Dell 1410X

Dell 1410X

The Dell 1410X ($599 list, 3.5 stars) is a basic, easy-to-use portable data projector. It's very similar to the Dell 1210S ($449 list, 3.5 stars), but provides higher native resolution—XGA (1,204 by 768), compared with the 1210S's SVGA (800 by 600). Not surprisingly, the 1410X's image quality is somewhat better than its lower-priced cousin, making it a decent option for business presenters who can make do without the higher resolution and advanced features of the WXGA projectors now in vogue. The 1410X's black chassis measures 3.5 by 11.3 by 7.6 inches (HWD) and weighs 5.3 pounds, the same weight and dimensions as the Dell 1210S. It has a manual zoom lever, and a focus ring at the front of the projector. It can be tricky to focus without getting one's fingers in the way of the projected light, but it's possible to bring the image to a good focus. The DLP light engine is rated at 2,500 lumens. As was true with the Dell 1210S, the 1410X's native resolution corresponds to a 4:3 aspect ratio befitting a data projector. Although the brightness is on the low side for today's data projectors, it's still bright enough to withstand a fair amount of ambient light in a small room.