In the field of pico-projectors there is a delicate compromise between size, price and capabilities.

Photo: Tom Sawyer

Small size, low cost and fair picture make it desirable, despite weaknesses.

One must expect sacrifices for 3M’s MPro 150’s $300 price and tiny size, considering full-sized projectors run up to $3,000 and can weigh as much as 25 lbs. With limited viewing options—only 12 lumens and unsupportive of most video codecs—the unit is hard to use and its image hard to see in normally lit rooms. But we found it bright enough for small meetings in a typically dim conference room.

Although it has shortcomings—not being able to fast-forward video, only two brightness settings and almost unusable speakers—they are less significant than those of competitors, according to Picoprojector-info.com, a projector reviewing site. The reviewer calls it “a great projector ... the best of all those we tested so far.”

The removable 2-GB micro-SD chip and 90 minutes of battery life make the MPro 150 self-sustaining, but it can be run from a laptop link.

With basic viewing capabilities and 640 x 480 resolution, the MPro 150 is both practical and usable for basic presentations.