Lightweight Mitsubishi projector has visibility limitations

• The PocketProjector is smaller than a stack of five CD cases and weighs less than a pound, but it isn't strong enough for presentations in low ambient light.
• Mitsubishi's $799 PocketProjector is a marvel of compact projection technology.
• Weighing barely 14 ounces, this palm-size (4.8 by 1.8 by 3.8 inches) unit is no trouble to carry and is easy to hook up to a notebook, DVD player, digital camera, or gaming console.
• To make the PocketProjector even more convenient to tote, an optional rechargeable battery (which costs an extra $199) snaps onto the projector's bottom and gives you about 2.5 hours of power.
• The PocketProjector uses Texas Instruments' Digital Light Processing technology to project native SVGA (800 by 600) resolution images.
• Because it works with LED-based bulbs (three Lumileds LEDs) and is rated at a brightness level of only 250 lux (an industry measurement of light output), the PocketProjector is no match for conventional portable projectors equipped with more-powerful lamps.
• I found the preproduction version I tested best suited for use in a dark room or under very low ambient light conditions.
• At night, the PocketProjector produced images that were rich in color, with good contrast and sharp details.
• But during daytime hours and under low ambient light, images were harder to see, and color and details were lackluster.
• The PocketProjector has a short-throw lens, so it can produce a fairly large image (up to 60 inches) at close range.
• It's suitable for after-hours use, but less so for workday business presentations.