It takes a lot to keep my mind on exercise, and so I decided to invest in the Philips PET710 in hopes of finding some way to distract myself as I walked on my treadmill. Over all, I'd say it's been a good choice. The screen is just wide enough for me to enjoy a favorite television show while still allowing me to balance it atop the treadmill. The picture is good enough, and even improves the quality of copies of multi-generational tapes.

It has two drawbacks which, while they aren't serious enough for me to feel I made a mistake, are a little annoying. The first is that the volume can't be boosted to a point where it's easy to hear over the noise of my treadmill. The sound isn't lost, it's just a bit low for me. The other thing, which I find significantly more bothersome is that there's no resume function. I haven't gotten to the point where I'm going to be running through a two-hour film, so if I stop the machine, my place is lost and I have to find it again the next time I go to work out. Meh, they're small things in light of the fact that I do use it to convince myself to exercise.

If you want some basic function in a portable DVD player, this is a good bet. More bells and whistles? Look elsewhere.

We actually purchased this DVD player about 2 years ago for my 5 year-old-son. I can personally vouch for its DURABILITY!!
My son takes it with him in the car and we take it when we go out to eat(he watches when he is done and we get to peacfully finish our meals).It has had root beer spilled on it and despite a sticky hinge it still plays just fine.
The only complaint we have is the battery. THis is the only reason I do not give it 5 stars. It protrudes out the back making it impossible to put in a carry case.(especially one for the car that attached to the back of the headrest). NO case comes with the player becasue they probably cannot make one that would accomodate the battery. The battery initially lasted for nearly 3 hours, but after repeated use (and I mean repeated) the battery life is clearly depleating- good luck finding a replacement... Our battery is also broke due a fall from the the table (remember that durability). The DVD player survived, but the small plastic notches that hold the battery in place broke off- so our battery is held on woth duct tape- and it still works!!
Bottom line- this is a great product as far as reliablity and durability for the children.
If I am not able to find a replacement battery I may just have to purchase new DVD player and use it for both..

I was so please with this one, I bought 2 more, from Wallmart, and gave them as gifts, for use in another country. Reason: besides it's quality, price, ease of use, reliability, it has the extra important features of also being able to play PAL dvds (also CD's), and both it and the charger, work, just fine, off the crummy electricity of different voltages and hertzes, of the country in question. I was there, and tested it thoroughly for 2 weeks and it never even blipped once. The screen, can be swivled, tilted, just and clear, except in bright light, and the speakers are not good,if a lot of background noise. Understandable and forgiveable downsides. I wish the battery would last a bit longer. oh well. nothing perfect. It also has TWO headphone jacks, and if used with noise supression headphones, it's a champ!

The battery does charge pretty fast though.

I loved it! I regret to say, they've "improved" it, with a higher price, with features I have no interest in, in the newer models. They fixed something that wasn't broke. Sigh.

This is now my 3rd Phillips, Portable DVD Player in about 2 years. For some reason they have all either just stopped spinning or rufuse to power up at all (the last two). I purchased all of them at Walmart, for around $150. While the screen is nice and has a great picture, I do not recommend it. It breaks way too easily- and for no aparent reason. Before you guys go thinking I'm a descruction machine- I've had the same ipod and blackberry (which I use everyday) for almost three years! Save yourself the frustration of having to fix something out of warranty. Just buy another brand!

I bought this product in March. The battery pack is indeed strange and large. The screen has stopped working after 3.5 months. It didnt work last night but worked this morning. I contacted WorldWide distrubtors and was told to call phillips directly because they do not have any of this product left.

My irritations begin!