InFocus LP335

With the LP335, InFocus has produced a convenient little device which features quick connection, an auto-sensing image and a much brighter display than is normally associated with projectors of this size.

InFocus has built the LP335 into one of its distinctive round-edged cases. A single central extending foot props up the front of the machine, which can be adjusted by pressing a release catch on one side of the case near the front.

The lens is mounted on one side of the case rather than in the centre, but it feels well-balanced just the same. The zoom level is adjusted manually using a ring set inside the case body and focus is adjusted by turning the lens edge. All the connectors are located together at the opposite side, reducing the sprawl of cables.

The LP335 uses DVI for connecting to digital ports on newer graphics cards, with support for regular analog VGA and USB. The result is a fast, single-port connection for hooking up any modern notebook with the minimum of fuss. The machine also supports simultaneous input from S-Video and composite video sources, and you can toggle between computer and video inputs using dedicated buttons on the handset or on the projector unit itself.

As handsets go, InFocus' Executive Plus remote is basic, which in turn makes it quick to learn and simple to operate. There's a button for calling up the image display menu, another for making on-screen selections, and one for switching off the machine. That's it apart from the circular directional rocker button for controlling the mouse pointer and a trigger click button underneath the handset. The mouse control is typically inaccurate. Pointing at things and navigating the menus are fine, but handling software live on-screen is best left to a proper mouse attached to your notebook.

All the basics for image adjustment are available through the on-screen menus, but I found there was little need to fiddle with image controls in order to achieve a good picture. The LP335 features auto-sensing which can set up the image automatically. The success with which it manages this isn't altogether consistent, but it does give an immediate starting point which only needs a quick final adjustment to get right.

The screen image is reliably good across different lighting levels, thanks to a bright 120W high-pressure mercury arc lamp with a projection rating of 1,000 lumens. This is much brighter than the LP335's predecessor, with the intention of improving image clarity rather than projection distance.

The LP335 may seem expensive considering its lack of features, and there are ultra-portable projectors around which are smaller and cost the same or less. However, at 2.2kg, the LP335 is still one of the lightest 1,000 Lumens-rated projectors, making it all the more portable alongside your notebook. The lack of features could be seen as an advantage when it comes to ease of set up and operation. Using the LP335 for occasional or single-location presentations would be missing the point: this is a machine for someone who is always on the move.

Author: Alistair Dabbs