The mini portable projector has its pros and cons - judge for yourself whether it's suited for you.

Hi, folks, this week I have a treat for you. Some of my friends refer to this device as the portable TV set, or the handy flat-screen TV. The actual name for this device is the mini multimedia portable projector (PP).

What's a projector in the first place?

A projector takes a video signal and projects the corresponding image on a screen using a lens system. Projectors are widely used for conference room presentations, classroom training, home theatre, and for live events. Common display resolutions for a portable projector include SVGA (800x600 pixels), XGA (1024x768 pixels), 720p (1280x720 pixels) and 1080p (1920x1080 pixels).

What's makes this one different?

The one major disadvantage of owning a multimedia projector is portability. Sure, it's portable enough to throw in the back of your car and forget about it, but for most persons that's not portable enough. The PP is the size of a pencil case, and weighs less than most science textbooks.

Performance

I was a bit disappointed in the performance category. I had my imagination get the better of me, and the PP didn't perform up to my expectations. My main gripe with this device is the size of the projected image. The projected size of the image is roughly the size of the display on a 27-inch television set. This isn't bad, but not ideal for high-end users who want a bigger picture image for larger viewing audience.

On the other hand, the device also comes with a built-in card reader, which makes it easier to watch videos or view photos already stored on one. Also, this PP comes packaged with audio video cable, remote, USB cable, wall charger, rechargeable battery, tripod stand, pocket-size projector, driver compact disc, and manual.

What can I do with it?

What can you do with a 27-inch TV that can hold in your back pocket? Let's see. You could:

a) Use the device as your little portable TV at parties at which you can watch movies or play video games.

b) Use this device to help with school presentations that need more visual attention than vocal. They always say a picture is worth a thousand words.

c) This is ideal for a sales representative who is always pitching ideas to others.

Final thoughts

This is one of the few gadgets that make you say, "Wow! Technology has come a far way."

The product featured in this article was provided courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories; telephone 906-1067, 906-1068 or 754-5048.