Hardon Williams
Member
Catalogs Hide
The Acer K130 Portable Projector raises an important question about the future of portable tech: Can something this small really deliver on performance without sacrificing quality? At barely a pound and designed to fit in your pocket, it seems too good to be true for those constantly on the go. But while it boasts impressive specs like DLP 3D readiness and built-in multimedia capabilities, is it just another gadget that compromises on the experience for convenience? In this review, we’ll dive into whether the K130 truly offers a portable solution that meets the demands of modern users or if it's merely a novelty that falls short when put to the test. Let’s find out if the Acer K130 is a game changer or just a pocket-sized fantasy.
One of the standout features for me is the ability to connect external speakers through the included VGA cable, making for a more immersive audio experience. The compact design is another plus; it doesn’t take up too much space, and I appreciate its portability. I also love how versatile it is with multiple input options like HDMI and USB, allowing me to switch between devices easily. On top of that, the brightness is commendable, letting me enjoy movies in a room with some light without losing too much quality.
Cons:
The navigation of the projector's menu is definitely not user-friendly. It took me some time to get accustomed to it, and I still find it a bit clunky. The internal media player is quite limited and has let me down on occasion, especially with certain file types. It’s disheartening to see that some movies flicker or have sound synchronization issues, which has pushed me to rely more on external devices. The focus issue is also a bit of a nuisance, requiring a gentle tap to correct it.
Overall Evaluation:
In summary, I’m quite pleased with the projector overall. It has truly enhanced my movie and gaming experiences at home. Despite a few setbacks, such as the menu navigation and internal player, the picture quality, flexibility, and convenience make it worth it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly projector, especially if you’re willing to use external devices for the best experience. It has certainly met my expectations and continues to bring enjoyment to my evenings.
Spec
| Parameter | Acer K130 Projector |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $458 |
Highlight | The Acer K130 is the perfect lightweight, compact projector. With a design that can fit in the palm of your hand, this projector provides great mobility and ease-of-use. Weighing just under one pound, the K130 is small enough to stash in your pocket, making business travel a breeze. Yet it's still powerful enough to project vibrant visuals wherever you may are. With DLP 3D ready, users can view any 120 Hz 3D frame sequential content from a PC with appropriate 120 Hz graphic card and 3D stereoscopic player by wearing DLP 3D glasses A built-in Office/Multimedia Reader enables full access to photos, videos, music and Microsoft Office documents directly from the projector via USB, microSD Card or 2 GB internal memory , no need for a PC, notebook or video play |
Contrast Ratio | 10000:1 |
Maximum Resolution | 1280 X 800 Pixels |
Native Resolution | 1280 x 800 |
Brightness | 300 lumen |
Display Type | DLP |
Picture Enhancement | ColorSafe, SmartFormat |
Video Encoding | AVC |
LightSource Life | 30000 Hours |
Controller Type | Button Control |
Wattage | 1 watts |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Hardware Connectivity | USB |
Compatible Devices | Laptop, Gaming Console, Tablet, Smartphone |
Other Features | 3D-ready |
Item Weight | 15.2 ounces |
System Experience
I’ve had my projector since November 2012, and it has become an integral part of my home entertainment setup. Connecting it to my Roku and using my tablet for streaming via DLNA has made it incredibly convenient to enjoy my favorite shows without the hassle of wires. I also hooked up my Xbox, and I can say that gaming has reached a whole new level of enjoyment. The quick delivery from Amazon was a pleasant surprise, and overall, the initial setup was pretty straightforward.Viewing Experience
The picture quality has consistently impressed me. I love how vibrant and clear the image is, especially during movie nights. I’ve noticed that I can even enjoy decent visuals without having to completely darken the room, which is a plus for casual viewings. Watching Blu-ray movies through the projector is a treat, and the size of the projected image – I usually go for around 100 inches – makes me feel like I’m in a theater. I particularly enjoy binge-watching shows like "Lost" and "Numb3rs" on Netflix; it transforms a regular evening into a cinematic experience.Other Experience
While using the projector has been a great experience overall, I’ve encountered some hurdles. The built-in player can be quite frustrating. It often struggles with playing certain movie formats, and I find that sound and picture synchronization issues arise with longer films. Additionally, the focusing mechanism is a bit tricky; I have to tap the device lightly to get it right, which feels a bit off. Despite these quirks, I’ve adapted my setup to primarily use my laptop or external media players, which has mitigated some of those frustrations.Conclusion
Pros:One of the standout features for me is the ability to connect external speakers through the included VGA cable, making for a more immersive audio experience. The compact design is another plus; it doesn’t take up too much space, and I appreciate its portability. I also love how versatile it is with multiple input options like HDMI and USB, allowing me to switch between devices easily. On top of that, the brightness is commendable, letting me enjoy movies in a room with some light without losing too much quality.
Cons:
The navigation of the projector's menu is definitely not user-friendly. It took me some time to get accustomed to it, and I still find it a bit clunky. The internal media player is quite limited and has let me down on occasion, especially with certain file types. It’s disheartening to see that some movies flicker or have sound synchronization issues, which has pushed me to rely more on external devices. The focus issue is also a bit of a nuisance, requiring a gentle tap to correct it.
Overall Evaluation:
In summary, I’m quite pleased with the projector overall. It has truly enhanced my movie and gaming experiences at home. Despite a few setbacks, such as the menu navigation and internal player, the picture quality, flexibility, and convenience make it worth it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly projector, especially if you’re willing to use external devices for the best experience. It has certainly met my expectations and continues to bring enjoyment to my evenings.
