Optoma PK102 Pico Pocket Projector Review

Optoma’s PK102 is one of Optoma’s Pico Pocket Projector range aimed as a new class of handheld personal projectors ideal for sharing images and videos from mobile devices (think personal media players, mobile phones, iPods, PDAs or cameras) with a small groups of friends. However, in the case of the PK-102 you don’t even need to connect to another handheld device as the unit comes with 4GB of internal memory which is enough to hold up to 6000 pictures or 8 hours of video.

Optoma PK102 Pico Projector

The PK102 is based on Texas Instrument’s DLP Pico projection technology and delivers a SVGA (800 x 600 pixels) resolution. 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.

Contrast ratio is an important factor in picture quality and the Optoma PK102 scores well with a ratio of 2,000:1. As usual, the DLP projection system delivers excellent color reproduction. The LED projection bulbs have a characteristically long life of 20,000 hours.

As one would expect, there is no keystone correction with the Optoma Pico Projectors so you have to have align the projector square to the projection surface. You can use the projector as a handheld or purchase a small tripod can connect using a tripod adapter (included).

The PK102 has the widest range of connectivity options among the Pico projectors and can be used with a PC and USB drive as well as handheld devices. Optoma’s PK102 has the fastest battery charging time of the range at 2.5 hours however, it also has the shortest battery discharge time of 1.5 hours. It can be charged through a USB connection or using the included AC power adapter.

The dimensions of the piano black Optoma PK102 are 1.97 x 0.59 x 4.06 inches (50 x 15 x 103 mm) and the weight comes in at a very light 4 oz (114g) even with the battery in. The PK102 does have a single mono speaker but, at half a watt maximum output it’s only going to be heard by those who are close and will struggle against any background noise.

The PK102 has the widest computer, video input and video file format compatibility in the Pico range.

Computer Compatibility (with scaling): SVGA, VGA, VESA, PC and Macintosh Compatible w/Included VGA Adapter

Video Input Compatibility (with scaling): NTSC, PAL, SDTV (480i), EDTV (480p w/Optional Component Video Adapter)

Video File Compatibility: XVid (M-JPEG, MPEG2, MPEG4, RMVB, RM, WMV, DivX Files can be converted using Optoma’s free Pico Video Encoder software)

The warranty on the Optoma PK102 is one year limited parts and labor apart from a separate 90 Days on battery.

Optoma PK102 Included Accessories

Power Adapter, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, Universal to Male USB Cable, Standard A/V Cable (RCA to Mini-Jack), Universal to VGA Cable, Tripod Adapter, Bag