Portable DVD Player Review vs. iPod Video Review
When traveling with kids and looking for in-flight entertainment,
you may go to Google looking for a portable DVD review; I have
learned that it is much better to search instead for “iPod video review”!
In my research for my book, Jet With Kids, I found that the portable DVD player was by far the most recommended entertainment item to bring on board a flight with kids. I had agreed that this little electronic device is a life saver if used correctly! However, I am proud to say that I have advanced into the world of iPods and OH MY – do not miss this one!!!
This was actually what I bought with some of my birthday money this year. My husband argued that I should be using that money to pamper myself. I simply stated, “OH, I am pampering myself! I am buying precious moments of silence.”
I soon demonstrated to my husband the incredible value of my 30GB ipod video. The sleek, slim, lightweight iPod was soon hooked up to my laptop downloading 24 minute episodes of Dora the Explorer, Blues Clues, Winnie the Pooh, and Mickey Mouse from iTunes.
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                24 minutes of silence – at only the most necessary times – for a one time $1.99 fee.
This little iPod completely wipes out any chance the big bulky portable DVD players may have. For about the same cost, this little device now becomes a photo storage unit capable of playing slideshows, a cd player playing all of your (and your child’s) favorite songs AND audio books, and best of all, it is amazingly clear and easy to watch for movies and TV shows.
AND it fits in my purse! The portable DVD player that I hauled to London last year clunked out not even half way through the trip when my toddler son became more interested in the buttons than the movie and broke it. Facing a trip to Vienna and back through London to the U.S. without our main entertainment item…was bleak.
The iPod has a lock button on top and even though my son has figured that out, he can’t really hurt it by pushing the buttons. I also immediately purchased the hard clear case to protect the screen from any scratches.
I then purchased some noise canceling headphones that cover his ears because the little ear buds kept falling out and he would tell us to be quiet when he was watching shows.
The important thing about this – as many other airplane toys – is to make it special. Use it sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. The other day I met my friend for coffee after a doctor’s appt. She asked how I kept my son quiet so that I could talk to the doctor. I then pulled out my secret and with my toddler happily entertained, I was able to have a much needed coffee break and conversation!
My son also is very restricted in what he can watch at home, so this is a big deal to him. I had heard about “Dora The Explorer” – and he had never watched her show before. It is now his favorite show on the ipod and he gets excited to watch it.
The ipod is small enough for him to hold and feel in control. It also takes up such a small amount of space in my luggage compared to the DVD player. The battery is charged through my laptop and lasts a long time, but I am also checking into the portable charger for our trip to Europe.
So my portable DVD review has been passed up by my iPod video review!
Since I bought mine in July, Apple released a bunch of new options. There are so many great accessories – and I will be posting about each of them as I review them.
Even if you do not have a flight coming up, I highly recommend purchasing the iPod video for any time that you need quiet, uninterrupted conversation on the phone, at an appointment, or if you have a long car trip or train trip.
I also use the iPod video myself to download podcasts and of course music and movies!
This is a HIGHLY recommended item! Enjoy!!
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