NEC NP62
Posted 04/27/2009 at 9:14am
| by Zack Stern

The bulb design brings the highs and lows of traditional projectors.
The 3.7-pound NP62 is only about as big as two hardcover books. It’s a traditional projector, with a consumable bulb rated for up to 2,500 hours of use. While bulbs can be pricey--a replacement costs $299--this projector easily overpowers the other two.
Bright images remain clear and legible in a lit room, look great in a dimmed setting, and show crisp detail in the dark. Colors look fairly bright in any of those settings--although best when dark. But compared to a similarly priced, full-sized projector, you’re still paying for size; its images can’t compare to a bigger device.
The 1,024x768-pixel images show a lot of detail, especially when connecting through the VGA port. The projector also includes the versatile extras of S-Video and composite RCA ports, so it’ll work with nearly any source.
A few other extras can be ideal for presentations or just sharing impromptu photos. Speakers are a nice touch, although hardly push volume above the whirring fan. And a USB port or included Bluetooth adapter can directly play photos from a flash drive or other device.
Relative to full-size projectors, the NP62 presents a competent, if weaker image. But its small shape and input options make it great for mobile presentations or movies.
NP62
COMPANY: NEC
CONTACT: www.necdisplay.com
PRICE: $1,399.00
REQUIREMENTS: Video source with S-Video, RCA composite, or VGA output; USB flash drive for direct photo presentation

Bright images are visible in lit rooms, even at 4-foot sizes. Auto-focus helps sharpen images. Competent resolution and ports ideal for laptop use.

Colors look faded, especially compared to similarly priced, full-sized models. Whirring fan is a mild distraction.