There are many budget-price portable DVD players on the market today, and near the bottom of the list in terms of both price and quality is the Apex PD-500. At first glance, this portable DVD player appears to be an excellent value, but a second glance is sure to correct that misconception.

The PD-500 is compact, making it easy to stow in a handbag or airplane carry-on. The 5-inch foldout LCD screen isn't the largest available, and the image quality is average to below-average at best. Apex claims that the PD-500 is compatible with DVD-Video, CD-R/RW and discs loaded with MP3 digital audio files and JPEG images. Unfortunately, playback is frequently halted by inexplicable disc error messages.

A set of composite video inputs enables you to connect a camcorder for viewing home movies on the go, and you can even hook up a game console to entertain the kids. While these features should make this player an ideal family unit, the PD-500 is so flimsily constructed that it is unlikely to long withstand the attention of young hands. Of particular concern are the hinges that join the screen to the base.

On a more positive note, the PD-500's built-in speakers perform similarly to those on most other portable DVD players. The speakers' volume can be insufficient in noisy environments, but audio quality improves when listening via a set of headphones. The PD-500 offers a number of playback features, including slow motion and frame-by-frame advance. This portable unit can double as a home DVD player thanks to its S-video connection, and you can route surround sound signals to a home theater receiver via its optical digital audio output. A basic remote is included in the package.

The Apex PD-500 certainly is inexpensive, but we strongly suggest you invest a little more and opt for a higher-quality portable DVD player.

Pros:  Inexpensive
Cons:  You get what you pay for:  cheap construction, poor performance, low-resolution LCD screen

Warranty
90 days labor and remote, 1 year parts