Nextbase SDV17-A Tablet Review

Overall Rating

Stylish looks
Excellent build quality
Compact case

Poor quality speakers
Screen could be higher resolution
Support for Video CD would be nice

I bought the Nextbase SDV17-A 3 weeks ago to watch films on my weekly commute on the Eurostar and I am very pleased with it. I think the tablet design is very stylish.
The screen is not as high a resolution as I had hoped but it is more than adequate for the task. It can sometimes struggle with displaying sufficient contrast, subtle hues or rapid movement, but I think that is to be expected. (I am watching it as I type this review!).
The sound from the stereo speakers at the front is, of course, woeful, but as each one is only 1cm across they're more for show than anything else. Plugging a decent set of headphones into the port on the side brings the desired results however. The volume is the only thing item omitted from an otherwise comprehensive remote control, but I can understand the cost implications of adding it - the volume pot' comes on a DVD drive as standard so one might as well use it. Otherwise the remote provides all of the functionality you would get from a full-sized DVD player.
The battery bolts securely on to the bottom of the unit and adds about 20% to it's height and weight. The "leg" at the rear props the screen to the correct angle and is adjustable for use either with or without the battery.
The unit can be connected to an external screen or speakers or both, and the necessary wiring comes in it's own zipped bag for storage. This will also carry the mains adaptor which you will need to recharge the battery every 3 hours. The unit can run directly from the mains, of course.
A soft case is provided, into which you can fit the unit, the battery and the remote control. A couple of stitched pockets in the case would have been a nice feature to keep discs in.
Also provided are a set of straps which can be used to hang the player over a car seat, although I have not tried them.
The unit can play both audio CD and DVD Video. Support for Video CD and/or Photo CD would have been a thoughtful addition, as the design of the Nextbase would definitely lend itself to being used as a portable photograph album.