Optoma EP-PK-101 Pico Pocket Projector Review

The Optoma PK101 Pico Pocket Projector is among the first of a new class of personal projectors to hit the market. It’s an ideal size for sharing images and videos from mobile devices (think personal media players, mobile phones, iPODs, PDAs, cameras and gaming consoles) with a small groups of friends. You can also have a large display while away from home without lugging a monitor. The shiny, piano black Optoma is pocket size small at 1.97 x 0.59 x 4.06 inches (50 x 15 x 103 mm) and a feather weight at 4 oz (114g) – with the battery in. Optoma’s pocket projector is based on Texas Instrument’s DLP Pico projection technology and has a HVGA (480 x 320 pixels) resolution.

Optoma EP-PK-101 Pico Pocket Projector

The projected image can be from 6 to 60 inches (0.15 to 1.5m) with the projector positioned between 10 and 102 inches (0.25 to 2.6m) from the screen. There are limitations however, as the maximum brightness is only 9 lumens. Essentially, you need a low ambient light level to view any larger projected image clearly. Considering that this projector may replace the use of a portable notebook, which also cannot be viewed in bright light, this may not be such a problem for potential users. A tripod adapter is included so you can place the EP-PK-101 on a tripod for projecting. No keystone correction so you have to have align the projector square to the projection surface.

Contrast ratio is an important factor in picture quality and the Optoma PK-101 scores well with a 1000:1 figure. LED bulbs have a characteristically long life and in the case of this projector the rated life is an exceptional 20,000 hours.

The PK101 can be charged through a USB connection or an included AC power adapter.

Sound output is not a strong point with the mono speaker being only half a watt however, given the projector will be displaying multimedia from mobile devices it’s most likely a set of headphones, earbuds or mini speakers will be available.

Texas Instruments DLP Pico-Projector Demo

Connectivity

iPod, iPhone, and iTouch can be connected to with included connection kit. Camcorders, Digital Cameras, DVD players and the like can be connected using the composite AV Out included. Notebook computers, PCs, PDAs, cell phones and similar devices cannot be connected unless they have a composite output. Have a look at page 8 of the user manual (link below) for detailed connection options.

Tripod adapter so you can place on a tripod. No keystone correction so you have to have it square to the projection surface.

The warranty on the Optoma PK101 is one year limited parts and labor apart from a separate 90 Days on battery,

Despite some limitations from the pocket size form factor the Optoma PK101 Pico Pocket projector opens up a whole new range of possibilities for viewing and sharing multimedia files from mobile devices. Judging by its best seller status with Amazon lots of people have ideas just how to put this new class of projectors capabilities to good use.

Standard Accessories

Power Adaptor, USB Cable, Tripod Adaptor, (2) lithium ion battery packs, Standard A/V Cable (RCA to Mini-Jack), iPod kit and Dock Connector (US Only), bag.