portable projector – Portable Digital Projector: Fifteen Selection Tips

Nov 24, 2009 in General

There are a number of important things to look for in a portable digital projector for meetings on the go. Your specification shopping list should include factors such as:

Light Weight – anything over 6 lb is not really portable;
Small Form Factor – smaller dimension projectors are easier to pack and carry;
Set-up Speed – look for a projector with some quick application select modes which match the type of presentation material and projection scenarios which are likely;
Screen Distance Flexibility – flexibility to cope with varying distances from the screen – short throw and zoom lenses provide flexibility;
Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift or Keystone Correction – to correct keystoning of the projected image when the projection screen is either not at the same height as the projector and/or horizontally in line / skewed – lens shift is preferred as there is no possibility of introducing artifacts from digital keystone correction;
Good Brightness – look for over 1,800 ANSI lumens to cope with less than perfect projection situations with plenty of ambient light (eg. training rooms), 1,200 ANSI – 1,800 ANSI lumens projectors can handle some ambient light;
High Contrast Ratio – something of the order of 2,000 or over will produce excellent results
Low Noise Level – you don’t want your voice to be competing with projector noise – a noise level in the 20 – 28 dB (whisper quiet) should be achievable;
Rugged Design – to protect the projector from dust and tolerate knocks during transport – look for shutters, caps and lack of protruding controls;
Quick Shut Down (cooling cycle) – so that you can move on without delay if necessary
Simple Remote Control – easy to use with large buttons – backlit if possible
Locking System – makes your valuable, portable projector less attractive for misuse or theft – password login keypads are a common solution;
Personalized Start-up Image – display your company logo for a professional touch
No PC Required Presentations – facility to load your presentation without a PC using a USB interface or similar;
Protective Carry Bag – a bag which offers some protection while leaving room to store the power cord, cables etc.

An Engineer and Web Developer, Jeff van der Wiel is a avid science and technology follower and critic. Further information on digital projectors or another presentation alternative, interactive whiteboards is available at the respective links.