SONY VPL-SC50E

Another string to Sony's bow is the inclusion of an infrared remote control as standard. This is fully featured, giving you access to all the top panel controls from the palm of your hand. Also, if the PS/2 mouse cable is connected to the host PC, the remote can be used to duplicate mouse functions as well. There's even a laser pointer built in to help with presentations.

The cost of LCD projectors seems to be dropping all the time, and at £2,999 the VPL-SC50E is very good value. The running costs aren't too bad either: bulbs lasts for around 2,000 hours each and replacements cost £275, working out to 13.7p per hour. That said, the InFocus LP420 has dropped in price to £2,500 since we last looked at it.

Ultimately, the VPL-SC50E's portability and build quality just about make up for a slightly disappointing data projection performance and a relatively limited maximum screen size. But if video performance comes into the equation, you're unlikely to find anything much better.

Author: Riyad Emeran