Everyone knows what a projector is. However, these days, the cool thing to do is to make things smaller — not bigger. So what do you do to a projector? You make it smaller and call it a pico projector of course! In response to the emergence of compact portable devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, etc. companies have introduced the pico projector. Also known as pocket projector or mobile projector, this device can project digital images on any viewing surface such as a wall or projector screen. The pico projector has not been out for that long, but they are growing and growing fast.

So the big question is, why are pico projectors so great? Well, first of all, they pack a powerful punch for such little devices. Not to mention they are energy efficient and burn brighter and longer by using a LED light source instead of the conventional lamp. However, there is one pico projector I have my eye on by Microvision that will be the first to offer a laser light source. I can’t wait! A few more pros on a pico project are:

• Generally the size of a pack of cigaretts.
• All of a composite video source (the ones I’ve seen)
• Resolution is decent at 640X480 although there are a few not currently out that have wide screen resolutions
• They rang from $200 to $600
• Most are plug-and-play
• Fun to play with
• Quick charge
• Most have audio built in with 1 or 2 speakers
• Most have a good 1 year warranty

What can a pocket led projector do and what are some of examples of how it is used?

You can practically use a pico projector for anything. All the pico projectors I have seen on the market have composite video inputs so you can hook up a DVD player, camcorders, digital cameras, and many more devices. Most pico projectors have a rechargeable battery so you can take them anywhere you want. Also, most pico projectors last about an hour fully charged so unfortunately, you can’t watch Titanic using it, but you could definitely give a presentation. You’ll probably need a spare battery if you want to watch Titanic. One important thing to note about pico projectors is that they only allow you to charge the battery while inside the projector. In addition, the battery cannot charge while the projector is being used so that is a tad inconvenient as well.

As for the quality of a pico projector, you will be disappointed if you buy one of these with the expectation of displaying images to that of a theatre projector. As mentioned, most pico projectors on the market are 640X480. There is one by Texas Instruments with 854X480 resolution but that is the highest I’ve seen to date. If you have ever seen a pico projector in action, you will be pleasantly surprised comparatively. I was able to see a phone connected to a Optoma Pico and was pretty shocked at how it looked. I’m interested to see how the mitsubishi pocket projector performs. One day I dream of a widescreen and HD 720P pico projector. I assume one day soon we will see a few of these start to emerge as pico projectors become even more popular.

If you have not noticed, there are many pico projectors that are currently out that are built into another device. There is a Samsung phone that has a pico projector built right in so that is pretty convenient. Once pico projectors really start soaring, I have a feeling we will see them in portable gaming devices such as a PSP or a Nintendo DS. However, Reuters says, “Since phones already have so many bells and whistles, such as multitouch screens, cameras and music and video players, some analysts question how much room there is to add more components.” I would agree, but manufacturers will figure out a way, I am sure.

Without a doubt, pico projectors strong points remain to be their tiny size, weight, and the fact of having a rechargeable battery. Not to mention, they are neat devices that are pretty portable enough to carry around with you anywhere you go. Problems that may deter a consumer may be color accuracy and resolution. You will not be blown away with stunning effects, but they are decent for what they can do. Take a look at this video to get a better look. Also, they are pretty pricey. I have found a few good deals for some that are averaging around $200. If you do presentations often, I’d say this is the perfect fit for you. No longer will you have to wheel in – what seems massive comparatively – a normal projector to give a presentation. Simply pull a pico projector out of your pocket and there you go! Dell, Samsung, BenQ, and a few other big manufactures showed off a few of their latest Pico projectors at CES this year and they are getting better, but for me not quite there just yet. I imagine within the next year or two, they will get much better and probably start to replace those massive projectors. Until then, enjoy what is out and try not to blow them off just yet because there is a big future for these little guys.