Sony DVP-FX970

The Sony DVP-FX970 includes a lot of features for its price. Its adjustable, 9-inch screen is larger than average; its battery holds a charge for up to six hours while most players only manage three; and it can play MP4 video files as well as discs -- a feature missing on many players, even more expensive ones. Users say this portable DVD player has great sound and video quality. Most also find its controls easy to use, although a few complain that the touch controls are too sensitive and are easy to activate by accident.

A few users report that their DVD players broke down within the first year, but this is a complaint that pops up for all portable DVD players, and the Sony DVP-FX970 gets fewer complaints than most in that regard. That's a good thing because like most DVD players of this type, the DVP-FX970 has a warranty that covers parts for one year from purchase but covers labor for only 90 days. If you're reluctant to spend more than $100 on a machine that might not last, you might prefer the Sony DVP-FX750 (*Est. $80), but that player has a smaller screen and offers fewer features.

Professional reviews for portable DVD players in general are scarce, and we did not find any that cover the Sony DVP-FX970. However, we did see nearly 100 reviews from users at Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Buzzillions.com, most of them positive.