At an MSRP of $180, Toshiba has made the SD-P1700 portable DVD player a viable alternative to off-brand units, and you don't have to compromise on quality, features or performance.

This compact machine is just over 1 inch thick when closed and weighs well under 2 pounds. The rechargeable battery provides about 4 hours of playback time, depending on the brightness and volume levels selected. The 7-inch LCD screen provides a clean, sharp image, and its wide-format screen makes the SD-P1700 ideal for watching movies in their original theater presentation.

If you want to keep the kids quiet in the back seat of a car or enjoy a movie with a travel partner on a plane, the SD-P1700 offers twin headphone jacks. This is a good thing, because as with many portables, the built-in speakers' volume level is disappointing and can't compete with background noise. Virtual surround sound can be engaged when listening to the speakers or headphones.

In addition to DVD-Video, CD and the usual selection of home-recorded discs including DVD-R, VCD and CD-R/RW, the SD-P1700 can play discs loaded with MP3 and WMA digital audio files, as well as JPEG images. The SD-P1700 has a composite video output for connecting to a TV, and it also sports a coaxial digital audio output for routing surround sound to a home theater receiver. The unit also comes with a basic remote control, an AC adapter and a car power outlet adapter.

Superior construction and performance make the Toshiba SD-P1700 a better choice of budget portable DVD player than the cheap, no-name brands.

Pros:  Reasonable price, solid construction, light weight
Cons:  So-so audio quality

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts