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Best portable DVD player
- Excellent battery life
- DivX compatibility
- Foldable screen
- No remote control or SD card slot
- Buttons obstructed when screen is folded down
The Panasonic DVD-LS86 blows other portable DVD players out of the water when it comes to battery life. While most can only muster two or three hours, the Panasonic lasts up to nine hours between charges in one professional test. Reviewers say this is the biggest selling point for the Panasonic DVD-LS86, but there are other benefits as well. In addition to the usual DVDs and CDs, the DVD-LS86 is compatible with DivX video and Windows Media (WMA) files. It also has dual headphone jacks, adjustable screen brightness, and the 8.5-inch display folds forward so you can hold the player like a tablet. Video quality is good -- not great. Reviewers do wish the Panasonic DVD-LS86 included features like a remote control or SD card slot. While the foldable screen is very convenient, it covers most of the player's buttons when it's folded down. If you can't spend this much on a portable DVD player, reviewers also recommend the Coby TFDVD7052 (*Est. $80). It has a smaller 7-inch display and shorter battery life, but it comes with a remote control and car mounting kit that includes a battery charger/adapter for car use.
Professional reviewers like CNET and ConsumerReports.org cover the Panasonic DVD-LS86 in older, test-based reviews. While these reviews are useful, the best current information on this portable DVD player comes from user reviews. With more than 60 individual reviews, Amazon.com is the best source. Walmart.com also has a good selection of owner feedback. Other sources of information include Time magazine, Newegg.com and more.
| Panasonic DVD-LS86 8.5-Inch Portable DVD Player | |
(137 reviews) |
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Our Sources
1. Amazon.com
The Panasonic DVD-LS86 enjoys a high 4.5-star rating based on the feedback of around 60 reviewers at Amazon.com. Reviewers praise the lengthy battery life, which allows you to watch multiple movies without recharging. Parents particularly like the player for keeping kids entertained while traveling.
Review: Panasonic DVD-LS86 8.5-Inch Portable DVD Player, Contributors to Amazon.com
2. CNET
In this older review, CNET gives the Panasonic DVD-LS86 a very good rating. Battery life is a high point, as the DVD-LS86 lasts up to nine hours on a charge. Although Jeff Bakalar wishes it had features like a remote control or SD card slot, he says the Panasonic DVD-LS86 is an "all-around good portable DVD player."
Review: Panasonic DVD-LS86, Jeff Bakalar, May 5, 2008
3. ConsumerReports.org
ConsumerReports.org includes the Panasonic DVD-LS86 in an older test of portable DVD players. Each model is rated on picture quality, sound quality and ease of use. However, the report is only available to subscribers.
Review: Portable DVD Player Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
4. Walmart.com
Nearly 20 reviews at Walmart.com combine to give the Panasonic DVD-LS86 a near-perfect rating. Owners like the pivoting screen, and most say the player is easy to use. Picture quality is good but not great.
Review: Panasonic Portable 8.5" DVD Player, DVD-LS86, Contributors to Walmart.com
Josh Quittner at Time magazine has a short review of the Panasonic DVD-LS86. He says the picture quality is "just average," but he likes the large display and 10-hour battery life.
Review: Panasonic Portable DVD Player LS86: More for the Money, Josh Quittner
6. NewEgg.com
The Panasonic DVD-LS86 has a 4-star rating but less than 10 reviews at Newegg.com. Most owners are pleased with the battery life. Some reviewers say it's easy to press the buttons accidentally, and others would like a remote.
Review: Panasonic DVD-LS86 8.5" Portable DVD Player, Contributors to Newegg.com
Around 60 user reviews compiled from Internet retailers are posted here. Satisfaction is relatively high, and the Panasonic DVD-LS86 earns an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5. The long battery life is a plus in the eyes of many.
Review: Panasonic 8.5" Widescreen Portable Player, Contributors to Buzzillions.com
TopTenReviews.com doesn't share many details in this comparison, but the Panasonic DVD-LS86 is ranked number four on this list of the top 10 portable DVD players. It receives a perfect overall rating.
Review: Portable DVD Player Review, Editors of TopTenReviews.com