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With its rating of 3300 lumens, the ultrabright Dell 5100MP ($3499 as of January 11, 2006) promises the highest light power among the 16 models in our test group for the April 2006 issue's projector roundup. At its brightness level, the 5100MP can handle duty in most presentation environments, including large conference rooms and lecture halls. You probably won't tote this model around too much, however: At 8.6 pounds, this DLP-based unit is a better match for an installation where the projector rarely moves. The 5100MP has a native SXGA+ (1400 by 1050) resolution that requires a computer signal at the same resolution for optimum image quality. Since the still-image tests that our judges used to compare projectors were XGA (1024 by 768) resolution, the 5100MP had to upscale our test images to fit its frame size. Unfortunately, this interpolation caused a slight loss of image sharpness in the 5100MP's text images--the projector displayed slightly blurred text material with a bolded look-- lowering its overall performance scores.

The difference in resolution didn't affect the 5100MP's performance on our graphics and motion playback tests, though. In these areas, the Dell earned better-than-average scores, displaying accurate color with good tonal detail in both light and shaded areas. And in informal tests using images captured at SXGA+ resolution, the 5100MP did a much better job of displaying sharp text.

Setting up the 5100MP is simple. A small LCD display on the top panel shows the projector's status (such as active input source) and is less cryptic than the blinking lights that most other models rely on. If the projector is tilted at an angle to the screen, its automatic keystone correction removes trapezoidal image distortion. Despite being packed with options (including network settings), the comprehensive on-screen menu is reasonably easy to navigate. To optimize the image, the 5100MP provides several preset picture modes (PC, movie, game, sRGB, and user mode), along with extensive color controls including individual red, green, and blue adjustments. The well-designed remote includes all the amenities a presenter may need, including a laser pointer, dedicated buttons for picture-in-picture and standard picture modes, and full mouse control.

The 5100MP supports a full complement of computer and video connections, and it comes bundled with all of the cables you'll need--including digital and component video--right out of the box. You even get an RJ-45 input connector for using the unit in a wired network environment. The built-in stereo sound system (a pair of 2-watt speakers) provided stronger sound than we've heard on most business projectors, and it includes both treble and bass control.

Upshot: The versatile albeit pricey Dell 5100MP delivers bright, high-resolution images, but for best text results it requires a computer set at an SXGA+ resolution.

Richard Jantz