How would you change 3M's MPro110 pocket projector?

The pico projector market has practically exploded over the past six months or so, but all the while it was 3M's MPro110 leading the charge. Given that you've now had a few months to toy with it, we're wondering if this thing really has lived up to the hype. Is having a projector in your pocket as awesome as advertised? Is the image quality sufficient for impromptu wall splashings? Would you recommend holding off for round two? We have all ideas we'll hear tons of "make it brighter!" and "where's the 1080p version?" type comments, but if you have something else besides that to add, then -- by all means -- drop some knowledge on us in comments below.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 20th 2009 6:47AM]

Don't buy this SHIT...BUY OPTOMA PICO PROJECT PROJETOR

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 20th 2009 7:55AM]

yay projector

[bdav Posted Feb 20th 2009 8:40AM]

Some great comments here today...

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 23rd 2009 1:15PM]

apart from the usual, brightness and resolution,
I like the idea of flip out tripod legs,
A longer battery life is a must, or the choice of batteries, standard and extended.
simple keystoning options would be great, allowing you to put the projector in more places and project at an angle.
Composite and svideo inputs would be a nice adddition.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 20th 2009 10:07AM]

Put a tripod mount 1/4"-20 socket on it. Then it can be attached to the "pocket tripods" out there and projected at any angle and varying height above the surface.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 23rd 2009 10:40AM]

It has a tripod mount

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 20th 2009 11:29AM]

Make it a Pocket Protector Projector.

That way you cover more of an audience

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 20th 2009 11:55AM]

Its not funny mate...Next time stop finding mistake of others and use your BRAIN and write something useful..you sh** H***

[RanDMC Posted Feb 20th 2009 1:29PM]

Dress it up in a bee suit!

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 20th 2009 8:51PM]

I would get rid of the memory (on some of the models). Built-in memory will only increase the cost of ownership for these devices. The majority of users will find the built-in memory too limited.

Create two models, a low-end and a high-end. The different between the high-end and low-end is:

High-end:
1) USB host to allow connection to usb drive, usb memory devices, etc.
2) Playback of video from the usb device.

Low-end model assumes the user will have device that will drive the video. This will cut back on the power and cost of the projector.

[GripperDon Posted Feb 21st 2009 12:10PM]

Increase :

Brightness
Contrast
Resolution

NOW

[bohoy2k Posted Feb 23rd 2009 8:23PM]

duct tape.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 13th 2009 8:14PM]

First of, it's a great product, pushing the cost and size barriers is always a good thing and projectors have been overdue for years.
A bit late to the game but here are my suggestions:
- !! A sturdier VGA connector. !! The flimsy plastic on the projector-end of the supplied VGA cable *will* break off unless you are extremely careful when moving the projector while it's connected. That type of connector is OK if there was a dock surrounding it to provide a secure and rigid coupling, but the weight of the thick VGA cable alone is enough to guarantee disaster. Honestly, I don't know what the designers where thinking when they made this choice. Everything else is great except this, almost renders it useless for VGA. /rant
- On a related note, a slightly longer VGA cable and, if possible, one that was not as thick and heavy. (We have the technology, right?)
- Better heat management. The little thing gets quite hot! If not a fan, at least make part of casing aluminum, with fins so it does a better job of dissipating the heat
- Offer a battery-less version, I suspect it would reduce the price tag quite a bit and probably sell well for that reason alone.
- Including a mini tripod with the product would be very useful. The only other option, out of the box, is to stack it on top of boxes, books, etc. and tilt it with a random object which, of course, can be unstable and cumbersome.
- A pouch for the projector would be nice, would help protect the lens and casing when traveling with it.
- Brighter output is the obvious request. It goes without saying, daylight projection would be wonderful.
- Did I mention the flimsy VGA connector? Seriously 3M, shame... SHAME! ;)

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 13th 2009 10:03PM]

Well, seek and you shall find:
3M offers a hard clamshell case and replacement cables at their store (at decent prices too!):
http://www.shop3m.com/3m-micro-professional-projectors.html
I'd still like a better VGA connector.
If anyone from 3M is reading: If you sell a small dock that would serve as a sturdier replacement for the VGA cable -- I WOULD BUY IT!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 9th 2009 8:16PM]

I think you need to take a look at the Aiptek Pocket Cinema Range. They have 3 models which cover most of the suggestions made here.

Entry level model is the AipTek Picket Cinema T10, 8lumens, 16:9, 60-80mins battery power, Includes protective cover, tri-pod stand. RRP €199. Quite a good image. In a dark room a 50" image looks good. More suited to video & gaming.

Mid Level model is the Aiptek Pocket Cinema V10, 10lumens, 4:3, 60-80mins battery power, 1GB internal memory, SD Card Slot supports up to 8GB storage. Includes protective cover, tri-pod stand, Tiny remote control (great from navigating content without having to touch the projector), RRP €279. Brighter than T10 but colour not as accurate. More suited to photo's. Playback of JPEG, MPEG4, AVI etc.

High end model is the V10Plus. Same as V10 but has 2GB internal memory and supports Video recording with a digital camera. The V10 has been around for over a year now unlike most other pico's.