• SPECIFICATIONS
  • WXGA (1280 x 800) native resolution
  • 200 ANSI Lumens
  • 2400:1 contrast ratio
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:10 Native
  • LED x 3 lamp, 20,000/30,000 hours
  • 44-inch @ 1m throw ratio
  • USB display, 3D support
  • Pros:
  • Good projection quality
  • Multifarious features and ports
  • Cons:
  • Speakers could be better
  • No in-built battery

Joyful Little Bee

To call the BenQ Joybee GP2 a pico projector would be undermining it. Rather, we consider it a projector that sits that fine line between a full-fledge projector and a pocket one: it’s small in size, but never smaller in heart. It’s this effort that the GP2 takes that makes it so endearing to us.

As mentioned, the GP2 would hardly fit into a pocket, but its portability is undeniable. You can hold it on your palm, carry it in your handbag, or put it on your head with no problems — it’s just that small and light. The top is where the touch-sensitive menu buttons are, placed in a ring. The iPhone dock sits on top, too, and it’s only one of the many connectivity options squeezed into this mini projector: at the side, you’ll find a USB port, a mini-USB one, PC/AV connectivity (through a bundled cable) and HDMI connectivity. To top it off, you only need a USB to display it on your PC! Great for presentations.

The connectivity options matches the robust features the projector has. Aside from being able to project your iPhone/iPod contents, the projector also supports a wide range of audio/video/image formats.It also has nifty features like automatic keystone adjustment as well as a picture presets. The menu is easy and accessible, and the remote works well too.

When it comes to image quality, the GP2 does a respectable job for its mini stature. In a dark room, the images come out bright and crisp, and it does a good job projecting colours and the darks-and-greys. Sometimes the colours come out drabber and the blacks a bit too intense, but it’s otherwise good enough for a movie, game or touristy slide shows.

The GP2’s real pitfalls are only 2. One would be the speakers, which may be loud enough, but rather muddled and unclear. Two is the lack of any in-built batteries, which sort of hurts considering its portable-ness. You will have to fork out to purchase a battery pack that, which thankfully offers a hefty 3-hour life.

CHIP CONCLUDE: The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a joyful little projector that’s capitalises on its portability with a robust set of features, connectivity options and good display quality. Perfect for folks on the go!

(previously published in issue June 2012)