Acer K11 DLP Pico Projector Review
July 2011 - Mike Rollet
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Acer K11 Projector Overview
The Acer K11 projector is an SVGA (858 X 600) DLP projector that fits into the current class of “mini” projectors. With no external dimension over 6” and weighing in at just over a pound, the K11 is still able to put out over 200 lumens, making it possible to use the K11 in less than ideal lighting conditions. The K11 features an LED light source that is rated to last 30,000 hours. As is typically the case with mini and pico projectors, the K11 uses a fixed lens, so there is no zooming ability (only digital zooming on the image). This requires the projector to be placed at the proper distance for the screen size desired, as well as at the proper height. On the plus side, the K11 does have very good automatic digital keystone correction to facilitate setup. The K11 can project up to an 80” diagonal image from just over 11 feet.
The K11 features a HDMI input (a very welcome addition) as well as the traditional VGA computer input. It can also project from a USB thumb drive, an SD card, or (with an optional adapter) from an iPod or iPhone. This wide selection of inputs makes it possible to use the K11 for a wide variety of presentations and without the use of a computer. There is a built-in one watt speaker for minimal audio output, but unfortunately no audio output jack for external speakers.
While the K11’s light weight and compact size makes it a good choice for travelling, it unfortunately does not have a battery option and it power supply is larger than some of the ones provided with today’s laptop computers. Regardless, the Acer K11’s combination of good brightness, decent contrast, good color accuracy, long lamp life and low price will please those in the market for a pico projector, but need more lumens than the typical pico projector.
Acer K11 Projector Highlights
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Small and lightweight – 1.3 lbs.
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Decent Brightness – 200 lumens
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Good contrast ratio – 2000:1
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Playback from USB drives and SD cards
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30,000 hour LED life
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Variety of display modes
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Ability to display from iPod or iPhone (requires optional adapter)
Specs for the Acer K11
Click here for full specifications: Acer K11
MSRP: $379 (street price $340)
Technology: DLP
Native Resolution: SVGA (858x600)
Brightness: 200 lumens
Contrast: Up to 2000:1
Zoom Lens ratio: N/A (fixed lens at 1.0x)
Lens shift: None
Lamp life: 30000 hours
Dimensions: (Not including feet) 4.8”W x 1.7”H x 4.6”D
Weight: 1.3 lbs.
Warranty: 1 year Parts and Labor on projector
Acer K11 Projector Special Features
Acer EcoProjection Technology – The Acer K11 has special power management circuitry that minimizes power draw in standby mode, as well as reducing power if there is no input signal for 5 minutes.
30,000 Hour LED Life – The Acer K11 uses an LED light source that is rated to last 30,000 hours. This is likely longer than the life of the projector.
Acer Empowering Technology – By pressing the special “e” button on the remote, the presenter can easily access the picture modes, timer and power management features of the K11.