Dell's tiny M109S pocket projector gets hands-on treatment

It's one thing to hear 3.46- x 4.12- x 1.46-inches. It's another thing to see how giant someone's hand looks beside Dell's absolutely minuscule M109S pocket projector. Based on a hands-on session with a near-final prototype of the pico-PJ, the cats over at Popular Mechanics were mighty impressed with what they saw. They noted that "colors were a little more washed-out than a top-end home theater projector," but given the size and the manageable $499 price tag, it still managed to wow. Peep the in-action video in the read link.

[Fruition @ Sep 25th 2008 10:49AM]

Now someone needs to make the pocket projector protector.

[OneLove @ Sep 25th 2008 11:41AM]

That guy in the video sounds and looks like he spent the whole night drinking in the rain.

[Jash Sayani @ Sep 25th 2008 10:55AM]

Why do you need a pocket projector ? They are for presentations and all offices/AV rooms, etc. have a projector !

[elmariachi @ Sep 25th 2008 11:24AM]

Lets assume your logic is flawed and that not all offices do have projectors, then all of a sudden this is the most awesome projector ever. Its also nice for travelling salesmen, somebody who wants to bring a console around to a mates house, and great entertainment on a Saturday night when you can go project stuff on building around town from your car.

And your logic is flawed, I have worked in buildings were some meeting rooms don't have projectors, and the ones that do are always in high demand.

[kjb434 @ Sep 25th 2008 11:41AM]

The assumption that all offices have AV rooms and projectors are just plain idiotic.

This device has so many promising uses you can't list them all.

The technology in these projector will also allow the larger more power ones to shrink over time also.

[Richard @ Sep 25th 2008 12:16PM]

My office does not have a projector.

[MrShawn007 @ Sep 25th 2008 10:56AM]

I wonder if these pico projectors experience dead pixels?

[Byron Como @ Sep 25th 2008 11:00AM]

Ok, NOW this is interesting. Can you you hook it up to an 8800GT and play games? Will it overheat if you do?

[Serial 8-Ball Mouse @ Sep 25th 2008 12:52PM]

I am still confused by the 858 resolution. HOW DO I RUN THAT RESOLUTION AND WHY DOES IT EXIST?!

[EB @ Sep 25th 2008 11:06PM]

Whew, while I was reading this comment, I was worried that the word "Crysis" would be written somewhere. Thank goodness it's not.

[Alexandre Emond @ Sep 25th 2008 11:06AM]

Haaaaaaaaaa! It is available to buy!
I can't wait for my old projector to break dead to buy this and reduce dramatically my travel weight when i go to my client.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Projectors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=224-0939

[mrrookie @ Sep 25th 2008 11:12AM]

Accidents happen, if you know what i mean.

[fieldcar @ Sep 25th 2008 11:12AM]

WTF I say! Where are my Laser based projectors that everyone was so psyched about a couple months ago? I don't care about LED backlighting, I want friggin' lasers!

@Jash Sayani: Have you ever given a presentation at another company? They rarely let me use their equipment.

@byron Commo: The projector has standard composite and VGA inputs. There is no reason why gaming would be any different from a spreadsheet on a projector. Actually, spreadsheets probably require more power than games, as the background is generally white.

[Jeff @ Sep 25th 2008 11:18AM]

I travel to conventions around the country for work. This would be perfect for me. Easy to carry and set up in a small 10x10 convention booth.

[quiwiz @ Sep 25th 2008 11:19AM]

How is dell's any different than the last gen of pocket projectors? I mean it doesn't even have the small dimensions of the 3m, toshiba, or fuchitek that have been posted in the last couple of weeks.

[giuliop @ Sep 25th 2008 11:23AM]

Is that a projector in your pocket, or you've been shopping from www.blockyenlargements.com again?

[TIMMAH! @ Sep 25th 2008 11:29AM]

This would be awesome for a dorm TV.

[strommsarnac @ Sep 25th 2008 11:35AM]

I like to use a projector for backyard gaming. Having a compact unit that does 1024x768, throws at least an 84" image and supports component and VGA for under $600 would be awsome.

[Slacker @ Sep 25th 2008 11:36AM]

Wauw, that guy is HUGE!
Just look at him next to the projector!

[Jason Litka @ Sep 25th 2008 11:46AM]

I still don't understand the point of a projector with fewer pixels than a netbook.

[9bit @ Sep 25th 2008 12:03PM]

No thanks, I don't need my pocket projected.

[Ineed911 @ Sep 25th 2008 2:20PM]

This projector would definately be great for someone that travels a lot. You could watch your porn in your hotel room on a much bigger screen than that foolish 9" netbook.

For anyone that's really interested in this product... just go to the nudie bar - the girls are _real_ there

[webon @ Sep 25th 2008 4:10PM]

classSSssy!

[Sridhar3 @ Sep 25th 2008 10:56PM]

Very slick. I go to school overseas, so I could see this thing being a great buy to take with me, just to play some Gamecube/PS2 or hook up to my laptop and watch Lost or something. It's very much portable, and yet still got good reviews. Impressive.

[Loo Ney @ Dec 19th 2008 12:44PM]

Well, I've been using this to watch t.v. for about a month. I dislike having to sit in the dark, I can't keep track of where my popcorn is falling and I can't always see the buttons on my remote for the VCR.

Also, it does get very hot. In fact, the white light blew and now we have to replace it. Beyond irritating.

Also, it's too light as it does not stay put and you have to constantly adjust it to stay on screen. Give me a tripod so I can anchor the god damn thing.

Another thing to hate about it, we can't watch t.v. during the day as the room is too bright. Now that's seriously inconvenient. The windows have to be totally blacked out or you will see nothing.

I basically hate it for t.v. watching, but I must admit, for special movie watching occasions, it does look pretty awesome as in SIZE. It's HUGE.

Also, I can always aim it at a white wall if I feel like watching from a difference couch position. Even aim it at the ceiling if I want to lie down ;) You know, when you're pms'ing.