Danny,
I've been a PowerPoint road-warrior for 10 years. I've been lugging
multimedia projectors around the world conducting various safety and health
training sessions and seminars for a number of clients. I am currently
using my 4th projector. Each projector has been progressively lighter,
brighter, and cheaper. (My first unit weighed over forty pounds and had to
be hand-checked by security because it wouldn't fit into the xray machine at
most airports. Thank goodness it had wheels! I had to use it in almost
complete darkness!)

A higher priced unit will have a bright light source, latest generation LCD
panel, quality lens with a focus and zoom with good range, a quiet but
effective fan motor, and tons of features all packed into a lightweight,
cigar box size package. I'm considering purchasing my 5th projector with
onboard memory so that I can pre-load my next presentation and leave the
laptop at home!

For society business, look for a basic name brand unit with the features you
really need. A bright projector with a good manual zoom lens and a quiet
fan motor would probably be your priorities.

Don't be fooled by the low prices that some stores will offer. Like most
things, you get what you pay for. But like all electronic products, you can
often find a quality closeout unit at a decent price. (Save your receipt!)
ALSO, STRONGLY CONSIDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY!!! These things are way
EXPENSIVE to ship and to repair beyond the mfg warranty and the turnaround
time is unbelievable! Trust me on that...

Hope this helps!

Garland Hanson


"danny" wrote in message
news
Our orchid society is probably going to buy a projector in the next month
or so. Our July speaker has a Powerpoint presentation and we've already
figured out that it makes more sense to buy a projector than rent one for
a couple hundred dollars every time we need it. If anyone here has looked
at them lately and can offer advice on good models (or ones to avoid) I'd
appreciate it. We're probably looking to stay around $1000 (plus or minus
a few hundred, definitely well under $2000).

-danny