Reviews

Coby TF-DVD7050 Portable DVD Player

The TF-DVD7050 - one of the most popular of Coby's large range of portable DVD players - is a tablet-style device.

According to the official specifications, its main features are:

- 7" Widescreen (16:9) Color TFT Display
- Plays DVD/MP3/CD/CD-RW
- Built-in Anti-skip Circuitry
- Headphone Jack for Private Listening
- Compatible with NTSC/PAL System
- Multiple Subtitles/Viewing Angles
- Convenient On Screen Display

A review in Digital Lifestyle magazine, titled "Problematic But Attractive New Portable DVD Player From Coby!" commented:

Coby gives most of the current portable DVD players a run for their money with its new TF-DVD7050 player. The strangely named player offers both cons and pros to a potential buyer. On the plus side, this device features a beautiful, large 7” screen that’s sure to get the user jealous looks from iPod Video users. While this is all nice and wonderful, the unit also has a very obvious Achilles Heel in the form of its battery life. This thing will last you a mere 2 hours per charge!

...I can’t honestly recommend one of these things, knowing how little the battery will last. If only Coby offered somewhere in the upwards of 5 hours, this thing could be a hit. The screen is great, and the rest of the features make the whole unit complete. It’s a shame that great design doesn’t spread over the whole DVD player. If you’re still interested, and feel like giving this thing a shot, know that it won’t be much of a risk, since it doesn’t cost much. With an extra $130, and a desire to play movies on the go, why not give it a shot? Just don’t try watching Lord of the Rings on this thing; you won’t get through the first disc.

Amazon.com features around 50 customer reviews. Here's one, from a purchaser who awarded the player four stars (out of five):

I was skeptical too. Coby?!

I have had the Coby TF-DVD7050 for 2wks. It went on 2 plane trips and several car rides while we were on vacation recently. It performed flawlessly entertaining my kids while travelling.

During the week of travel it was not treated well and was frequently moved and packed and unpacked yet had no problems. My toddler son even repeatedly kicked it while it was attached to the seat in front of him yet it still worked.

For parents of small curious children, the player has a "hold" button that will deactivate all the other controls so that once a DVD is playing the child cannot disturb the player even if all the buttons are pushed (or kicked). To me, this was a God send. My toddler loves buttons.

If it breaks tomorrow, I'll be upset, but not too much because to me, it has done its duty for what I bought it for. How much can you really expect for a little over a hundred bucks.

* Get the latest price on the Coby TF-DVD7050 Portable DVD Player.

 
April 5th, 2006