If you are into cool little gadgets then you will love the Optoma PK301 Pico Projector. This tiny projector can fit into the palm of your hand and can allow you to show videos and other images anywhere you like. Keep in mind that this isn’t the same level of projector that you would get with the Epson 705 HD or the Optoma HD20 Projector that we typically recommend, but it is great for what it does. You won’t get the same picture quality in lighted conditions that you would with these, but this projector is meant to shine with its small form factor.
The Optoma PK301 Pico projector is small enough to fit into your pocket. The palm-sized camera packs a punch in a little package.
Just like other projectors, you can hook a variety of components up to it through the HDMI or VGA connections. But, the Optoma PK301 Pico Projector also includes a microSD slot so you can play straight from the card on the fly. Very cool!
The Optoma PK301 Pico Projector is also expandable with a few really neat add ons. There is a battery pack that can extend the viewing time. You can also get an iPod kit that can let you connect it to an iPod, iPhone or iPad. You can purchase a Mini HDMI cable to connect the player to Blu-Ray and other HDMI ready devices. There is a component video adapter that works great with gaming systems for all you gamers out there. And, one device that I think is really sharp is a female USB adapter what you can use to connect flash drives to and project images straight from the drive.
Optoma PK301 Pico Projector Specs
Lets get down to the nitty gritty with the Optoma PK301 Pico Projector and go over some of the techie details of the unit.
- DLP ™ projector – Yes the Optoma PK301 Pico projector uses the top technology in a small package
- Supports 854×480 resolution natively and 1280×800 WXGA through VGA adapter and 1080i HD through HDMI
- 50 ANSI lumens in bright mode and 20 in STD mode. Won’t work well in lighted conditions, but great in dim or dark situations
- 2000:1 contrast ratio
- The Optoma PK301 Pico Projector uses LED light source rated to last over 20,000 hours
- Powered by Li-ion rechargeable battery that is good for about an hour and 20 minutes. Can be boosted with a battery pack
- The Optoma PK301 Pico projector weighs 8 oz with battery
- Comes with power adapter, battery, male USB cable, A/V Cable, VGA Cable and Bag
What People Like About the Optoma PK301 Pico Projector
The obvious perk of the Optoma PK301 Pico Projector is its portability. It may not pack the power of the Optoma HD20 or the Epson 705 HD but this is a great projector the the casual user or the business user that travels a lot. They also like that it is quick and easy to set up compared to traditional video projectors. And, evidently, the ability to create a portable cinema with an iphone and the PK301 seems to be a fan favorite.
Some have commented that the battery life is a little short, but the Optoma PK301 Pico can run on AC power to offset this. Furthermore, you can get the enhanced battery pack to increase the run time between charges.
Conclusion
This is one cool little projector and that is exactly the main selling point of the Optoma PK301 Pico projector. Its meant to be a light-weight and portable projector. It is ideal for the road warrior business user or for the person that just wants a simple projector that is easy to carry around. You will be surprised what you will get out of this little projector. Its not meant for high-end movie watching, but its more than adequate for for everyday users that do not need top of the line video quality. If this is you then the Optoma PK301 Pico Projector should be for you.