Optoma PK301

1. ProjectorCentral.com

Reviewer Allan Abbott says the Optoma PK301 pico projector actually delivers a little more brightness than advertised, though you must plug in the unit to get the brightest pictures. The ports on the back of the unit are tiny and require adapters for standard inputs. Abbott feels the Optoma PK301's colors are well-balanced and saturated, with lifelike photos and flesh tones and adequate contrast for data images. Audio quality and the lack of a zoom lens (common among pico projectors) are drawbacks.

Review: Optoma PK-301 Pico Projector Review, Allan Abbott, Aug. 4, 2010

2. PCMag.com

The Optoma PK301 pico projector receives an Editor's Choice award here, scoring a 4 out of 5 rating. The PK301 is unusually bright for a pico projector, connects to both computers and video devices, and offers audio out for headsets or powered speakers, the review notes. Cons of the Optoma PK301 include low volume, uneven brightness across the image, and a short VGA cable.

Review: Optoma PK301 Pico Pocket Projector, M. David Stone, April 26, 2010

3. Laptop Magazine

Laptop Magazine's Michael Prospero says the Optoma PK301 pico projector is small, light and high-quality, with a good picture ("bright and crisp … vivid and smooth") and a convenient focusing ring. The design is attractive -- "like one of the company's larger projectors was left in the dryer too long" -- and there are a good number of inputs. Drawbacks include a relatively high price and short battery life, he says. He awards 3 of 5 stars.

Review: Optoma PK301 Review, Michael A. Prospero, July 19, 2010

4. TechCrunch.com

This detailed review does a nice job of comparing the older Optoma PK201 pico projector, the newer PK301, and the 3M MPro 150, another popular pico projector. The Optoma PK301 has better definition and a brighter picture than the PK201, though reviewer Devin Coldewey says he prefers the PK201's color. He found the Optoma PK301 to be brighter, clearer and more colorful than the 3M MPro 150.

Review: Review: Optoma PK201 and PK301 pico projectors, Devin Coldewey, July 1, 2010

5. TheiPhoneGuru.net

"The Optoma PK301 pretty much puts to rest the classification of pico projectors as toys," writes Matthew Panzariono. He notes the DLP projector's standard issues with uneven brightness, and said the audio was "mouse-sized, tinny." The fan is noticeable for a pico projector. Still, he notes that positives like high brightness and abundant inputs make the PK301 his top choice among pico projectors.

Review: Review: Optoma PK301, Pico Projectors Just Got Real, Matthew Panzarino, April 2011

6. ProjectorReviews.com

Reviewer Anthony Arrigo gives the Optoma PK301 pico projector a Hot Product Award designation, praising its good selection of features and brightness. Like most pico projectors, the Optoma PK301 is best used with small groups, he said, and it's among the more expensive of its type. But he adds that the unit's brightness and resolution are worth the extra money.

Review: Pico Projector Review – Optoma PK301 LED Projector, Anthony Arrigo, Sept. 2, 2010

7. Amazon.com

More than 70 owners team up to grant the Optoma PK301 pico projector an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Users compliment its brightness and display, especially given its size. They suggest its best use is for small groups in smaller spaces, given that the display begins to wash out in brighter or larger surroundings (as with most pico projectors).

Review: Optoma PK301 Pico Pocket Projector, Contributors to Amazon.com