Optoma Pico, revolutionizing projector technology

Nowadays miniaturization is the mantra

Sony placed stereo system in our pocket with Walkman and redefined music definition forever, modern digital watch have computing power of hi-tech computers, TV shows are being watched on iPods and now it’s time for projectors…
Optoma one of the largest projector companies in the world, recently introduced Optoma Pico, a projector that’s so small that it can fit in your pocket!
With the gadget you can expect 60” image in the pocket and big screen experience while on the move. The entire Pico Pocket Projector is smaller than an average iPod and allows for easy transport and setup. This little projector is available in black color and looks very stylish. Its case is glossy, highly refined in its sliver and black finish, and feels lovely to hold.
Pico is small yet a powerful gadget. It let's you display video, share photos and run a business presentation... just connect it to your iPhone, you heard right an iPhone, digital camera or compatible smart phone.


Price: $400, Pico kit includes – Optoma Pico Pocket Projector / 2 x Batteries / Input AV Cable (combines stereo audio and composite video) / Tripod Adapter / Mini USB to USB Cable / Power Adapter / Projector Case.
Specification: 480x320, 9 lumens lamp life: 20,000 hours, Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Weight: 4.0 ounces, Pico is light in weight and is palm sized.
Display: With Pico you can project an image measuring up to 60 inches diagonal at a distance of 8.5 feet. LED lights on the Pico are rated at 9 lumens, meaning that, compared to a larger projector that clocks in at 2,000 lumens, Optoma’s product will need a dimly lit room to work best.
Sound: Pico has a built-in speaker, perfectly suitable for a quiet conference room or small living room.
Battery: Pico can run on battery power, powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (90 minutes), longer if used with lower brightness setting or if video played without sound, you can even charge Pico either from the power cord or from a USB jack.

Negatives

- The Pico Pocket Projector does not fit in, when presenting to a large group or in a large room. Its best match would be for presenting photos or slides saved on an iPod or mobile device to a small group.
- Also 20,000-hour bulb is not replaceable.

Overall

Despite its high price and limitations, the Pico is a great mobile companion. It’s a fantastic tiny projector, easy to set up and has just two controls:
- An Off/On/Bright selector
- And a focus wheel.

If Pico Pocket Projector is used to share videos or photos with a small group, as opposed to conducting a massive business presentation in a huge office, this gadget has lot to offer. In addition I can list down an experience, which no other projector can offer, “You can lie in bed and point the focus straight up and imagine the thrill of huge, bright movie playing on the ceiling”.

With its limitations Pico may not replace the traditional projector and home entertainment but Pico is first of its kind and has definitely opened the door to future technology… I’m excited to see what’s next and wish it to be a bit cheaper.