Projectors enliven presentation

JAKARTA (JP): Some things get bigger over time, while others shrink. For traveling professionals, smaller is definitely better.

For obvious reasons, globetrotters prefer smaller notebook computers, smaller cell phones, smaller everything. Unfortunately, with a smaller notebook, they also have a smaller display screen. What to do if they need to make a presentation and want to use the slide show they prepared with PowerPoint or Freelance?

Usually, they have to inform their host in advance that they need a video projector. That would pose no problem if the meeting was held in a well-equipped boardroom. But if the audience consists of only a few people in a small meeting room or if the company does not have a projector, then what? Would it not be better if they bring their own video projector?

Such a proposition does not sound unrealistic these days, as more and more companies are offering tiny but capable video projectors for people who are always on the go. They weigh about 1.5 kilograms, and they are not much bigger than two phone books put together.

If you have been following this section, you will have noticed the small projectors made by Plus, which is represented in Indonesia by PT Visi Lintas Media.

This latest generation of video or data projectors is so small compared to early models that they are called "microportable".

Some of the most popular microportable video projectors in the past were made by Compaq, which is now in the process of being swallowed into its archrival, Hewlett-Packard. Compaq's MP2800, for example, weighs 1.35 kg (3 pounds) and can produce 1,100 lumens.

This particular model has received a lot of accolade in the past.

Compaq is by no means the only computer vendor that offers microportable projectors. Other companies such as Acer, IBM and Toshiba also offer projectors to complement their line of computer notebooks. Add to these Canon, Panasonic, Plus and Sony.

The problem with these products is mainly the price. The top model from IBM, for example, is US$4,649. This will give you a three-pound, 1,100 lumen microportable projector with an XGA resolution. The lower-priced model, which is heavier at just over 3 kg (6.7 pounds) and has a lower resolution (SVGA), is offered at $3,239. The top of the line model from Compaq, the MP2800, is $4,499.

Clearly, these prices are not easy on most people's budget.

Besides, carrying around an expensive, small and easy-to- damage gadget does not always give us peace of mind. What if it gets stolen at the airport security check for example?

The good news is that much cheaper projectors have also entered the market. Lightware, which has been acquired by projector-king Plus Group, offers two Legend Series lightweight projectors, which are also light on the wallet.

The LS 8, for example is being offered on their website for $1,795. Its Scout XL carries an even lower price tag, $1,395. However, it produces only 700 lumens.

Most, if not all, of the microportable projectors use the DLP technology developed by Texas Instruments. The LCD-based projectors produce a brighter display, but they are more expensive to make and they cannot shrink as much as the DLP.

What to look for when choosing a projector? Besides price, you need to look at the level of brightness of the lamp, which is normally indicated in units of lumens. The best microprojectors are capable of producing images with 1,100 lumens or more.

The lower-scale models usually come with 800-lumen capability. Do not buy anything with less lumens, unless your budget only allows you to buy Lightware's Scout XL.

The second important feature is the resolution of the display. The highest resolution level now is XGA, or 1024 x 768 dots per inch (DPI). If your budget is limited, buy at least the SVGA model, which is capable of producing 800 x 600 DPI.

Availability of replacement lamps is very important, too, and so is the warranty. Other features to consider include keystone adjustment, digital zoom, mouse or remote control. Finally, consider the weight. As the rule above says, the lighter the better. (Zatni Arbi)