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Review
of COBY TFDVD7100 Portable DVD Player
I shopped around for 3-4 months
for a portable DVD player before deciding on the Coby 7100. After owning it now
for a month and using in the car, on a plane, in a hotel and on the living room
couch, my family and I are all quite happy with this purchase.
Here's
why:
* The 7-inch screen is exactly the right size for a portable if what
you're looking for is a car or personal player. Anything larger would be awkward
in cramped quarters. If you don't need a car player and want anything larger,
use your laptop. The display on this player is surprisingly solid and much better
than I expected.
* If you want quality sound, buy a good set of headphones.
Does anyone realistically expect the speakers on this portable to provide booming
volume or surround sound? The included headphones are adequate for a second set
and kids don't even notice the difference. For a second set, look at the Sony
or Panasonic noise-reduction units, especially if you are going to be using them
in an auto or on an airplane. And you'll be able to use them with your laptop,
MP3 player, etc., as well.
* This package includes everything you'll need
with the exception of a case. If you want something for the car, then look at
the Targus cases as they include straps that allow you to hang the DVD player
between or on the back of seats in your car. As I said, everything else is included
such as the auto power cord that connects to the cigarette lighter, cables to
hook up the unit to a large TV set at home or in a hotel, and even a small remote
which is actually something you'll definitely need when using it in the car or
attached to a TV monitor. In carefully comparing this DVD player package to others
in this price segment I did not find any other that included such a complete range
of accessories.
One thing that no one has mentioned is that this unit
plays standard production DVDs only. It does not play recordable or read-write
formats. That is, if you purchase your DVDs at the store or rent from Blockbuster,
you're fine. If you burn your own or copy from your DVR you won't be able to play
them. This is common to most DVD players (if not all) offered at under $200. If
you require this functionality keep shopping but be prepared to pay more ... a
lot more. In another year or two I'll gladly upgrade my player, but I don't even
have a DVR or DVD-RW player so this is not an issue with me. And if my kids break
this unit or scratch up the screen, I'm only out $150. Besides, in another year
or two the technology is going to be much improved, the price point lower, and
I'll want to upgrade anyway.
The bottom line is when you add up all the
features of the Coby 7100, the versatility, the included accesssories, the smart
ergonamic design, and the low price, I don't think you can find a better player.
If you buy it you won't be disappointed. I recommended this player to a co-worker
and he is quite happy with it, too.
Buy the COBY TFDVD7100 Portable DVD
Player
