Initial IDM-1810 Portable DVD Player with 8-Inch LCD and Car Kit
You Never Know Until You Try It For Yourself!
B4 I type in my review, I have browse the web a lot reading various reviews and models of portable DVD Players. Regardless of bad reviews I too bought this player and got a different feeling to it.    I chose this model mainly for the price. What other models are out there with these specs with 8\\" wide screen for under $300. As soon as I rec'd my model IDM-1810 I was already pleased with what it comes with. The slim design is very nice and the battery snaps to the back nicely with 3 hours playing time and 5 hours playing time when the LCD screen is closed.     I tried every type of media including DVD Rom DVD-R,DVD+RW, CD, CD-R. It passed. It only takes 4  hours to charge the battery.  I wasted no time and I watched a movie right after another. I wanted to see if it would get hot on me and turn off. Wow, I had it on for over 4 movies. That's about 8 hours of nonstop playing time plugged in. It didn't even skip or shut down on me. So that test passed. I then tried the battery alone, this time I used the RCA cables it comes with, and plugged it in to this player and to a TV monitor to see how it would work. I can even plug in my Xbox to this thing if I want it to. It has an input and output for audio and video. Very nice. I saw a movie a little more than 2 hours using the battery, I did close the player so It would conserve the battery. That passed.     The next day, was the test I was scared of. Plugging it in the Car cigarette lighter, with the car on. Let me tell you guys, I tried plugging it in using various ways and it worked all the time. I did all this with the battery not plugged in the player. I even shook the hell out of it, The anti shock works also. This test Passed. The remote has everything you want except it does not have volume control. If anything that is my only negative remark. I guess I'm just being lazy to just higher it from the player. Now All I have to do is test the durability of this and see how long it will last. It does have a one year warranty and you have to mail in the warranty card within 14 days of purchase to receive this limited warranty.     I called Initial electronics to find out more about this product. They told me they have sold thousands of these and the reason why if the screen goes dark that's because it protects your player from over heating kind of like a fail safe. I guess I haven't been that unfortunate yet. They also said the difference between IDM-1810 and IDM 830 is the software updates. These 2 products are there newest and IDM 830 has a software update but both have the same functions. IDM 830 does cost more. I inquire for accessories and you can purchase accessories straight from them just not the player itself. The extra battery for this is not out yet and they estimated it would cost $100. Too much if you ask me, They do carry a universal battery but it does not snap on the back of your player. They don't have a case for this also.     The MFG is located at La Verne Ca. and there customer service number is 800 216 5156. I should get commissioned for this detailed review. Bottom line is this product receives my high rank of 5 out of 5 stars. Just read my Title for my review!    3-27-2005    I just want to give a rare update since most feedback usually don't test the durability.  I have been using the same DVD player almost 5 days a week since I take it to work.  I watch movies and play mp3s on this device lots of times a day.  My dvd player now has scratches, blemishes on the grey coated paint. I have dropped it a few times, since I carry it in my backpack. However, with all this usage I must say its still working like the first day I bought it.  It seems that not all are happy with this model, after reading all the reviews. My DVD player works great and I would not trade it for any other player. Trully, the one I bought has been battle tested. Within 1 1/2 years of service I have been using the battery, and the plug in. I still have not gotten the black screen. Just thought this extra vailidation would assist you guys. Sticking to my Title all the way!!!!