Abstract: A passenger entertainment system for use on aircraft and other types of vehicles and methods for manufacturing and using same. The entertainment system comprises a mobile entertainment apparatus that can communicate with a database system having at least one file library. When communicating with the database system, the entertainment apparatus can select and download one or more files from the file libraries. Once the selected files have been downloaded, the entertainment apparatus can present the files regardless of whether communication with the database system is maintained. If the entertainment apparatus is installed in a vehicle, for example, a passenger in the vehicle can download the files during travel to a portable personal entertainment system, which can retain the files even if disconnected from the entertainment apparatus. The passenger thereby can view the files at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle, by removing the personal entertainment system from the vehicle.