View Full Version : Pc projector?


Bob Thomas
03-10-2012, 09:00 PM
Anyone have any suggestions for a projector to hook up to my laptop? Hoping for cheap but decent projector for a few upcoming training classes I need to hold. I'd just be using power point and some training videos.

Thanks!

JohnnyD
03-13-2012, 05:06 PM
what kind of budget do you have? In my field, cheap is $2500 for a 3000 lumen lcd projector with case.

Bob Thomas
03-13-2012, 05:17 PM
Crap. Not that much. Maybe around 500-1000. Depends in what money the department can scrape together
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JohnR
03-13-2012, 05:46 PM
If you can go used and don't need high-end, look on craigslist

I picked up one 4 years ago for $250, a 2500 lumen epson in pretty good shape.

spence
03-13-2012, 07:25 PM
Only thing is be concerned with used is that the bulbs can be quite expensive...just something to factor in.
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JohnR
03-13-2012, 07:49 PM
Yes - be sure to see what the hours on the bulb are. Something with low hours, say under 300 is good. High hours, over 1000-1500 is pushing it.

timmah
03-13-2012, 07:49 PM
The Epson's are great, i have a 10 year old one, never had to replace the bulb. One of my client's just got a new Epson for around $500. It's nice, compact, easy setup and nice and bright in a lit room.

Pete F.
03-13-2012, 07:50 PM
I thought you were looking for a Politically Correct projector.

Bob Thomas
03-14-2012, 07:28 AM
There is nothing politically correct about me lol!

Ok. Is 2500 lumens ok? Found one at best buy and amazon for about $350. It's a Viewsonic dlp svga whatever the hell that means lol

We just need up update out 1950 ceiling 400 pound model for training. Any way to hook cable tv to the new ones ;)
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JohnR
03-14-2012, 08:49 AM
Model #?

SVGA is ONLY 800x600 pixels - Very weak for a typical laptop. I have not used one with that max res but my initial reaction is that will not work for you.

At least try this search string:

Amazon.com: lcd projector xga Projectors (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_scat_300334_ln?rh=n%3A300334%2Ck%3Alcd+p rojector+xga&keywords=lcd+projector+xga&ie=UTF8&qid=1331732874&scn=300334&h=84e42b3c3498c93c3dc6da8c8f394e86e3c25c81#/ref=sr_st?keywords=lcd+projector+xga&qid=1331732877&rh=i%3Acomputers%2Cn%3A300334%2Ck%3Alcd+projector+ xga&sort=popular-srp-rank)

Be sure to read reviews

The Dad Fisherman
03-14-2012, 09:08 AM
Any way to hook cable tv to the new ones ;)
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Newegg.com - TV Tuners, Video Devices (http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=47)

Bob Thomas
03-14-2012, 09:18 AM
It's te pjd5123 John. I'll poke around that link too. Thanks
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JohnnyD
03-14-2012, 11:59 AM
Check out the epson powerlite or ex5210.
The powerlight ($600) is a little more expensive but will give you 720p HD (I'd go with this one).
Amazon.com: Epson EX5210 XGA 3LCD Business Projector, 2800 Lumens, HDMI, USB, 5.1 lbs: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Epson-EX5210-Business-Projector-Lumens/dp/B005J31BCY/tag=thestoespmak-20/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1331743799&sr=8-8)

The ex5210 ($500) is $100 less but also only gives you 1024x768 resolution. Don't mistake a projector having an HDMI input and thinking it's HD, that's often not the case.
Amazon.com: Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 705 HD 720p 3LCD Home Theater Projector: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Epson-PowerLite-Cinema-Theater-Projector/dp/B002QC17VG/tag=thestoespmak-20/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1331743799&sr=8-2)

Both projectors have RCA inputs on them which means you could connect a dvd player, cable box or most cameras/video cameras to the projector. I'd avoid going the used route. The bulb timer is easily reset and frequently inaccurate. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Bob Thomas
03-15-2012, 05:00 PM
Thanks, Johnny. I'm going to try to sell the boss on the $550 one. Spend more to save in the long run is how I'm selling it ;)

Thanks for the help all. Learned quite a bit here!!

JohnnyD
03-15-2012, 05:27 PM
Thanks, Johnny. I'm going to try to sell the boss on the $550 one. Spend more to save in the long run is how I'm selling it ;)

Thanks for the help all. Learned quite a bit here!!
Not a problem at all. If you have any questions when it shows up, send me a PM and I'll help out best I can.

Bob Thomas
03-16-2012, 09:39 AM
Well that went over well. "sorry...no money"
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JohnR
03-21-2012, 09:08 AM
Bob - I will loan you mine after TFCTFN but you'd need to travel a bit to pick it up ;)

Bob Thomas
03-21-2012, 09:34 AM
Thanks for the offer John but I'm going to let them stew iver this for a while. It's about time we got into the 90's and had one on hand for training!
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