Buying our first projector

[Third Sector Lab]

I'm purchasing a projector for our charity in the new year, it will be used connected to a laptop and used for the usual - Powerpoint, DVDs, etc.

It won't have heavy use but it should be robust.

The biggest criteria is that it's ultra-portable - not too heavy and bulky.

I've never bought a projector in my life, so...

- What features should I look out for when buying one?

- What price can I expect to pay (being a charity cost is a big issue)?

- Are there any bargains out there at the moment?

 

[An Oasis]

Balance the number of times it will be used against the cost of hiring. Both can be offset against taxation (not sure the % in your case).

 

[Third Sector Lab]

I've seen some projectors reduced to £250-300 online which seem adequate. Such as these: http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/BenQ_Projectors/prod.asp

The projector would be used monthly so I'm not sure hiring them would be such a good idea. What does everyone else think?

 

[An Oasis]

Just remembered we were at an event recently where the head of voluntary services had access to copious amounts of kit via the local authority...might be worth a try.

 

[Third Sector Lab]

Can anyone help with...

- What features should I look out for when buying one?

- What price can I expect to pay (being a charity cost is a big issue)?

- Are there any bargains out there at the moment?

 

[HC-Martin]

We recently bought one of these: http://www.pcwb.com/catalogue/item/A0437587

Fab bit of bit. Basic, yet good quality, light and portable!

Good price too.

 

[Third Sector Lab]

That seems ideal and it's a great price, although 800x600 seems a low resolution, what's the picture quality like?

 

[paulhalsey]

I have two projectors...a "standard" lamp type, the Epson TW20, which is permanently ceiling mounted for static use in the boardroom.

The other is the super portable one, using LED....much less prone to the old problems of accidental bulb damage from being bashed about or shaken, cooling down periods, fan noise etc. It's the Samsung SP-P310ME and it's a little belter!

find a good AV dealer who can do you a demo before you buy...or even rent one for a day to play with it.

 

[Third Sector Lab]

Love that little Samsung but £500 is way out of our price range.

 

[paulhalsey]

True, it's not the cheapest. It would be worth looking into other LED projectors if you really do intend to lug it all over the country! The size and weight of a traditional lamp projector is a real pain in the proverbials. That and the lamp life....I only get about 2500 hours out of the Epson but most LED units, like the Samsung, you get a life in excess of 10000 hours....and at £175 per bulb for the Epson, changing that once a year is annoying.
Seriously though, if it's true portable you want, go small and LED...the extra few quid is worth its (lack of weight) in gold!
In this climate, shop around and haggle...amazing what people will discount just to shift units before the holidays...including me and my Konica Minolta printers & copiers!

 

[Third Sector Lab]

Thanks for the tips mate, it seems LED is the way forward. Is picture quality on a par with the lamp projectors?

Just need to find an LED projector bargain now!

 

[paulhalsey]

The Samsung, for general laptop presentations in a typical meeting environment (lights off, blinds drawn etc), is absolutely fine. I wouldn't recommend trying to pump out a home cinema experience as it can't handle the speed & detail of that sort of thing as well as one designed for the job.

I've got a feeling that this model is discon now anyway so search for LED projector and have a wander through the offers....to be honest, I don't know what a good alternative would be if this one is no longer available. Something in the 800x600 range will be perfectly adequate for normal work type presentations - PPT, XLS etc.

Happy shopping!

 

[paulhalsey]

had a quick look myself....good grief!! (Must....buy....new.....gadget!!!!)

have a look at dabs (quicklinx 59D7)....I want one.,...NOW!!

 

[Bruce_Andrews]

Don't forget picture quality will also depend on the throw, screen, and ambient light.

Go visit your local friendly Office Supplies dealer - he might get you a deal from one of the manufacturers, especially in exchange for some good local PR.

Oh yes, and a vote for the local authority "no longer required" scheme.

Where ever it comes from, check the cost and life expectancy of the bulbs.

 

[cookieonline]

In this situation I always reach for the holy bible of kit recommendations - PC Pro

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/76164/dell-3400mp.html (as an example)

 

[simonr]

I'm a bit alarmed by the idea that £500 is way out of your league! What are you going to do when the lamp goes?!!?

I know it's asking a lot but paying less is a false economy (assuming you were serious when you said it had to be ultra-portable). As you can imagine, doing what we do for a living we use dataprojectors all the time. That said, if you do need to stay at the bottom end of the market then Acer do a variety of relatively robust, relatively good and relatively cheap!

It may be that there are better alternatives than buying, depending on your individual circumstances - what *exactly* will you be doing with the projector (frequency of presentations, size of audience, typical rooms etc).

Simon

PS: PM if you prefer!

 

[bigmouth241]

Acer do some pretty nifty little projectors at fairly reasonable prices with some good features. OK granted, I will be the first to admit that their support is terrible but if you buy from a good VAR then that shouldnt be a problem anyway.

I've just finished installing 10 Hitachi ED-EX10's for a local college - whilst these are education only, it seems in general Hitachi projectors are pretty nifty!

That said, if prices are a little high you can often find some refurb kit on eBay which is ex-corporate at a good rate.

 

[Eplaygaming]

About one of these..

yes it is a projector ( amongst other things )

Talking about £1800. Just do a search for r2d2 projector