1. Of course all zone one is better. Usually when you buy at FS or BB, it's Zone 1. You can try to google to find how to unlock to all zone.
2. If you have downloaded some movies, having usb port is good to have.
3. Try to see how many computer formats that dvd player can read.
4. Output port.
I will pick good brand name one and wait for it to be on sale.
To me, brand name or not is not a big concern, for nowadays electronic products were made by the same country anyways.... hehe. The most important thing is, it can read anything! Haha......
if brand is not a big deal, get the cheapest one from Best Buy, only $49.99, can play all zones DVDs, plus DVD-R. Some branded one won't play DVD-R. I bought one for my dad, and he's super happy that DVD plays his DVD-Rs (TV show from HK) that wouldn't play in the pioneer we bought in HK