Nec NP-M300WS

NEC Display Solutions NP-M300WS

The NEC Display Solutions NP-M300WS ($1,099 direct) projector offers any number of attractive features, but stands out for two in particular: a short-throw lens that lets you throw a large image from close to the screen and an unusually capable audio system, with both good sound quality and enough volume to fill a reasonably large conference room or classroom. The combination makes the projector a good choice for everything from small rooms where space it tight to large rooms where a lesser audio system wouldn't be loud enough. Add in the projector's high-quality image, and the M300WS is an obvious pick for Editors' Choice. The M300WS is a close competitor to the Optoma TW610ST ($1,000 street, 4 stars), another Editors' Choice with a short-throw lens. Both projectors offer WXGA (1,280 by 800) native resolution, similar brightness ratings, and similar weights, although the Optoma projector's brightness is a touch higher, and both its weight and price are a touch lower. The most important difference between the two, however, is that the Optoma projector is DLP-based, while the NEC projector uses LCDs. The difference in technology lets the Optoma projector offer 3D capabilities that the NEC projector lacks.