Photograph: Marc SimonContrast or color--when it comes to portable projectors, you commonly have to sacrifice one for the other. Models that emphasize high contrast and brightness are best suited to business use, while projectors that deliver saturated color are ideal for viewing movies at home.
The $1995 Plus Vision V-339 doesn't force you to compromise. This 2.8-pound XGA (1024 by 768 resolution) projector combines Plus's new Dual Color Mode and Texas Instruments' Digital Light Processing technologies to deliver both high-contrast images and pure, vivid color.
The shipping version of the V-339 I tested performed well. I used the device's Dynamic color mode to display presentations and spreadsheets; then I switched to Vivid mode to screen DVDs, cable TV, and slide shows. Business documents appeared crystal clear and bright, while movies and graphics looked realistic.
With an output rating of 1300 ANSI lumens (the ANSI lumen is an industry standard for measuring brightness), the V-339 had no difficulty displaying bright images in a room with low ambient light. Its manual zoom lens allowed me to achieve a large image without having to position the projector far away from the viewing surface. For example, when positioned just over 11 feet from the screen, the V-339 displayed a sizable picture with a 7-foot diagonal, making it perfect for presentations in small conference rooms.
The V-339 is a compelling choice for road warriors who want a business projector that can also hold its own at home.
PCW Rating 
This compact projector is an excellent choice for use in the office and at home.
Price when reviewed: $1995
Current prices (if available)
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