How easy is it to transfer dvd's onto an MP4 player?

[JackBauer]

I am thinking of buying an MP4 for a looooong journey I have to go on with DD's (involving car, plane and 3 hour coach) but I want to be able to put on some dvd's to keep them distracted at times.
How easy /expecsive is this goign to be?

hello JB,
In terms of cost all the software you need to do this is available for free, none of which is that difiicult to use. The software can be a little fiddly at first however, and the videos may take some time to convert,depending on length etc.

There are some commercial softwares that maybe easier, but i know nothing of these as i am a cheapskate .
Basically you need two programs to convert to MP4 for free:
'dvd decrypter' to copy the dvd files (vobs) to your computer and remove copy protection from them, thus enabling you to convert them to another format. Though technically 'not available' IYSWIM, googling it will generally turn up a copy...

and 'Jodix ipodvideo converter' which is freeware available from here to convert to MP4.

there are lots of tutorials etc. around for using these progs, but let me know if i can help.

That's great, thanks. Cheap is one word, but I was really looking for 'free'
DH can deal with technical queries I hope but I had lost him to his little bro on xbox last night and I wanted to know before I bought an MP4 and then couldn't use it!