(+) 3M MPro110 Handheld Projector

The following is a Plus Edition article written by and copyright by Dick Eastman.

I frequently make presentations to genealogy groups. This often means jumping on airplanes, flying to a distant city, and then standing in front of a group while I talk about some genealogy-related topic. Most of the time I use an overhead projector to display PowerPoint slides or to demonstrate a program or web site. I usually carry my own equipment because I have found that using borrowed equipment entails risks of not having everything working as expected. I usually pack my laptop, charger, my own overhead projector, various extension cords, cables, wireless "aircard," and other paraphernalia. It's a wonder that I have any room left in the suitcase for clothes!

I prefer to travel light, packing only a small, carry-on suitcase that fits in the overhead luggage compartment. However, when I started carrying my own projector, that became impossible.

I first purchased a computer projector several years ago. Typical of the available projectors at that time, it is huge. It isn't very heavy, but it is bulky. In fact, I purchased a special suitcase just for carrying that projector. The suitcase has room for the projector, the power cable, and connecting video cables, and I was able to squeeze in a handheld wireless "clicker" that remotely advances the PowerPoint slides without my touching the computer directly. I have traveled extensively with that projector and its special suitcase, but I have always regretted carrying the extra baggage.

Projector technology has since improved, and the devices have become smaller. Last year I purchased a much smaller Casio XJ-S41BB. Measuring 10.6" x 1.7" x 7.8, this 4-pound marvel is not much bigger than a hardbound book. It has served me well for the past year but still is a bit larger than I would like. Packing the projector and its cables and the laptop and its charger plus clothing and toiletries into a carry-on bag has been a challenge, especially when going away for two or three weeks as I have already done twice this year.

In recent months, several companies have announced new, shirt pocket-sized projectors. I have been reading the various reviews and decided that the 3M MPro110 Micro Professional Projector probably was the best of the group. This projector fits into a shirt pocket and is even battery powered although an AC power adapter is also included. Earlier this year, I decided that I wanted one so as to reduce my carry-on "footprint." However, I was not so interested in its price at that time: nearly $400.

Last week I found that the price of the MPro110 Micro Projector has dropped dramatically. Several online vendors are now selling it for $189.99. I ordered one, and it arrived today.

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