Portable projector is not a new category but it certainly is a growing one, attracting a large number of users. There are several use cases, like inviting friends over for a movie night, taking office presentations anywhere and allowing access to entertainment anywhere in the house. The good thing about these projectors is that picture quality has come a long way. You can simply project onto a blank wall or for better results get a projector screen. Usually, these machines come with enough connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, HDMI and Bluetooth, and typically run on batteries.
A company that has been doing a decent job with projectors is ViewSonic, delivering one dependable product after another. After Samsung and BenQ, we recently had the opportunity to review ViewSonic M1 Pro Smart LED Portable Projector, which has some great design tweaks.
Out-of-the-box design
Among the lightest portable projectors in the market, the highlight of the projector is its metal stand. There are three functions the stand offers. First, it serves as a lens cover when the projector is not in use. Second, when you slide down the lens cover you will auto-power on the projector for instant entertainment. Third, it allows 360-degree projection, for example, you can project easily on your ceiling. Weighing under a kilogram, the projector can be easily carried around.
On the projector are touch controls for pausing, playing, and controlling the volume. There is also a focus ring on the left-hand side to help tweak focus. Taking it beyond most other projectors, the ports are hidden behind a curved magnetic cover on the left-hand side. Connectivity options include two USB Type-C ports, one HDMI port, one USB Type-A port and 3.5mm audio out.
There is also a Bluetooth remote featuring all the options you will need.
The projector comes in a sturdy travel case
There are enough ports hidden on the side of the projector, behind a magnetic flap
The remote control is well-designed and works via Bluetooth
The stand is stylish and has several functions, including acting as the auto on-off switch
The big picture
One of the benefits of the M1 Pro is that it comes with a built-in battery, so you don’t need access to a power socket to use this. Battery life depends on the mode the projector is using. In standard mode you should be able to get around 80-90 minutes but moving to economy mode will take that figure to 110-120 minutes. What’s good about the projector is for extended play, you can power it via a USB-C power bank. In terms of picture quality, it’s among the best in the market. The LED light source delivers brightness without lamp replacement for 30,000 hours. How long will that be in years? Enjoy uninterrupted fun for over 20 years if you use the machine four hours per day.
The M1 Pro has a similar design to the M1 Plus but it is slightly bigger and has a native resolution of 720p compared. You can enjoy a 100-inch large screen in 720p HD resolution from a distance of around 2.4 metres. I would suggest projecting 60-inch videos to get the best quality.
The colours are vibrant enough for a portable projector. This one is powered by ViewSonic’s proprietary Cinema SuperColor+ Technology with 125 per cent Rec.709. In a room in which lights have been switched off, you will get deep pictures but if you want to get the maximum out of the machine, get a projection screen.
Many want to watch a film lying down on the bed. It’s possible. With the M1 Pro’s 360-degree projection and auto keystone, you can project images onto the ceiling, wall, floor or anywhere you want. For room-filling sound, there are 3W stereo speakers tuned by Harman/Kardon and if you want to use the machine as a speaker, go ahead and connect an audio source via Bluetooth.
The app centre is basic but gets the work done. You can also cast or screen-mirror content from your devices to the big screen.
Should you buy it?
It’s a good fit if you’re looking for a portable projector solution to use either at home or office. It is also one of the best solutions if you’re new to projectors as it is very easy to use and setup. There is nothing more you can ask from the machine except for more powerful speakers in case you have large rooms in the apartment. Otherwise, ViewSonic M1 Pro is a dependable projector for those on the move.
AT A GLANCE
Device: ViewSonic M1 Pro Smart LED Portable Projector
Price: Rs 99,000
HIGH NOTES
- Easy setup
- The stand is versatile
- Audio is clear, giving vocals a push
- Clear picture quality
MUFFLED NOTE
- Battery life could have been slightly better
