---   PORTABILITY AND WEIGHT   ---


Deciding Weight and Portability Needs
 -- Jim Gelder, Projectorian.com


There are a lot of technical specifications to consider when purchasing a projector, but weight and portability will also be important in your decision.


That high-end projector with all the latest technology may be more trouble than it's worth if it weighs over a hundred pounds and you have to move it from room to room several times a day.


Modern lightweight projectors have many more features than some of the older, heavier models, and they are getting increasingly affordable, with some models weighing in as little as two and a half pounds. Even the lightest weight models offer good native resolution and high lumen ratings.


Many of the lightweight models include features to enhance their portability, such as wireless capability. Some even have features that eliminate the need for a connected laptop and minimize the amount of equipment you must take with you. Some portable projectors have USB and PCMCIA slots, so presentations can be contained in a flash drive or external hard drive instead of having to connect the projector to a separate computer.


If you are a road warrior and take your projector to different sites, then you will want a lightweight and portable model that you can easily carry around, preferably one that weighs ten pounds or less. Ultralight projectors are available that are less than five pounds. These are great for traveling, and are very easy to pack, usually coming with their own portable carrying case.


A simple leather carrying case like the ones used for laptops may be adequate if you plan on carrying your projector with you, but if you plan on checking it in at the airport, make sure you have a durable, strong case that will protect it during shipping. These lightweight models will have fewer options, but still have a lot of technological sophistication to them.


However, portables that are between five and ten pounds are more likely to have more features and a brighter projection. For projectors that need to be moved around the office or between rooms don't need to be as light as the portable hand-carried models.


There is a tradeoff in portability, however. Those lightweight models have their advantages, but heavier models will offer greater durability, better performance and more options. Heavier models can be moved on a cart with wheels, but may be more difficult to just carry around from place to place. However, these larger conference room models typically come with more features, such as laser pointers, extra ports, and remote control.


The most powerful computers are the heaviest, and are usually meant for fixed installations. These can weigh over a hundred pounds, and are best suited for use in larger, bright rooms. These larger units are often able to accommodate different resolutions based on your specific needs.





You can get some advice about buying a projector and information about how to compare weight and portability via Yahoo from buyerzone.com. You can also learn the difference between portable, micro-portable and pico-portable from NNLM.