Nec NP-M260W

NEC NP-M260W

At a time when most similar data projectors are rated at about 3,000 lumens of brightness or more, the NP-M260W from NEC Display Solutions of America throws a more modest 2,600 lumens. It's also a bit bulkier than similar systems. Still, this projector's strengths—myriad connectivity options, fine image quality for both video and still images, and unusually good sound system—more than make up for those two shortfalls. In fact, it packs enough in to make it our Editors' Choice for portable WXGA projectors. The M260W has a WXGA (1,280 by 800) resolution, which matches widescreen laptops with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Like the Epson EX7200 Multimedia Projector ($749.99 direct, 4 stars), it uses 3LCD technology, which employs 3 LCD panels, each of which processes light of a different primary color. This white projector with rounded corners is large for a portable WXGA data projector in its weight class, measuring 3.9 by 13.4 by 10.1 inches. That's considerably larger than similar projectors such as the Epson EX-7200, the Optoma Pro360W ($700 street, 3.5 stars), and the ViewSonic PJD6531w ($690 street).