Motion Pictures
We know movies shouldn't babysit our kids (blah, blah, blah), but even the Mom of the Year can't handle a road trip of "The Song That Never Ends." Enter portable DVD players. We road-tested dozens and found four standouts. Now the singing can cease—at least for a few hours.
By Sarah Engler
- Best for iPod Owners
- Phillips CDP850
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This clever player has a dock that can either hold a remote (as shown) or play video off your iPod—while charging it. The built-in battery makes the whole thing especially slim (just 1 1/2 inches thick) and light (only three pounds).
Run Time: Unlimited with car adapter; 2 1/2 hours for DVDs or 5 hours for iPod video with rechargeable battery
$199, Phillips
- Best for Awkward Spaces
- Sony DVP-FX810
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The screen on this gem can do a 180 and fold back onto its base, facing up. The player does skip a bit more easily than others, but it pauses for only a split second before picking up right where it left off.
Run Time: Unlimited with car adapter; 5 1/2 hours with rechargeable battery
$190, Sony
- Best for Clumsy Little Hands
- Coby TF-DVD7107
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This sturdy standby may not wow with its quality or fancy maneuvers, but since it's under $100, you won't be terrified to turn it over to your kid. It also measures a mere eight inches wide, so it'll fit into any bag and rest comfortably on any lap.
Run Time: Unlimited with car adapter; 3 hours with rechargeable battery
$95, Amazon
- Best for Multiple Viewers
- Disney Electronics Dual-Screen
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Designed specifically for cars (and for squabbling siblings), the dual screens strap to the back of each front-seat headrest. Each child gets her own headphone jack and volume control, and the screens snap together for easy carrying.
Run Time: Unlimited with car adapter
$180, Toys 'R' Us
Photography by Ethan Palmer
