According to a recent article over at businesswire.com, the Vivitek Qumi HD LED pocket projector is now available to purchase both online and in retail stores, with an MSRP of $499. The device weighs in at just 1.4 pounds, and is 3D-ready via Texas Instruments’ DLP Link technology.

The Qumi features a sleek design and touch sensitive buttons, and is ready to use with a number of different devices including (but not limited to) smartphones, laptops, tablet PCs and digital cameras. It also comes with a 720p native WXGA (11280 x 800) resolution.

Connectivity options on the Vivitek Qumi include Universal I/O (24-pin connector for component/VGA input), AV mini-jack audio out, USB, mini HDMI and microSD card slots for memory expansion and content. Other features include a 2500:1 contrast ratio and a brightness of up to 300 lumens.

The Vivitek Qumi LED pocket projector comes with an integrated 1W speaker, provides around 30,000 plus LED hours of operation and is offered in both a white or black finish. Are you thinking about buying a new pocket projector?

We have been given the opportunity to take a closer look at the 3M MPro150 Pocket Projector, as this is the first time that I have tried one out, I did not know what to expect. You will notice from the moment that you unpack the device and take it in your hands how solid it all feels. We were a little worried at first before the battery went in; it is just amazing how much a battery can make a difference to the feel of any device.

While looking around the device you will notice that the tripod mount is towards the front, when you consider that the projector is rear heavy it will be awkward to get the angle set up perfectly. We will see how we get on a bit later.

So first things first – who is the MPro150 for? The easiest answer would be to say for business, and that is mostly correct. However, if you are someone who loves to show off photos and videos to friends and families, then this device is perfect for that. Although trying to justify £349 for that purpose will be difficult.

The device weighs just 160 grams and at 125mm long will fit into any top pocket easily. You might wonder why you would want to carry another device around with you when you have to hold a presentation, consider the fact that you will no longer need to carry your laptop with you. Yes you can show all of your videos, photos and presentations all from this small device, and is much easier to show a larger group – none of that crowding around your small laptop.

The 3M MPro150 Pocket Projector comes with 1GB of internal storage as well as a MicroSD card slot. Transferring files to them is done via USB on your laptop or computer. Do not think that this device will make it possible for you to start watching home movies on, which we discussed more above.

Like me you will want to remove the projector from it’s packaging and see how it works right away, and that’s the good thing with the MPro150. There is no need for any cables, you are ready from the get go. Just remember to give the battery a good charge first – that battery will be able to run for two hours between charges.

Although the MPro150 has a solid feel to it, which we discussed above – we were a little disappointed with how loud the main control was when clicked. It was a good thing that we waited for the battery to charge up, as I needed to wait for the sun to go down a bit to get the best from the projector – we all know how they hate the sun. When we powered it up for the first time I decided to use the tripod, our fears about the weight distribution were correct, the device always wants to fall back. However, with some manipulation to the tripod we were able to get the perfect angle.

Our display was a little out of focus at first, but the focusing of the lens could not be simpler, as the control is on the front right next to the lens. We can tell you that photos are very vibrant and text is nice and sharp. During brighter conditions you will need to set the device close, a setting of 20-inches is perfect. It is only at night that you are able to go up to the max 50-inch display size.

There is a number of ways in how you can connect the projector – on a computer, camera, camcorder, iPhone, games console and more. The device will play a number of different file formats from its MicroSD card, but is limited on video formats.

The 3M MPro150 Pocket Projector is much better than its predecessor in a number of ways, but is still lacking in some key areas. However, we are certain that 3M will address those and make the next model even better.

Do not let that put you off though, if you have a spare £349 burning a hole in your pocket and you hate the idea of carrying a laptop around with you for presentations, then the MPro150 is a must.

For more details visit www.3m.co.uk

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