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    The Projector Idea?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by darklich, Apr 16, 2007.

  1. darklich

    darklich Notebook Consultant

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    Has anyone ever considered using a mini projector to project a larger desktop image on a wall, for example? My idea would be to combine a UMPC with a mini projector either as an attachment or an internal device to give the user a quality 20-30 inch display on a wall or maybe even some kind of portable screen.

    Any thoughts or problems with this idea?
     
    darklich, Apr 16, 2007
    #1
  2. Dirxess

    Dirxess Notebook Consultant

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    It's a good idea, it crossed my mind too once. But the problem with a projector I think is that you will need a dark room, and that's not ideal for everyday use.
     
    Dirxess, Apr 16, 2007
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  3. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    No, it's a beautiful idea. I dream about such an awesome set-up all the time.
    You could connect up a massive HDMI projector to your desktop rig (hidden away) and have gorgeous audiophile quality speakers attached to an amp, which is connected to the entire system. You could have a HDMI switcher on a PS3/XBOX360 or whatever and a next gen high def system (Blu-ray or HD-DVD). The whole thing would connect up your home video system + speaker system + computer all on one setup.
     
    Gautam, Apr 16, 2007
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  4. Circa69

    Circa69 Notebook Evangelist

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    My setup includes a mitsu projector. I vary between taking it on the road and leaving it at home (my wife will not watch it).
    I love it...on the road it is awesome to have a portable big screen for movies and sports. There is some loss by using a wall instead of a screen but it is usually not too bad. At home it is awesome, my wife got tired of the permanent 114" screen in the living room so it is getting moved to my office. I will only have room for about a 80" screen.
    I am redoing my home office, I have all the equipment except the screen (need to build) but have trouble finding the time to set it up. When I find the time my office will be setup with the following.
    the notebook in my sig
    my averatec 3270
    1.4Ghz desktop (pos, but will upgrade eventually)
    Mitsubishi HC3
    22" 2ms refresh samsung (I just ordered saturday)
    bose companion 3 (plugs in to the averatec)
    Sony and JBL 5.1 setup (has inputs from the destop and asus)
    I also want to add a Sony 400 DVD changer

    Projectors have gotten a lot better and dropped in price to boot ... I recommend one to everyone.
     
    Circa69, Apr 16, 2007
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  5. mr_bots

    mr_bots Notebook Evangelist

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    Before you decide, check out the price of bulbs for the projector you're interested in. They can cost $400+ and they don't have very good life since they burn so hot and bright.
     
    mr_bots, Apr 16, 2007
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  6. Circa69

    Circa69 Notebook Evangelist

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    That is the caveat. Good advise I give to people as well. Know your costs based on how you will use your projector.

    I use my projector exclusively for movies. Almost 2 years old and still on the first bulb.
    If you have a TV on 18 hours a day then I DO NOT recommend a projector as a TV replacement but for movies my picture is better and larger than ANY TV at 4 times the cost and that will buy me a lot of bulbs.

    Also negotiate for bulbs when buy your projector (1/2 price or free are usually doable)
    bulbs cost me $259
    I got one 1/2 price when I bought my projector. .
     
    Circa69, Apr 16, 2007
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