The ASUS ZenBeam Latte L1 is a battery-powered LED short-throw DLP projector capable of displaying an HD (1280x720) resolution image that retails for $449. Its LED light source can deliver 300 LED lumens of brightness ad the LED light source’s long life means you can watch content 8 hours a day for over 10 years.
ASUS doesn’t list the unit’s ANSI lumen output, but we will measure it with our own test equipment and provide our findings in the performance section of this review. LED light sources tend to make images look brighter than their ANSI lumen brightness.
While we review tons of larger traditional, home theater, and business projectors – small, portable projectors continue to grow in popularity.
ASUS ZenBeam Latte L1 was designed with portability in mind, so it is very compact. ASUS ZenBeam Latte L1’s compact size and battery power allow you to project a large image in environments where you couldn’t easily take a big TV or monitor.
It is one of the smallest and lightest projectors I have ever tested. It’s literally the size and shape of a coffee mug, which is probably one of the reasons why ASUS chose the name Latte.
The projector will easily fit into a backpack. ASUS even includes a protective carrying case to make it even easier to take your entertainment with you. It is nice that ASUS includes the case, however, it is fitted to only hold the projector so there is no room for the power supply and remote, something they might consider updating in the future.
Asus ZenBeam Latte L1 Specs
Price
$449
Technology
Single chip DLP, LED light source
Native Resolution
1280x720
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
300
Contrast
400:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
Fixed
Lens Shift
No
Lamp Life
30,000 hours
Weight
1.3
Warranty
While the ZenBeam Latte L1 has an HDMI input there are several other ways to watch videos or listen to music wirelessly. For example, you can access many popular entertainment apps, including YouTube, Prime Video, and Netflix, through the built-in Aptoide TV app, which runs on top of the projector’s basic Android OS. You can also cast video from an android device via Chromecast or an Apple device via airplay.
HIGHLIGHTS
$499.00 manufacturer price
Short-throw lens
Displayed resolution – 1280 x 720p (HD)
320 LED Lumens
Up to 3 hours of video playback (in ECO mode) via built-in battery
12 hours of audio playback
Access entertainment and games via Aptoide TV app
Supports wireless mirroring
Built-In 10-Watt Harmon Kardon sound system
Includes a carrying pouch
CHASSIS
The ZenBeam Latte L1 measures 3.5 x 5.2 x 3.5 inches and weighs approximately 20 ounces. While most projectors are square and boxy, the ZenBeam Latte L1 is cylindrical, and fabric covered.
On the left side of the projector, there is a small air intake vent along with a wheel to manually adjust the projector’s focus. On the opposite side is a larger vent for hot air to be pushed out of the unit by the built-in fan. The connections on the rear of the projector include a single HDMI®, USB Type-A port, and headphone output jack. The projector’s IR sensor is also located on the back of the projector.
While the projector’s native resolution is 1280 x720, the unit’s HDMI input supports signals up to 1080@60P. The USB 2.0 port is compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
There is a control panel located on the top of the projector. It includes most of the buttons found on the remote control. On the bottom of the projector, there is a built-in stand along with a threaded insert, so the projector can be mounted onto a tripod.
The ZenBeam Latte L1 comes with a small remote that includes the basic buttons needed to operate the projector. There is a dedicated button to toggle between Bluetooth Speaker mode and Projector mode. The Splendid Button can be used to switch between the projector’s four preset picture modes.
The ZenBeam Latte L1 is equipped with a fixed lens with a throw ratio of 1.2:1. The projector’s short-throw lens projects a 40” image from a distance of about 1 meter and up to a 120” image at 3.2 meters away.
While the ZenBeam Latte L1 includes auto keystone correction, it does not include autofocus but there is a lens focus adjustment wheel located on the left side of the projector
