It's hard to go wrong with low-end gear from either Toshiba or Panasonic. They're usually pretty bullet-proof, and bang-for-buck. However, as you noted, combo decks are going to compromize both - get something for $50, and you're getting two $25 units. They would have some parts in common, but very few. If it were me, I'd spend a decent amount of money on a DVD player, and then get the cheapest VCR I can find.