Have Projector, Will Travel

Test Illumination

To evaluate image quality, the PC World Test Center performed a side-by-side comparison of the projectors in each of our two weight classes.

We positioned the projectors to produce identical-size images. Because the Sharp PG-M10X lacks a zoom lens with an adjustable focal length, this projector had to be manually positioned relative to the others. We then viewed a series of slides chosen to emphasize the sharpness of either text or graphics, under two sets of lighting conditions: the ambient light of an office environment, and a completely dark room. Test images included color photographs, graphical Web pages, and color and gray-scale artwork.

All units were tested at their native XGA resolution. We also displayed a TV signal through each projector to evaluate how well the unit handled video. In selecting our Best Buys, we put a premium on overall quality of displayed text and graphics. Other factors we considered: sound quality, the ease of menu navigation, and the usability of the remote.

Our tests used the default projector settings, but all the projectors permit manual adjustment to optimize picture quality. For example, the Sony VPL-CX10 has a specific setting for improving text images by increasing the contrast, and the NEC LT155 provides choices for enhancing graphics in lighted and darkened rooms via gamma correction (which adjusts the overall image brightness) and color temperature options (which control image warmth).

The Compaq MP2800 clearly emerged as the top performer in the under-5-pounds group. In both lighting environments, it garnered the best overall ratings for text and graphics display. Text-heavy images--for example, a spreadsheet with columns of numbers (in 8-point Arial, Microsoft Excel's default font)--were particularly sharp and appeared uniformly brighter than those from either the NEC or the Sharp units. The Compaq's unique upright design throws the projected image higher, too, which may eliminate the need to adjust the projector's height.

In both sets of lighting conditions, the NEC LT155 displayed graphics marginally better than either the Compaq or the Sharp projector, exhibiting more vivid colors and crisper details. The Sharp projector displayed text-based images better than the NEC unit in both the ambient-light and the darkened-room tests.

The Proxima DP6150 bagged our Best Buy in the 5-plus-pounds group. Besides offering dynamic stereo sound and versatile input options, this model logged the best scores for display quality of text and graphics. Letters were sharp and legible, and graphics showed rich hues and dense color saturation. In test images of color scales, the Proxima displayed a greater number of discernible shades.

The runner-up in this weight class, the Epson 715c, bested the Sony VPL-CX10 across the board. The Epson couldn't touch the Proxima in most of our tests, but it came close with its high-quality images in ambient lighting. The Sony looked its best in the darkened room.

Projector Weigh-In

For presenters who travel frequently and do lots of small-group presentations, we recommend the Compaq MP2800. Though this model is a little pricier than the other two sub-5-pound units here, its sleek design and superior image and audio quality make it an excellent choice.

If you don't mind the extra weight and cost--and you would like to use the projector in a broader range of presentation settings--we recommend the 1400-lumen Proxima DP6150. The brightest unit of the bunch, the Proxima's versatility and excellent image quality make it a superior all-around presentation tool.