't hear a peep out of her the whole time. :)
