This is a projector with enough brightness to actually do a small business presentation. I mean really! As long as you have decent lighting control and also don't go too large with the screen.
Want to put up a 4 or 5 foot diagonal image? Really, this pico sized Optoma PK320 can do a respectable job for a presentation, perhaps some gaming (probably not really fast games like 1st person shooters), or watching a movie. We'll discuss all of that.
The PK320 pico projector has a solid state LED light source that should easily outlast the projector, and the level of technology.
Check out the highlights below, some quick specs, the special features, then read on to get a more in depth look at the Optoma PK320.
Optoma PK320 Special Features
Battery Power , AC Power
The projector is powered by a Lithium Ion battery. Projector produces an advertised 40 lumens when using the battery. To achieve Bright Mode with 100 lumens, you must have AC power plugged in or have a battery pack, which is optional. We reviewed one small battery pack recommended by Optoma last year, that's about the same size as the projector. Click for info on the XP8000 battery pack.
Tripod Mount
The PK320 easily mounts to a tripod for easy setup because of the threaded hole on the bottom of the projector.
LED Light Technology
You never have to replace the lamp. The LED light technology used in Pico projectors means you will most likely buy the latest model before the lamp ever fails.
PK320 Multimedia Player SD and USB inputs
The PK320 doesn't need a computer, digital camera, camcorder, or a dvd player. The built in multimedia player will play your images, videos, and more, if input through the USB port, or the built in SD card slot. This is typical of pico projectors, and a key to keeping things light for many on the road. No reason why you can't present your Powerpoint presentation by simply exporting as JPG images, placing on an SD card or USB thumb drive, and popping it into the PK320 projector.
PK320 HDMI Input Discussion
The PK320 has a mini-HDMI input. It works as advertised, however, one thing to be aware of: Not all cables will work. (Optoma does not provide an HDMI-mini cable.)
Today there are some very thin HDMI cables out there pioneered by a company called Redmere. They sent me several and I've been using them at various times for about a year. Their technology is now sold under many brand names, including, I believe, some Monster cables. (The actual 10 foot cable, is no thicker than an iPhone charging cable - extremely thin compared to anything else), (think thinner than a strand of spaghetti). I normally carry a standard HDMI and one with HDMI on one end and the HDMI-mini on the other, when I travel. I often hook up to room LCDTVs when possible.
A super thin HDMI - HDMI-mini cable that weighs less than an ounce would seem perfect - if it works. The thing is the technology that helps make it work draws power from the HDMI at the display end (normally power, when needed, is pulled from the source, not the display). The PK320 apparently doesn't provide that power at the display end so this smart cable can't get the juice it needs to work. Bottom line, you'll need a more standard thickness and weight cable
More in inputs on the Tour page (next)
Audio
Has a 1 watt speaker which won't rock anyone's house, but there is also a 3.5mm audio headphone jack. If you want more audio, feed the output of the headphone jack to a powered speaker (there are some pretty impressive very small ones), or a regular audio system, then you can rock the house.