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A 3-pound projector is much easier to pack up and carry around than a heavier model, which makes it perfect for on-the-go presentations. Now, Plus Vision has introduced a portable projector that will get you back on the road even faster--and it's a fine performer, too.

The $1995 V-332 is a compact 2.8-pound unit about the size of a thick paperback book. Like other projectors in its weight class, the V-332 uses Texas Instruments' Digital Light Processing technology.

What makes this projector unique, however, is its Unplug & Go function: The V-332 has a self-powered fan that continues to cool down the lamp after you unplug the unit. So instead of waiting for the projector to cool completely, you can begin packing.

I tested a shipping version of the V-332, and its Unplug & Go function worked well. According to the instructions, you need to wait until the fan stops before stowing the projector in a briefcase or bag, but in my tests that took less than a minute, after I had used the projector for over an hour.

Even without Unplug & Go, the V-332 has plenty to offer. Using its manual zoom lens, I could project fairly large images at short distances, such as a 5-foot-diagonal image at a distance of just under 8 feet. I also found the device's brightness rating of 1200 ANSI lumens (an industry-standard measure) sufficient for use in small conference rooms with moderate ambient light. Most important, the V-332 did a good job of projecting bright and crisp images from a laptop PC and other sources such as a DVD player.

The V-332 is a nice choice for busy presenters who want a proficient projector that looks good, is easy to use, and is quick to pack up.

Richard Jantz

Plus Vision V-332

Ultraportable projector is a breeze to use and carry.
Price when reviewed: $1995
Current prices (if available)