Hi-
I assume that most portable data projectors are going to have 110v - 220v ability, ne? Same as with a notebook…I am thinking of buying a data projector in the USA where it is cheaper and just buy a plug adapter.
Any data projector recommendations while we are at it? I’d like to spend less than $750 for one used in a classroom for 50 days a year.
-Tcat
Here’s a link to a store I buy a lot of stuff from. The Projector People is another source. I have an infocus screenplay from about 4 years ago that’s been fine. CNET has reviews of most models unless they’re brand new. The important thing is to make sure the connections are compatible with your laptop. Also, replacement lamps are several hundred dollars so you want to pamper it as much as you can.
I do presentations for a living now and have to work with a number of LCD projectors.
Here are the features I’ve found to be significant:
Brightness. Each manufacturer apparently grades themself on this, but it does make a significant difference. On average 2000 lumens seems a good cutoff to me. I don’t like dimming the lights.
Size. Not a consideration if you don’t need to move it around.
Noise. Look at the specs and see if the noise is listed in decibels. Newer ones tend to be quieter but the background hum can be significant.
Throw. Make sure the position of the projector will give you an adequate size image. A wider throw lets you put the projector closer to the screen which will make it easier to use in a classroom.
Resolution. Not very important for newer ones for anything but specialized use. In my experience XGA is just fine (1024x768). Hard to even find SVGA or lower.
Inputs. In addition to the regular inputs I like the feature where the projector can accept a card on which the presentation is stored. This frees you up from needing a laptop as a source. When combined with a remote you can do an entire presentation using only the projector and its remote, along with the presentation that’s been transferred to the card in the projector.
Keystone correction. I think any newer model would have this.
Lamp life and replacement cost. Not the first consideration but something to look at.
In the price range of $750 might be the Epson 76C for example. Less than $750 US on Amazon. I don’t think it has the ability to present off a card and I offer it not as a specific suggestion but maybe as a starting point from which to compare other models. I haven’t personally developed a taste for one brand over another although I love my own Epson. Some sites sell refurbished stuff. I am a cheapskate and tend to go for those but everyone is different.
Thanks guys.
Can someone flip one of theirs over and see if they are 110 - 220v? The specs on the web normally don’t list that.
-Tcat
bump
Almost all projectors will be rated 110 V to 220 V. Same with laptops. Universal power supplies are cheap enough these days, it no longer makes sense to manufacturer separate models.