Optoma PK301 LED Projector Review

Optoma LED Pico Projector - Overview

The Optoma PK301 Pico projector is truly a small projector, not so much in its size when you compare it to other Pico projectors, but in terms of its appearance. It looks exactly like a micro version of a typical DLP or LCD projector. The PK301 produces 50 lumens of light output and is full featured with lots of input options. Optoma really tried it seems to make this projector have the same features and options that most of the larger and brighter projectors have.

The pojector comes with a remote that allows complete control of the projectors functions and the on-screen menu system is pretty staightforward. You also get a lot of accessories with this projector, but keep in mind not all regions will have the same accessories in the box. You will however get all the standard cables like a VGA cable so you can present from your laptop. It also comes with and audio and video cables.

Connecting components and configuring the projector to accept the various signals is very very easy and there is also a full functional top control panel on the unit so if you should lose the remote you will still be able to configur and setup up the projector. An "auto search source" button is present on the projector to make things a little easier.

The PK301 is a DLP projector and unlike the laser pico projectors, the PK301 has a softer, nicer image in my opinion. For a pico I was pretty impressed by it. This projector also supports a MicroSD card so you can put your JPG PowerPoint slides on a card and leave your laptop behind.

Check out the highlights below, some quick specs, the special features, then read on to get a more in depth look at the Optoma PK301.

Optoma PK301 PK301 Projector Highlights

• 854x480 resolution.
• Can produce an image 120 inches diagonal from 8.20 feet away
• Onboard media player so you can decode AVI, ASF, WMV and MPG files. As well as MP3, WAV and AAC files.
• Can display JPG, GIF, PNG and BMP images.
• Can read document formats like DOC, XLS, PPT and PDF’s
• Has input for a microdrive
• With additional accessories you can connect  Apple iphones and ipods. Also you can connect Microsoft Zune, Sony Playstation Portable and other devices.
• Battery lasts up to 1 hour in Standard Mode.
• .5 watt speaker.

Optoma PK301 Special Features

PK301 as a Gaming Projector

This portable projector puts up some impressive input lag numbers. At 10-15ms lag, the PK301 falls in the fastest category of projectors. Read more at our gaming blogs to find out why, or why not, a pico projector may be right for you!

For more info, read Pete's blog on the PK301

Battery Powered
The projector is powered by a Lithium Ion battery. Projector produces an advertised 20 lumens when using the battery. To achieve Bright Mode you must have AC power plugged in or have a high power battery pack which is optional.

Tripod Mount
The PK301 easily mounts to a tripod for easy setup because of the threaded hole on the bottom of the projector.

LED Light Technology
You never have to replace the lamp. The LED light technology used in Pico projectors means you will most likely buy the latest model before the lamp ever fails.

Audio
Has a .5 watt speaker which isn’t much, but there is also a 3.5mm audio headphone jack so a small speaker could also be used.