What do i need to look for when buying a projector around 500 dollars on ebay??

Question

Im a first time buyer and saw some cheap ones on ebay. What do I need to look for to get the best one?

Answer 1

Hey -  I am definitely not knocking ebay, but I am just giving you a suggestion here.  You should just take a look on your local www.craigslist.com  and see if someone in your city has one for sale.

I only mention this because for most projectors, you would have to pay an average of $20. for shipping.  And if you found one in your city, all you would have to do is make arrangements to meet someone, plus the fact you could see it and put your hands on it before committing to buy it.

OR - you can also search in other major cities close to yours - because then, if it did have to be shipped, it would cost less, and there would be less of a chance of any damage when there is very little transit time.

Answer 2

I found some good projectors here.

please check

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-...

Answer 3

i don't know what youre using it for but if its just to display power point presentations etc then it probably doesn't matter.  i got mine for watching TV and i am very pleased.  i got it from best buy for 800 on sale.  its an optoma, i believe the model is an HD70.  nothing to fancy.  make sure you look at resolution if its for TV.  don't get something that has resolution like 1024x768 because that isn't a true HD resolution.  for under 1000 you will most likely be looking at 720p.  i really like mine for sports and PPV events like UFC etc.  i only use it for that though, some projector bulbs can run $300+  so make sure you use it wisely. i hope that helps.

Answer 4

Definitly look for lamp life.  Lamps only last so long, and once they burn out, they will cost a lot of money to replace, especially on older models.  Other things to look for is contrast ratio, brightness, and resolution.  For under $500, projecors may have a great resolution, but when you look at the brightness and contrast ratio, they may be lacking.  If you're planning to watch TV in a dark room, then your probably fine, but if not, make sure you do your homework and look for the one with the best brightness and contrast ratio, even if it means sacrificing some on resolution (slightly less than hi-def is still pretty good you know).  Being able to have a light on while watching content on your projector IMHO is just as important as having high resolution.