Great features of small projectors

A small projector is a compact and mobile version of a standard projector that retains all its functions. When there is no possibility to transport equipment of standard size or economy is needed, the choice can be stopped on the mini model of a multimedia device, especially since it has all the necessary functions for the projector.

Kinds of compact projectors

The division into groups by area helps to navigate a bit in the range.

1. Pocket projector - a device the size of a smartphone. The optimal use area is content output from mobile gadgets.
2. Mobile or portable projector is a smaller version of the usual, different weight, relatively small size.Structurally, it practically does not differ from the standard video projector, except that it is inferior in the quality of the picture.
3. Pico projectors - Useful toys for fun. These are ultra-small projectors, which, indeed, are capable of outputting an image up to 50 inches onto a plane.

Asus Mini Projector

All projectors are divided by area of ​​use: for home or work, but the division is too conditional. At home, it is quite acceptable to use a top-end mobile projector, and in a small audience there may be enough handheld device for presentation. So, let us analyze in order which projectors are more convenient for what to use, and what are their features.

Pocket version

Pocket models are attractive in many ways:

• small size - with frequent travel is important;
• among the range there are models that support svga, wsvga or sga;
• projectors of the last years of release are equipped not only with a vga-connector, but also hdmi, which is commonly used in various devices;
• LED bulbs in pocket models last 5 to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Naturally, the reduction in size cuts and functionality. The first thing that can be attributed to the shortcomings - those LED lampscapable of producing only 100 - 300 lumens. For a high-quality image in a brightly lit room this is not enough. If you are giving a presentation, it is permissible to shut the windows, but the device is not suitable for seminars, because students usually outline lectures.

Li’l Laser Projector

Maximum screen size also limited and will not exceed 100 cm diagonally. The indicator is modest, but for a small audience about 15 people is enough. In comparison with a laptop, a pocket projector clearly wins and in size of the screen, and in its own dimensions.

Mobile projectors

Such devices, as far as possible, retained the traditional design, but their size does not exceed the A4 format. The weight of such equipment can vary in the range from 1.5 to 3 kg. You can find more models, for example, 5 - 6 kg, but they can hardly be called "mobile", it is rather a "portable" equipment.

Projectors are equipped with ordinary lamps with a resource of 2-6 thousand hours, which increases the power and brightness to 3-3,5 thousand lumens. If the pocket model 1024x768 resolution is the "ceiling", then for mobile this figure will be minimal.

Mobile devices are usually connect to laptop, because there is enough HDMI or VGA cable. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module for wireless synchronization of a computer and a projector will not be superfluous. The problem is quite common when it is difficult to connect devices with cables, and it is convenient to arrange this entire composition. A wireless network will greatly facilitate use, but not all models support data transfer through these protocols.

ASUS S1 Mobile Projector

Evaluating the quality of the picture, optimally stop the choice on 1280x800 resolution (WXGA), any formats of smaller value will fit into it. For extreme savings, XGA, graphics or tables are not demanding at all, and video content at this resolution will be quite satisfactory.

Pico projectors

Today, most of them are just toys that have the smallest size among all projectors and weigh about 250 grams. While it is difficult to take them seriously, as equipment for business, but some models are capable of minor feats.

For example, the Optoma Pico PK301 has a capacity of 50 lumens when connected via wire and 27 lumens when running on battery power. The second interesting copy is presented by Samsung - SP-H03, with an indicator of 30 Lm, besides, it reads all office documents perfectly.

What Pico can do for you is to work in a completely darkened room.With no background light at all, the mini-projector will play video up to 50 inches on screen.

When working in the daytime their maximum is a screen up to 30 cm, about the same displays are on tablets or netbooks, but the Pico is several times smaller. Not always miniature projectors will be appropriate for business, but on vacation, on a camping trip they will entertain well.

3M pico projector MP160

"Independent" mobile models

Among the variety of mini-multimedia projectors there are not only basic modifications. Individual attention is given to devices that can work autonomously, without connecting to a laptop or other gadgets. When you have a lecture or a presentation one after another, carrying a load from the set of “projector-laptop-accessories” is not so simple. It is quite convenient if a single projector is enough for the event, but for this it should have connector for USB media or card reader.

In addition to useful outputs, autonomous equipment is able to independently read and play various formats of photo or video content. But you should be careful: not every model will read office documents, most often they need to be converted to JPG format or converted to a special projector format.

If the recognition of text documents is a priority, choose among such top-end vendors like Sony or Samsung.

UNIC UC40 Mini Projector with text document support

It does not matter what the manufacturer promises on the box, be sure to read the list of supported files in the passport. It is even better to carry a flash drive with different documents and test the model still in the store.

Useful if the projector itself will have a minimum own memoryFor example, Samsung has models with a 59 MB disk. Not much, but more than enough for a presentation. Thus, the user does not even need a flash drive - everything you need can be downloaded to the projector.

Wireless connection nuances

As already mentioned, it is good if the device has a Wi-Fi module, because the absence of wires is very convenient. Unfortunately, all the advantages are only theoretical, rare models of projectors will transmit photos or video content wirelessly.

The main nuance is that some devices support only control through the protocol. Wi-Fi. There are also more advanced ones capable of transmitting a live image to a large screen, but the cost of such devices is higher.Read reviews of experienced owners about the most interesting models - you will learn a lot of useful information about the features of work.

Usage and configuration rarely cause inconvenience, popular Windows 7 / Vista operating systems synchronize with projectors without installing special drivers, for other platforms you will have to install an application. This is, perhaps, all the manipulations necessary to connect multimedia equipment with a laptop.

ZTE SPro 2 Mini Projector with Wi-Fi Module

Criteria for choosing a good model

A good technique is one that meets the user's requests and performs all the tasks. Mini-projectors are no exception here, the choice will have to be approached thoroughly, given their considerable cost.

When buying a mobile projector, you should focus not only on its option, but also on the size of the screen where the image will be displayed. There is a special formula for calculating the optimal power of equipment for working in a lighted room.: X = 500 x S, where X - power (Lm), and S is the screen area.

Calculate the desired figure is quite simple, it is permissible to retreat 50 Lm downwards.

The output of high-quality content, such as BlyRay or Full HD, will require the appropriate resolution of the projector - the minimum here will be 1920x1080. Naturally, the quality of the original image can not be improved, but it is easy to reduce it. For those who conduct presentations and strive to create an impeccable image in the business field, there will be important even such trifles as picture quality.

Rechargeable batteries usually Li-ion, may differ in volume, and, therefore, in time of continuous operation. Capacity is measured in A * h (ampere-hour), the higher the rate, the more expensive the device or a replaceable battery, the longer the projector will work without recharging.

The conclusion is simple: among the models of mini-projectors there are both funny toys and rather serious equipment, which is very useful not only at home, but also at work.