Screen Size:

Depending on where and when you plan on using your DVD player the most, size may really be a big factor in your decision. If you have a family that's going to be watching movies in the minivan, you can bet you want to find a portable DVD unit with a larger screen so everyone gets a chance to view the movie. On the other hand, if you travel mostly by yourself or with a significant other, smaller may be the perfect thing for you, easy to haul and manage anywhere.

Disc Formats Supported by the Portable DVD Player:

If you're into creating your own home movies or music cd's you need to look into whether or not the machine you want to buy can support other file types (CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD-R). Make sure your machine is capable of also playing just a standard music CD.

Size of the DVD Player:

While most machines look like weight should never be a factor, there can be significant differences in weight from one type of portable player to another....as much as a couple of pounds. Read carefully so you know just how much each unit weighs. If you're hiking across the country, weight can make a big difference.

Outputs that the Portable DVD Player comes with:

You may not think that this matters, but eventually you'll wish you thought of this sooner rather than after you've purchased a unit. You'll want a unit that comes with an S-Video outlet for video, as well as Optical Out for audio. These features will come in real handy when you get to your relatives that don't have a DVD player, and gives you the option of watching a movie on their TV, by hooking into their TV and possibly their stereo...instant theatre for everyone.

Use your imagination, as there are virtually unlimited applications for a Portable DVD Player.