Argonim June 13, 2024, 10 a.m.

What's the best portable projector for business presentations under $500?

Hey all,

I'm in the market for a portable projector for business presentations. I travel frequently for work and need to give PowerPoint presentations to clients, but I'm tired of relying on the hit-or-miss equipment provided at different venues. I have a Dell XPS 15 laptop with an HDMI output, and I'm looking to invest in a reliable, portable projector that I can easily carry with me and set up quickly. It needs to be compatible with my laptop and have good image quality, preferably with at least 2000 brightness, even in rooms that might not have ideal lighting. My budget is around $500, but I'm open to spending a bit more if it means getting a high-quality, durable device. I'm primarily interested in projectors from brands like BenQ, ViewSonic, and Epson.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

MonteShot June 14, 2024, 7:17 p.m.

The Epson Powerlite e20 (epsv11h981020) is a great choice for your needs. It offers 3400 lumens of color and white brightness, XGA resolution, and weighs just 5.5 lbs, making it easy to carry around. It's compatible with your Dell XPS 15 via HDMI, and the price is around $500, which fits your budget perfectly. I've used this model for my own presentations, and it's been very reliable.

BuddyTom June 20, 2024, 2:25 p.m.

The PowerLite E20 is a good choice, but don't forget to consider factors like keystone correction and zoom capability. These features can be lifesavers for business presentations in different room setups. The E20 offers both vertical and horizontal keystone correction, as well as a 1.2x zoom, which should provide some flexibility in positioning the projector.

buffo June 16, 2024, 10:22 p.m.

I might be old-school, but I still think a flip chart and markers can sometimes be more engaging. No tech issues, no compatibility worries. Plus, it adds a personal touch. But hey, I get that tech has its perks too!

Yammso June 18, 2024, 8:22 a.m.

Another great option is the Benq MS560. It delivers 4000 ANSI lumens, SVGA resolution, and weighs about 4.4 lbs. MS560 also has various connectivity options, including HDMI, making it compatible with your laptop. The price is around $400, so it's well within your budget. I’ve had good experiences with BenQ projectors, they offer excellent image quality and are quite durable.

noa June 21, 2024, 4:33 p.m.

I've used both the epson powerlite e20 and benq ms560 for presentations, and they both perform well. The Epson has slightly better image quality and color accuracy, while the Benq is a bit brighter and more affordable. Ultimately, both projectors should serve you well for business presentations, so it might come down to personal preference and specific features you prioritize.

Warman June 22, 2024, 9:34 p.m.

To compare the Epson PowerLite E20, BenQ MS560, and other similar models, I suggest checking out the ProjectorCentral website. They have detailed reviews, side-by-side comparisons, and a helpful tool that lets you filter projectors based on your specific needs. This can help you make an informed decision that suits your requirements and budget.

Cliemapem June 25, 2024, 12:37 p.m.

I’ve found that having good keystone correction is essential, especially in awkwardly shaped rooms. Make sure the projector you choose has this feature. Also, consider the throw distance, some projectors need to be quite far from the screen to produce a large image, which isn’t always feasible in small meeting rooms...