Newbie Projector Q

[Newbie06]

I'm invited to give a presentation somewhere, but being forced to cough up several hundred dollars to RENT a projector since i don't have one.

This offends my sensibilities, and makes me wonder if i should just buy an older one, use it for the presentation, then put it to full-time use replacing an old 27" non-HD TV that doesn't work so well (not my primary HT, BTW).

So my questions is: what could i reasonable expect in a (used) projector under $250, to be used for a one-time presentation, then in HT duty thereafter?

Some models i've seen offered in this general price range:

dell 3100M DLP
dell 2100MP
Dell 2200MP
Epson PowerLite LCD
Infocus X1 DLP
Infocus X2 LCD
InFocus LP280
Toshiba TLP-X10

These once medium-end-from-a-few-years-ago projectors seem to be available in abundance, as current owners contemplate whether buying a replacement bulb is really worth it.

After a quick search, I found that most aren't HD, run 800x600 native, usually not more than 1000-1200 lumens, contrast usually not above 400-500:1. Are there features/brands i should focus on within this price range?

Also, DLP vs. LCD is a whole other issue... just not sure where to begin.

All thoughts appreciated.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I'm not sure if you have the option, but I have friends that work in offices where they can borrow the projector from the conference room for an evening to lend to me.

Generally, for what you have to pay to rent a projector, you are getting one which may cost several thousand dollars new vs. a cheap model. It would often be a LCD model which you are renting, and likely of 4,000+ lumens in brightness so that it really stands out in the room.

I would try to avoid going with a cheap used model if you can just because of the headaches involved, but you might do alright if you get a better used model via eBay, from a popular manufacturer, then resell it after you are done. You may lose a bit of cash for shipping and eBay fees, but may do better than renting, and you won't be stuck with a projector that is well past its prime.

LCD is what I would go with in a second.

 

[Newbie06]

thanks!

this is helpful. now to go make friends that work in 'offices.'

I see your point about the 4000 lumens. These large conference room-style projectors don't normally double-duty as home theaters, i take it. Especially older ones.

 

[BMXTRIX]

this is helpful. now to go make friends that work in 'offices.'

I see your point about the 4000 lumens. These large conference room-style projectors don't normally double-duty as home theaters, i take it. Especially older ones.

A used projector, in my experience, is always a bad idea unless you get some sort of guarantee with it - which is rare.

LCDs may have polarizer burn.
DLPs may have light tunnel or color wheel issues.
Both could have any number of electronics issues, or may have a lamp with 1999 hours on it which will need to be replaced promptly.

The bottom line with used is that while there are some good values to be had out there, from honest people, for the most part you are better off going with a brand new projector when making a purchase, or finding some other source if you aren't interested in laying out the cash for one.