At just over 2 pounds, the NEC LT10 is among the smallest and most compact XGA projectors available for on-the-fly presentations. Despite its diminutive size, however, it offers clear, colorful images--at a price competitive with other travel-size projectors.
The shipping version of the $2195 LT10 I tested did well at projecting PowerPoint presentations, digital photos, and geometric patterns from a laptop PC as well as from other video sources (a DVD player, a cable TV, and a video camera).
The unit's rated brightness level of 1100 ANSI lumens made text-filled screens appear crisp and legible; and graphics images displayed strong contrast, with fine details in light and shadowed areas. The LT10's picture-in-picture function allowed me to display video in a small window while delivering a presentation--a great way to add live action, such as a product demonstration, to a slide show. Another plus: The projector runs quietly, with its fan noise rated at just 34 dB.
Transporting the LT10 is easy (total travel weight with soft case, remote, and cables is 3.5 pounds), and setting it up is simple, thanks largely to its manual zoom lens, which gives you more leeway in positioning the projector in a given space. At a distance of about 10 feet from the screen, the LT10's 7-foot-diagonal image looked impressive in a room with low ambient lighting. The handy remote includes easy-to-use controls for keystone (geometric distortion) adjustment and other functions, but it lacks a mouse control and a laser pointer. The LT10 also comes without speakers, so you'll need to use a separate sound system for a movie or multimedia show.
Still, for most on-the-road presenters who need a projector, the LT10's excellent combination of portability, power, and price makes it a great traveling companion.
Richard Jantz
