Projectors

[Elmo T]

I've been picking up more teaching gigs lately. Many of these are at our local fire departments, some of which do not have projectors. I need something reasonably portable, but something that won't break the bank.

It would also be nice to have a unit to take the basement for the kids to watch their movies - not exactly "home theater" quality or something to replace the TV though. I am trying to balance decent quality with portability. I guess the big options are size of the unit, light output, and quality of the picture?

I've been looking at some of the ones available from Dell (cost range seems to be between $800-$1200).

Any suggestions?

[extramundane]

We gave 20 of these (http://shopper.cnet.com/Epson_PowerLite_755c_LCD_projector/4014-3180_9-31569451.html) to teachers last August and, so far, they've performed admirably for a $1k unit. They're by no means home theater-quality, but they get the job done very well for teaching/presentations (and do a good job of DVD projection, as long as you're OK w/ 4:3), they're light ( < 4 pounds), and they seem to travel very well (some of our teachers are like chimps when it comes to being gentle with electronics). The only downside is that the wireless piece is clunky (you have to set the projector up as an access point- you can't just have it as a client device on an existing wireless network :saywhat: ), but it doesn't sound as if that would be a dealbreaker for your uses.

I've not used any of the Dells, but I believe they're made by Coretronic, and they've got a decent reputation.

[racermike]

(some of our teachers are like chimps when it comes to being gentle with electronics)

Just reading that while eating lunch made me LMAO .. just the visualation

[racermike]

These are the ones our company uses in our Media Trucks. These puppies run around $6k each, but they have the best image.

http://www.boxlight.com/support_files/BL2015-000_Large.jpg

We have 7 of these onboard each truck (6 on drivers side, to make 12'x5' screen, and one single screen on passenger side). 12.5k Watt onboard generator, and two industrial rooftop air conditioners, as these projectors put out some big time heat. (not counting the PC's, DVD players, Audio units running as well).

Here is photo of my office (from my most recent 36 day Florida trip back in October/November)

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7919/111116678myx2.jpg

[datachicane]

I use one of these babies:

http://www.agassiztrading.com/photos/photos-camerasfilm/photos-projectors/keystone95-4.jpg

You'll thank me for the advice years from now.
When the nukes start falling, the EMPs will toast all microchips and magnetic media.
Optical media and a good foot-treadle generator will be your only option.
:tony:

[SteveH]

looks to me like someone will have a business expense write off just in time for the super bowl ;) :cool: :D :thumbup:

[Elmo T]

Shhhhhh...

:cool:

[racermike]

looks to me like someone will have a business expense write off just in time for the super bowl ;) :cool: :D :thumbup:

Or you can rent one of our Media trucks for a day (about $800)