Hi everyone,
We're required to travel to some fairly distant regions in Australia to deliver training to small groups (no more than probably 12 at a time). Because of the resourcing issues we face in our organisation, not all of these regional offices have a laptop and projector. Basically we're sick of lugging around our training gear!
My question goes to those who are technologically savvy - has anyone used one of those portable digital projectors and are they any good? I've looked at one brand called Aiptek but want to get the advice of those in the learning industry. We would only really be using it for Powerpoint.
Thanks very much!
Regards,
Elise
5 Responses
Digital Projectors – you get what you pay for!
Hi
I too have recently been looking at digital projectors for the same purpose, and in general the cheap ones are a waste of money! The most common issues with the budget ones are:
a) the light is too dim – you do need a strong bright light when projecting in standard meeting rooms
b) the bulbs don’t last long and are expensive to replace – check on the claims of long-lasting bulbs
c) the projected ‘window’ is too small – you need to get a large display even when sometimes you are close to the screen, so it will need to have a strong lens
d) overheating – the cheap ones are prone to get hot very quickly, have noisy fans and shut down to cool off
e) weight – preferably not too heavy if you’re carrying it around
Inputs and outputs – make sure it has the connections to connect to a standard laptop, both sound and video – I’m sure someone else will know more than I do about VGA/Scart/HDMI/S-Video etc etc
Good luck
Tim
projectors, projectors
There are in essence a number of different technologies – so it all depends
LCD – 2 types – (basically) expensive & cheap – the cheap ones often lack brightness
LED – new – about 1/2 the size of the LCD projector – lamps last 10* as long, very low cost BUT – only work well in very low light conditions
Laser – VERY NEW out in 2010 – small, bright, costs unknown – so if you can afford to wait 6-12 months the market should be very interesting indeed.
With the LCD they are prone to damage by vibration – the latter are not as easily damaged – so its a case of right product for the job.
how about being a Luddite?
Sorry this isn’t an answer to your question but it is worth aking if you REALLY need to use a laptop/projector, or whether you can realistically rely on A1 pre prepared flipcharts.
Normally I wouldn’t take this view but I’ve just spent seven months working with a client that don’t use "PowerPoint" and so have had an enforced return to the days of steam! Here are the benefits I found:-
~a plastic tube of paper weighs less to lug around that a laptop
~there are no cables to trip over
~I never walk in front of the projector and end up with Excell on my face
~the light can be on full all the time
~the pages can stay visible after the "slide " is finished with
~bulbs don’t go
~I’m not reliant on technology, compatibility or room layout
Just a Luddite thought!
Rus
http://www.coach-and-courses.com
LOLLERS!
Wholeheartedly agree with Russ’ sentiment but also the line
"I never walk in front of the projector and end up with Excell on my face"
made me snort tea down my nose. thx for the laugh.
Thanks!
Hi everyone – thanks for the advice! I think i’ll wait for some new technology and even review whether we absolutely need Powerpoint. Things here are usually death by powerpoint, for example with 180 slides for induction… (please know that I don’t show them all and have converted many into activities!).
Thanks again!
Elise