Optoma PK201 Pico Pocket Projector Review

Optoma’s PK201 Pico pocket projector is a fresh update of the previously reviewed PK102 pico projector. The palm sized pico projector is ideal for making mobile business presentations or casual video sharing with friends without the screen size limitations of a mobile handheld device. Importantly the PK201 will connect with a wide range of mobile devices including; iPod, iPhone, iTouch, Camcorders, DV-Cams, Digital Cameras and DVD Players. Performance and feature improvements for the PK201 are; higher brightness, greater resolution, a micro SD card slot (more memory) and a wider range of connection options.

Optoma PK201 Pico pocket projector

The best functional enhancement is the addition of the micro SD card slot which will accept cards up to 16 Gb. Simply inserting a memory card can provide up to 32 hours of video.

Brightness has doubled to 20 ANSI lumens (bright mode) which improves the level of ambient light under which a suitably bright image can still be projected. The PK201 is based on Texas Instrument’s DLP Pico projection technology and delivers a native resolution native WVGA (854 x 480 pixels) with a maximum resolution of WXGA (1280 x 800 pixels) through VGA Adapter and HD (1080i) through the mini HDMI connection. The projected image can be from 6 to 70 inches (0.15 to 1.8 m) with the projector positioned between 10 and 126 inches (0.25 to 3.2 m) from the screen.

The excellent contrast ratio of 2,000:1 contributes strongly to picture quality just as the DLP projection system delivers excellent color reproduction. Given it’s small size, there is naturally no keystone correction with the Optoma Pico PK201 projector. So, the projector must be aligned square to the projection surface. While you can rest the projector on anything convenient to place it at the right height, many might find the optional tripod a useful investment. The battery time for the projector in bright mode is only one hour however, given it’s intended for more casual presentations it will most probably be suitable for most users. It can be charged through a USB connection or using the included AC power adapter. The LED projection bulbs have an extremely long life of 20,000 hours which should outlast the life of the projector as a whole.

The Optoma PK201r is every bit as portable as it looks with palm-sized dimensions of 2.4 x 0.7 x 4.6 inches; (60.6 x 16.6 x 117.7mm) and a miniscule weight (with battery) of 5.6 oz (159g).

The PK201 retains the soft 0.5W onboard speaker which is good only for quiet environments however a headphone out has been added which improves usability.

The Optoma Pico PK201 has the wide range of computer, video input, video file format and image file format compatibility as detailed below.

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

Video Input Compatibility (with scaling): NTSC, PAL, SDTV (480i), EDTV (480p), HDTV (720p, 1080i)

Video File Compatibility: AVI, MOV, MP4, 3GP (Common Video Formats are Converted Using Optoma Pico Video Encoder)

Image Compatibility: JPEG, BMP (PowerPoint Files are Converted Using Optoma Pico Video Encoder)

The warranty on the Optoma PK201 is a standard one year limited parts and labor for the projector except for 90 days on battery.

Connections

24-Pin Universal Port, 2.5mm Jack AV Input (Composite Video and Stereo Audio-In), Micro USB, Mini HDMI, microSD Slot, 3.5 mm Audio-Out Jack and DC Input Jack

Optoma PK201 – In the Box

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

Optional Accessories

iPod Kit with A/V Connector, Universal to Component Cable, Universal to Female USB Cable, Additional Standard Battery, Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable

Summary – Optoma PK201

The Optoma PK201 performs well as a very portable tool for on-the-go projection of a much larger image than the displays of similar portable devices. It’s ideal for small business meetings and groups.

Optoma PK201 Specification

Optoma PK201 User’s Guide