BenQ Joybee GP1

The BenQ Joybee GP1 fills the bill for users who need something bigger than a pico projector but smaller than a full-sized portable projector, reviewers say. Barely bigger than a soda can and weighing just 1.4 pounds, the BenQ Joybee GP1 is terrifically portable. Colors are described as vivid, but some reviewers say they are oversaturated and inaccurate, and color controls are limited. Ease of use is good, but there's a bit of a learning curve in mastering the nuances of the GP1's sophisticated menu system. Reviewers disagree regarding the projector controls. Some say they are stiff and unresponsive, others say they are overly sensitive.

At just 100 lumens, the GP1 shines brightest in a small room. The ability to display different types of data, image and video files from an attached USB drive means that you can leave your laptop at home for simple presentations. The power supply is heavy and oversized, users say, a significant negative for a projector this small and lightweight. The LED light source is rated to last 20,000 hours, which is far longer than typical projector lamps. Though small and lightweight, it is no match in those regards for pocket-sized pico projectors like the highly regarded Optoma PK301 (*Est. $380) . If you need a brighter projector for larger gatherings, the value-priced Vivitek D511 (*Est. $475) is worth a look.

Reviews giving the pros and cons of the BenQ Joybee GPI appear in a variety of places. Barbara Krasnoff of Computerworld magazine describes the GP1 as a very portable unit that offers bright, sharp projections and many professional features. ProjectorReviews.com's Art Feierman concludes that the GP1 can be used effectively as a small business projector for small screen presentations. Others offering their opinions in useful reviews include Government Computer News and ComputerShopper.com.