World’s first portable Blu-ray player from Panasonic

Panasonic introduced what it says is the world’s first portable Blu-ray Disc player during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) currently underway in Las Vegas.

The Panasonic DMP-B15 has an 8.9-inch screen (1024 x 600 resolution), BD-Live supported, SD card slot, and has around three hours of total battery life. It has a built-in HDMI port so it can be used as a standalone Blu-ray player, and has support for Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, and Hulu.

The device will easily fit into a backpack or purse, and appears to be about the same size as a hardcover book.

The price has not been released, but both analysts and journalists at CES expect it to be a pricey gadget. Panasonic hopes to begin shipping the DMP-B15 this May.

When asked about the technology, a Panasonic spokesperson said it’s ideal for owners who travel and want to watch high-definition content while on the road. It’s small enough to make it ideal for people who fly and want to watch a movie on the plane.

At first glance, it does look like a solid device that I wouldn’t mind one day owning — but after the price tag drops after its release. I’m also not entirely sold on watching an 8.9-inch screen for a long time, despite the fact that it’s 1080p HD.