By Billy Teo, a freelance writer

SHAPED like a big mobile phone, the V10 is a pocket projector that employs LCoS (liquid crystal over silicon) projection technology powered by a white LED (light emitting diode) lamp.

Its VGA resolution (640 by 480 pixels) is clear enough for users to enjoy a typical DVD movie or photo slideshow as long as you do not demand super sharp or vibrant HD-quality visuals.

The default brightness cannot hold a candle to larger projectors, but suffices for small group meetings with the room lights dimmed.

However, turn on the lights or let the sun in and images become washed out and faded, although I could still make out the lyrics in the karaoke videos.

At an arm's length away from the wall or screen, the V10 delivers its brightest images at a size equivalent to a 17-inch screen.

Place it about 1.8m away and the images can scale up to rival a 50-inch HDTV in screen size, albeit looking dimmer and faded.

You can project JPEG photos and video clips - in formats such as MPEG-4 - already stored on the device's 1GB flash memory, or slip in an SD memory card to view content stored in it.

Movie buffs can also connect the V10 to devices like DVD players or video cameras that use a standard RCA video cable.

One snag: No VGA or DVI port, so forget about delivering that killer business presentation with your laptop and the V10 in tandem.

Well, you can pull off a PowerPoint presentation, but with a catch: Save the presentation as a series of JPEG images using your PC, then transfer and play as a slideshow on the projector.

The V10's battery lasts for just an hour at the default settings, so it is necessary to plug in the power cord for long presentations.

Sound-wise, the MP3 music-playing V10 has tiny stereo speakers, but I have heard mobile phone speakers with more gusto.

Be warned: The V10 can be hot to handle, not unlike clutching a fresh cup of coffee.

So use the bundled tripod and remote control, instead of holding it in your hands.

Final say

A handy projector priced and sized just right. It is good for putting on instant slideshows or movie screenings anywhere with dim lighting.

This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life.

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