MiLi Power Projector 2 hands-on

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota Pico projectors aren't really a new technology--they've been in retail for at least two years or more. While these miniature projectors haven't been wildly successful with consumers, enough units have been sold to convince manufacturers that there is a market for new models.

Just last December, we had a hands-on with the i-Connect ViewX, which costs a cool S$909. Fast forward to today and MiLi's second generation projector, the MiLi Power Projector 2, will only set you back S$399 while the first generation projector debuted at S$599. Like the i-Connect ViewX, MiLi's offering works with the iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. Given its affordable price-point and features, is this enough to start getting consumers on the pico projection bandwagon?

The MiLi projector is quiet (due to its fanless design) and comes with a remote control, built-in speakers and AV cables as well as  a VGA cable for projecting from your notebook. That's already plenty of extra stuff you don't have to pay an additional premium for.

Like other projectors using LCoS technology, the Power Projector 2 has a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels but boasts a projection screen size of up to 70 inches. It also packs a 2,800mAh battery for up to 2 hours playback.

With its clamshell design, the Power Projector 2 lets you dock your iPhone or iPod touch easily for playback, and while it does work with an iPad, things tend to start looking very awkward due to the iPad's size. The projector can also be adjusted to project upwards, which is useful for watching movies while lying down.

With a brightness rating of 10 lumens though, don't expect to see your video clearly in a normal well-lit room. However, in slightly dimmer lighting, the projector performance is quite acceptable.

Another problem we had with the MiLi projector is that while it has a built-in stand for propping itself up, it is hard to avoid the keystone effect in the image. This is because the product is compact and unlikely to be placed at eye level. That means you have to tilt the projector upward, creating a distorted, non-proportioned image. Though this is a common problem in projectors, this beamer lacks a menu option for keystone correction.

The projected image gets more distorted the higher you tilt the MiLi device.
(Credit: Aloysius Low/CNET Asia) MiLi's Power Projector 2 seems like a decent budget offering, especially if you are looking to share media from your iOS device. The low price and connectivity options certainly make this projector one to look out for.

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