ViewSonic PJ260D Portable DLP Projector

While it performed admirably well in displaying sharp lettering in word processing and spreadsheet documents, as well as in PowerPoint slides, its color graphics were a shade less saturated than the images from higher-rated models. For example, the PJ260D's skin tones in our various photos looked paler than those from competitors such as the Acer P3250. And in a scene from the Speed Racer DVD that's full of splashy effects, the PJ260D's hues were less visually striking than what we saw from other projectors with more-saturated colors. However, we were able to improve the PJ260D's color significantly by changing the default display mode (from "PC" to "Movie") and by making other image adjustments.

Setting up and using the PJ260D is a little awkward. The power socket is located on the side, which is more unwieldy for cable management than the rear panel (where all of the other connections are located). Underneath, the projector has only two tilt-adjustment feet, rather than the more-common three. This model's small set of controls is a bit dodgy to use, too. Fortunately, the PJ260D's small remote has easier-to-use buttons for accessing the on-screen display and for making image adjustments. Although the remote lacks a handy hot-button for changing the preset display mode, it does have a laser pointer, often a nice feature for a presenter to have close at hand. Finally, a more-precise user guide with matching explanations for each control button and on-screen menu option would help make the PJ260D easier to work with.

If your primary use for a projector is to make presentations, and if you don't mind running your presentations in XGA resolution (to obtain the best image sharpness and clarity) or fiddling with the controls to get the best color, the ViewSonic PJ260D might be for you. But the competing Acer P3250 XGA projector--which offers most of the same features, has better default color, includes an HDMI input for digital display, and costs less--is the better deal.