Pico Projector Guide
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for anyone thinking about or interested in purchasing a pico projector, researching pico projectors or simply learning about the technology or the industry.
What is a Pico Projector?
Pico projectors are the smallest projectors currently available. They range anywhere from cell-phone size up to a thick paperback book. Some cell-phones and cameras even have pico-projectors built-in. They are also sometimes referred to as handheld projectors, pocket projectors, mobile projectors or nano projectors. Pico is pronounced “PEEK-oh,” BTW.
Micro Projectors are the next size up. If you look at AAXA’s product line, they actually define their pico projectors as Px (actual current models: P1, P2) and their micro projector as Mx (actual current model: M1).
I do micro projector reviews on this site so that you can see exactly what you would get it you gave up the small size.
What do you use a Pico Projector for?
Pico Projectors are generally used to share photos and/or videos from iPod, a digital camera or cell phone. Unlike larger projectors, Pico Projectors are portable and usually have a battery for on-the-go operation. They are generally NOT suited for large meetings or even medium size meetings, due to the low brightness levels.
Because of their small size and battery powered operation, impromptu photo, video or presentations are possible. For example, if you are in a restaurant and want to show your friends some pictures or your colleges a presentation you are about to give, you can just put your pico projector on the table and project against the wall, the side of a folder or whatever else is handy.
This small size and portability bring the projector out of the theater/meeting room and opens up entirely new ways of using projectors. It’s exciting to see how making a device small enough suddenly opens up a whole new world of ways to use it.
How expensive are Pico Projectors?
They range from $199 for an older model up to $999 for the latest projectors that use Laser technology. Most are in the $200-$400 range. These prices generally include a carry pouch, tripod, some cables and a battery. You also might find a remote control and extra memory cards.
Check out my market snapshot to see a current pricing and relative positions in the market.
Which Pico Projector should I buy?
Since there are quite a few available, and many have very similar specifications, I’ve complied a handful of factors that will cut the list down significantly.
Battery
Do you need your projector to be self-powered or are you OK plugging it into an outlet? The larger the projector, the less likely it will have batteries, but also the brighter it will be.
Onboard Memory or Slot for Memory Card
Do you want to display pictures, video and files without a computer, iPod or DVD player or do you always plan to connect your projector to a video source?
Watch out for odd compatibility issues. Even if it says H.264 and MP4 compatible, that doesn’t mean it will work with your files directly. Often you need to re-encode content using included proprietary software. Mac users need to be especially aware of this, as the proprietary software might be Windows-only.
Brightness
This is turns out to be the most important criteria. Most projectors are rated with lumens. Personally, this is not enough information for me and so I’m testing them myself with a light meter. I’ll post results as soon as I have them.
I’ll update this guide as I continue to write sections.