Does anyone know of a projector that you can connect to your laptop computer to show dvds or other media?

Question

I have dvd, pictures, movies that I would like to share, but only so many people can crowd around the laptop. I'm looking for a reasonably priced projector that can be connected to my laptop, that has good quality on the big screen, ease of use - I'm not a rocket scientist, yet. What is a good brand and what would be good for home and or small gatherings like family reunions or church groups? Thanks in advance for the information.

Answer 1

Good news! Basically any projector will work. What outputs do you have on your laptop? I'm assuming VGA and maybe even s-video. The good news is that 99% of projectors have VGA AND s-video inputs, so you should be covered either way!

The question is more in how much can you spend. You basically get what you pay for. I personally have bought and used 3 different projectors in the last 3 years. I bought one for my home use, 1 for use in a large meeting room setting, and most recently, an HD projector for showing movies, videos, and big games in full HD.

The are several things you want to look at in buying a projector, first, what will be the setting most used? It's tough to go from a small in your house setting, to a large gymnasium type setting.

Second, what type of lighting will be in the rooms you are using. If there will be almost no light, it makes it easy. But if you are going from dark to fairly bright settings, that is a huge factor.

Also, what type of image/data are you going to be showing most? The issue is in whether you want a native 16:9 widescreen resolution, or a native 4:3 native resolution. Both native resolutions have the ability to adapt to the other, but it's best to get the resolution type you will be most commonly using. If you will be showing a fair amount of movies that are widescreen, and or using a widescreen laptop, I would suggest 16:9.

Last is resolution. There are 3 common types. There is 800X600, which is the lowest and cheapest. This will basically show regular DVD's at full resolution (4:3 format). There are 1024X768 projectors which are also in the 4:3 format, but capable of what most computers resolution are set at if they have a 4:3 screen. And then you have a full 720p HD projector with a resolution of 1280X720 (16:9 format). This will allow you to show HD pictures, including outputs from your laptop up to 1280X720.

My laptop's resolution is 1280X720, so it makes sense to pair it with that type of projector. But here is where cost comes into play.

The lowest resolution projector would run you around $400-$600 depending on which one you get. The 1024X768 type of projector would probably be in the $600-$900 range. And then the 720p (1280X720) projector starts at about $1200.

Let me know your price range, and I can recommend a model. Personally, I would go for the HD one if price is not an issue. No matter what you want a projector with between 1500-2500 lumens and a contrast ratio of at least 2000:1. Let me know what you think/need and I can help!

Answer 2

I have to agree with everything the poster above except for the cost of a 720p pj.  You can find them now for $800 and if you look around even cheaper.  I just bought a brand new Optome HD70 720p DLP for $775.

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