ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector Review – Hardware 1

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Chris Kahl

ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector Review – Hardware: Overview, Inputs and Connectors, Lens

Overview

The front of the ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector houses the fixed focal length lens, IR receiver for the remote control, and Eye Protection sensor.

The right side of the ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector is where the hot air exhaust vents are found.

The rear of the ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector is where the control panel, battery indicator and cool room air intake is located.

The left side of the ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector houses one of the two 3.0 W Harman Kardon speakers, lens focus wheel, and the input and connector panel, which is hidden under a small door running the length of this side.

The top of the ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector houses the other 3.0 W Harman Kardon speaker, and offers a stylish design.

❮ ❯

The ViewSonic M1 is small, measuring a mere 5.8 by 5 inches in size, and only 1.6 inches tall. Looking at this projector from the front, we have the Smart Stand doubling as a lens cover. Once that has been rotated down to assume the position of a stand, the front of the projector is exposed. The lens, with a fixed focal length, sits toward the right, which sensors are situated in the middle. These are the Eye Protection and IR sensors; this is the only IR sensor. The left side is where the fan is located, and where the hot exhaust air is expelled.

The rear of the projector houses the cool room air intake, the simple four button control panel and the battery indicator. At first glance the right side of the projector is featureless, save for the lens focus wheel located near the front. There is a fabric tab that, when pulled, opens a door exposing the input and connectors; there are only a few connectors and even then, it is a tight fit. The metal screen design hides the first speaker. The bottom of the projector has a tri-pod mounting hole, and the top features the sleek Harman Kardon design and name, as well as the second speaker.

Inputs and Connectors

The ViewSonic M1 hides its inputs and connectors beneath a narrow door running the length of the right side of the projector. Inputs are arranged in a single row. We’ll start on the far left side toward the front of the projector.

There is a MicroSD card slot, followed by the 19V DC power cord connector. Next is a USB-C connector to allow connection to smart devices. To the right of that, we have a single HDMI input.

Next is a 3.5mm Audio Out/Headphones MiniJack. The final input is a USB Type-A port, allowing connection to USB storage devices. This USB port is powered. Hiding above the MicroSD slot on the left is a tiny reset button, just in case you somehow lock up the projector.

Lens

This ViewSonic pocket projector got it right with its lens. The lens sits recessed about a half inch into the front of the projector, helping to protect it from damage. The Smart Stand we discussed before on the Special Features page and above in the Overview section doubles as a lens durable lens cover. This lens cover further protects the lens in transit.

This is a short-throw projector with a fixed focal length, offering images between 24 and 100 inches with a throw distance of between 2.1 and 8.8 ft. A 60 inch projection is possible from just 40 inches away from the screen!

The dial for focus adjustment is found on the right side of the projector above the door that hides the input and connectors panel. It is very touchy and may take two or three tries to get it just right. The projector is very light, so care must be exercised when adjusting the focus that the position of the projector itself isn’t changed.

ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector Review – Hardware: Overview, Inputs and Connectors, Lens

Overview

The front of the ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector houses the fixed focal length lens, IR receiver for the remote control, and Eye Protection sensor.

The right side of the ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector is where the hot air exhaust vents are found.

The rear of the ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector is where the control panel, battery indicator and cool room air intake is located.

The left side of the ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector houses one of the two 3.0 W Harman Kardon speakers, lens focus wheel, and the input and connector panel, which is hidden under a small door running the length of this side.

The top of the ViewSonic M1 Pocket Projector houses the other 3.0 W Harman Kardon speaker, and offers a stylish design.

❮ ❯

The ViewSonic M1 is small, measuring a mere 5.8 by 5 inches in size, and only 1.6 inches tall. Looking at this projector from the front, we have the Smart Stand doubling as a lens cover. Once that has been rotated down to assume the position of a stand, the front of the projector is exposed. The lens, with a fixed focal length, sits toward the right, which sensors are situated in the middle. These are the Eye Protection and IR sensors; this is the only IR sensor. The left side is where the fan is located, and where the hot exhaust air is expelled.

The rear of the projector houses the cool room air intake, the simple four button control panel and the battery indicator. At first glance the right side of the projector is featureless, save for the lens focus wheel located near the front. There is a fabric tab that, when pulled, opens a door exposing the input and connectors; there are only a few connectors and even then, it is a tight fit. The metal screen design hides the first speaker. The bottom of the projector has a tri-pod mounting hole, and the top features the sleek Harman Kardon design and name, as well as the second speaker.

Inputs and Connectors

The ViewSonic M1 hides its inputs and connectors beneath a narrow door running the length of the right side of the projector. Inputs are arranged in a single row. We’ll start on the far left side toward the front of the projector.

There is a MicroSD card slot, followed by the 19V DC power cord connector. Next is a USB-C connector to allow connection to smart devices. To the right of that, we have a single HDMI input.

Next is a 3.5mm Audio Out/Headphones MiniJack. The final input is a USB Type-A port, allowing connection to USB storage devices. This USB port is powered. Hiding above the MicroSD slot on the left is a tiny reset button, just in case you somehow lock up the projector.

Lens

This ViewSonic pocket projector got it right with its lens. The lens sits recessed about a half inch into the front of the projector, helping to protect it from damage. The Smart Stand we discussed before on the Special Features page and above in the Overview section doubles as a lens durable lens cover. This lens cover further protects the lens in transit.

This is a short-throw projector with a fixed focal length, offering images between 24 and 100 inches with a throw distance of between 2.1 and 8.8 ft. A 60 inch projection is possible from just 40 inches away from the screen!

The dial for focus adjustment is found on the right side of the projector above the door that hides the input and connectors panel. It is very touchy and may take two or three tries to get it just right. The projector is very light, so care must be exercised when adjusting the focus that the position of the projector itself isn’t changed.