Initial IDM-1731 Portable DVD Player with 7-Inch LCD
Overall pretty decent after two years' use and abuse
I bought this DVD player two years ago for both home use (connected to the TV) and for entertaining a preschooler on long flights and car trips.  It occasionally has some display issues (scrolling and lines), which are usually rectified by altering the angle of the display, or by closing and re-opening it. Overall, really no complaints whatsoever with it; it's been very functional and held up well.  But last week it stopped playing audio CDs, while continuing to play DVDs without problem. Initial's customer service thinks perhaps the CD laser went out, but they don't repair anything past warranty. They do offer an exchange program for out-of-warranty items, where you send back the defective piece, and for for slightly less than buying a new one, they'll replace it and give you a new warranty. For this player, currently offered at $130 on Amazon, they'll replace it for $100 with a limited 3-month warranty, or for $120 with a regular 1-year warranty, or for $130 with an extended 2-year warranty. Customer service was very prompt at responding, both by email and by phone.  I would have rated this as 4 stars until that laser stopped working, as I've been very happy with its performance and we've used it much more than we originally thought we would.  *Update in March 2006* I am less happy with the player than I was in that review three months ago. Discs no longer load in the player unless we unplug the power and plug it back in. I am searching for a new player, and it won't be Initial.