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Pico Projectors

The pico projectors category includes the latest in ultra-portable projectors, micro projectors, and pocket projectors for laptops and other convenient device integration. See below for a list of pico projector reviews and information pages.

Pico projectors, are hand-held portable devices that use a solid state light source such as LED instead of a conventional lamp.

Loosely defined as under 0.75 lbs., they are considerably smaller than similar “pocket projectors” or “mini projectors,” which are therefore over 0.75-1 lbs. Thus, these pico projectors are no larger than the size of a pack of cigarettes.

Since the first pico projectors emerged on the market a few years ago, each subsequent generation’s performance, on average, has exceeded its predecessors. Each year, picture quality, resolution, brightness and even inputs have become more advanced and are expected to continue to improve in the future.

Pico projector brands: 3M, LG, Optoma, Samsung, AAXA.

Pico Projector Reviews

Pico Projector Reviews REVIEWS

ImageReview
Acer C200 Pico Projector Review – Travel-Sized and LED Acer C200 Pico Projector Review – Travel-Sized and LED
  • Review Date: August 20, 2018
  • MSRP: $199.99
  • Technology: DLP
AAXA P300 NEO Pico Projector Review – Pocket Sized Fun AAXA P300 NEO Pico Projector Review – Pocket Sized Fun
  • Review Date: August 16, 2018
  • MSRP: $294.99
  • Technology: DLP
Acer K138ST Projector Review – A Pocket Sized Gaming Machine Acer K138ST Projector Review – A Pocket Sized Gaming Machine
  • Review Date: December 15, 2017
  • MSRP: $599
  • Technology: DLP
AAXA M6 Projector Review – 1080p Pocket Sized and LED! AAXA M6 Projector Review – 1080p Pocket Sized and LED!
  • Review Date: August 16, 2017
  • MSRP: $599
  • Technology: LED
The Optoma ML750ST LED Projector Review – Part 1 The Optoma ML750ST LED Projector Review – Part 1
  • Review Date: September 26, 2016
  • MSRP: $549
  • Technology: DLP
AAXA P700 HD Pocket LED Projector Review AAXA P700 HD Pocket LED Projector Review
  • Review Date: December 4, 2015
  • MSRP: $449
  • Technology: DLP
Millennials and Projectors: The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD Millennials and Projectors: The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 730HD
  • Review Date: November 8, 2015
  • MSRP: $649
  • Technology: 3LCD
The Optoma ML750 LED Projector – Review Part 1 The Optoma ML750 LED Projector – Review Part 1
  • Review Date: November 6, 2015
  • MSRP: $1099
  • Technology: DLP
LG Minibeam PH300 Projector Review LG Minibeam PH300 Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 23, 2015
  • MSRP: $449.99
  • Technology: DLP
NEC NP-L102W Projector Review NEC NP-L102W Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 5, 2014
  • MSRP: $1099
  • Technology: DLP
HB Opto HBP503D Pocket Projector Review HB Opto HBP503D Pocket Projector Review
  • Review Date: June 2, 2013
  • MSRP: $600
  • Technology: DLP
AAXA P4X Projector Review AAXA P4X Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 18, 2012
  • MSRP: $349
  • Technology: DLP
Acer K11 DLP Pico Projector Review Acer K11 DLP Pico Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 22, 2011
  • MSRP: $379
  • Technology: DLP
Pico Projector Review – Optoma Neo-i DV20a Projector Pico Projector Review – Optoma Neo-i DV20a Projector
  • Review Date: March 1, 2011
  • MSRP: $449
  • Technology: DLP
Pico Projector Review – AAXA P1 Jr. Pico Projector with LED Lightsource Pico Projector Review – AAXA P1 Jr. Pico Projector with LED Lightsource
  • Review Date: October 22, 2010
  • MSRP: $119
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma PK201 LED Pico Projector Review Optoma PK201 LED Pico Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 28, 2010
  • MSRP: $299
  • Technology: DLP
LED Projector Review – 3M MPro150 Pico Projector LED Projector Review – 3M MPro150 Pico Projector
  • Review Date: September 23, 2010
  • MSRP: $350
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma PK301 LED Projector Review Optoma PK301 LED Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 2, 2010
  • MSRP: $399
  • Technology: DLP
AAXA L1 Pico Projector Review AAXA L1 Pico Projector Review
  • Review Date: August 23, 2010
  • MSRP: $599
  • Technology: DLP
LED Projector Review – Aiptek V10 PLUS Pico Projector LED Projector Review – Aiptek V10 PLUS Pico Projector
  • Review Date: July 19, 2009
  • MSRP: $349
  • Technology: LCoS
LED Projector Review – 3M MPro110 Pico Projector LED Projector Review – 3M MPro110 Pico Projector
  • Review Date: July 11, 2009
  • MSRP: $359
  • Technology: LCoS Projector
BenQ GP1 Joybee LED Projector Review BenQ GP1 Joybee LED Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 2, 2009
  • MSRP: $499
  • Technology: DLP
LED Projector Review – Optoma PK101 Pico Projector LED Projector Review – Optoma PK101 Pico Projector
  • Review Date: May 8, 2009
  • MSRP: $399
  • Technology: DLP
Boxlight BumbleBee LED/DLP, Palm Portable, Pocket Projector Review – Overview Boxlight BumbleBee LED/DLP, Palm Portable, Pocket Projector Review – Overview
  • Review Date: July 8, 2007
  • MSRP: $899
  • Technology: DLP
Mitsubishi PK20 LED, Palm-Sized. Portable, Pocket Projector Review – Overview Mitsubishi PK20 LED, Palm-Sized. Portable, Pocket Projector Review – Overview
  • Review Date: June 6, 2007
  • MSRP: $899
  • Technology: DLP
Dell 3400MP DLP Micro Portable Projector Review – Overview Dell 3400MP DLP Micro Portable Projector Review – Overview
  • Review Date: May 26, 2007
  • MSRP: $1099
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma ML300 Projector Review Optoma ML300 Projector Review
  • Review Date: January 1, 2007
  • MSRP: $899
  • Technology: DLP

About Pico Projectors

Pico projectors are less than 1 lb., fit comfortably in the pants or even shirt pocket, and are extremely convenient for portable uses. They typically use DLP or LCoS technology with an LED solid state light source. They are one size class smaller than pocket and mini projectors.

True, pico projector resolution remains significantly lower than typical business or home theater projectors, and brightness is not likely to reach the levels of standard size projectors.

However, the picture quality, color, and brighness of recent pico projectors is an improvement upon even the previous year’s models. We presume pico projector imaging will continue to be made better with new technological advances. For example, the brightest of 2009’s pico projectors was only 12 lumens, whereas some of today’s pico projectors measure up to 50 lumens and are more versatile than ever before (as of the end of 2010).

Without a doubt, pico projectors are a lot of fun. Their incredibly small size and excellent portablility make them great for video gaming, movie watching, or mobile presentations (so long as they’re bright enough for your environment).

 

Mini projectors.

Above, the pico projectors reviewed in 2010. From left, clockwise: Optoma PK201, LG HX-300G, 3M MP150, Optoma PK301, and the AAXA L1. Not shown: the AAXA P1 Jr.

Let’s take a look at some of the significant features of pico projectors.

Price

Pricing for Pico Projectors is usually around anywhere from $100 to $799 retail price; but most are available for $200-$400.

Notable specifications

  • Brightness: 8-60 lumens
  • Native resolution: VGA to XGA, also wide screen models
  • Contrast: 1000:1 to 2000+:1
  • Light source life: 20,000+ hours, most rated 10,000-30,000 hours
  • Warranty: typically 90 days to 1 year, parts and labor (varies from brand to brand)
  • Inputs: Composite video is standard, and some offer VGA input, USB input and/or a card reader, and HDMI (typically a mini-HDMI jack)

Highlights

  • Extremely small – around the size of a wallet, some less than 1/2 inch thick, weigh around a half a pound or less
  • Most have more than one type of input in addition to standard composite video source
  • Increased compatibility as memory cards and USB slots are becoming more common
  • Some offer built-in multimedia players
  • Battery life around or just over 1 hour
  • Relatively quick recharge (3-5 hours)
  • Most have audio – 1 or 2 speakers, and some have audio out for external speakers/headphones
  • One year warranty is most common so far (though some have 90 day)
  • Long life LED light source

Check out our 2010 pico projector report for more in-depth analysis, comparisons and reviews of specific models: A Guide To Pico Projectors

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