Why have this over a laptop? For one, my laptop runs Windows NT so a 10-15 minute reboot to change batteries is simply pathetic. Also, I've tried four different software DVD players for PCs and every one has been unstable and  choppy. The L50 is a great player and is the perfect size for sitting on my  knee for an 8 hour flight. When my meal comes, there's still room on my  tray table for the player. Try and do that with a laptop. The way I see it,  if your laptop has a DVD player you can probably make do with it. I wanted  a real portable player that worked better than every PC DVD player I've  used and I sure found it in the L50.