Small Mitsubishi Projector More Toy Than Tool

Mitsubishi's $799 PocketProjector is a marvel of compact projection technology. Weighing barely 14 ounces, this palm-size (4.8 by 1.8 by 3.8 inches) unit is no trouble to carry and is easy to hook up to a notebook, DVD player, digital camera, or gaming console. To make the PocketProjector even more convenient to tote, an optional rechargeable battery (which costs an extra $199) snaps onto the projector's bottom and gives you about 2.5 hours of power.

The PocketProjector uses Texas Instruments' Digital Light Processing technology to project native SVGA (800 by 600) resolution images. Because it works with LED-based bulbs (three Lumileds LEDs) and is rated at a brightness level of only 250 lux (an industry measurement of light output), the PocketProjector is no match for conventional portable projectors equipped with more-powerful lamps.

I found the preproduction version I tested best suited for use in a dark room or under very low ambient light conditions. At night, the PocketProjector produced images that were rich in color, with good contrast and sharp details. But during daytime hours and under low ambient light, images were harder to see, and color and details were lackluster.

The PocketProjector has a short-throw lens, so it can produce a fairly large image (up to 60 inches) at close range. It's suitable for after-hours use, but less so for workday business presentations.

Richard Jantz