Dell M409WX

Dell M409WX

It’s hard not to be impressed by the Dell M409WX. This ultraportable projector weighs a mere 2.6 pounds yet can beam out 2000 ANSI lumens of brightness at a widescreen resolution that pairs well with many new laptops. The remote control could be easier to use, but overall this is a top-notch, affordably priced projector for traveling presenters. In keeping with the current design motif for Dell projectors, the M409WX has a sleek black exterior, with hard edges and right angles. Even at a height of slightly less than 3 inches, it slides easily into its padded carrying case. The full travel weight, with the remote control and a typical complement of cables, is just 4.0 pounds—lighter than most notebooks. The remote control is our least favorite feature of this projector. We applaud the inclusion of a laser pointer and a pair of buttons for navigating through PowerPoint slideshows. Unfortunately, however, form has prevailed over function: Much of the time we had trouble finding the right buttons. Like the projector, the remote is a a sleek black rectangle.