Joybee GP1 Evaluation and Conclusion
We
played several DVDs on this projector, including some vibrant selections from
Pixar (Cars was the favorite among my
children). The image was exceptional and bright and colorful when we showed it
on a screen size of around 40 inches (diagonal). When the picture got over 60
inches in size we noticed pronounced blurring and the limitations of the
projector's resolution became more readily apparent. After watching several films
I would have to say that the estimated 80-inch maximum screen size is certainly
possible, but most users will want to keep the screen size smaller if they care
to enjoy the most crisp image possible.
Using the projector was as simple as hooking up the power supply - a megalithic device that equates to about half the volume of the actual projector - and sending a signal into the unit. Startup took an impressive 8-9 seconds before the BenQ screen was visible. We used both a white projector screen and an off-white wall for our viewing and both yielded exceptional results. The human eye is an incredible compensator and will naturally re-balance whites (in your brain), allowing you to watch a movie on an off-color screen and still translate whites with adequate contrast.
The
fan was a tad on the loud side and kicked in after only a few minutes of use,
staying on quite a bit. We thought this was odd, given the nature of the LED
light source, but suspect it also had something to do with the DLP light engine.
When playing photos off of a USB device, we found the GP1 gave us options for
both interval time between images and also a transition effect. You could go
with no effect, or have it fade or do any of about 14 different effects. It
will even do the Ken Burns effect and shrink, move, and grow the images on the
fly to give them movement.
Conclusion
The $499 MSRP of this projector coupled with its diminutive size and nearly endless (LED) lamp life make this a compelling purchase. It's very easy to take with you and makes for a great "vacation" projector. The biggest disappointment with this projector is the size of the external power supply. We would rather have seen the projector take on a bit more size and incorporate the power supply into the main unit. At the very least the carry case should acknowledge the existence of said power supply. Presently the case fits only the main unit and none of the cabling or the large adapter.
BenQ has done a lot of things right with this projector. In terms of portability it's hard to beat, and there is no end to the list of uses I can come up for it. Everyone I've told about this projector is extremely excited about what it means in terms of entertainment potential and the sub-$500 price tag hasn't scared anyone off yet. Given its powerful menu interface, sizable feature set and the low cost of entry, BenQ has landed itself yet another excellent product that should really fill in a niche market well.
BenQ Joybee GP1 LED
Projector
MSRP $499
15375 Barranca
Suite A205
Irvine, CA 92618
949-255-9500
www.benq.us
Limited time offer: Get a free 2 year extended warranty on GP1 (starting July 1): http://promotions.benq.us/product_warranty/
promo code: CIN0001
About
BenQ Corporation
BenQ Corporation consists
of three main business groups ¡X Digital Media Business Group, Integrated Manufacturing
Service Business Group and Mobile Communications Business Group. These three
business groups encompass a broad range of products and each possesses a focus
on providing consumer-oriented solutions designed for the digital lifestyle.
2006 revenues for BenQ Corporation exceeded US$6.2 billion dollars.
The Score Card
The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:
Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating
Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.
Audioholics Rating Scale
— Excellent
- — Very Good
- — Good
- — Fair
- — Poor
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Detail and Resolution | |
| Contrast and Black Levels | |
| Color Reproduction | |
| Build Quality | |
| Ergonomics & Usability | |
| Ease of Setup | |
| Features | |
| Remote Control | |
| Fit and Finish | |
| Performance | |
| Value | |
See also:
It most definitely will need to be serviced by Benq.
ProjectZ;641433
I see these smaller projectors as an alternative to the bigger ones. It's like sometimes you just want a cup of coffee instead of the whole coffee brewing machine. One is small, cheap and portable, the other isn't so portable but has a lot more uses. Both give you the same thing. Hope this analogy makes sense...lol :P
I've got another one...
It's like a motorcycle.
On the one hand, you need your car to get around to your office in the rain with all your files, laptop, and picking up clients and getting around. So, the motorcyle doesn't work for you. (business projector)
On the other hand, you need the mini-van to take the kids out, go to the grocery store, get to PTA meetings, and to go on the family vacation. (home theater projector) So, the motorcyle won't work for you.
It doesn't mean that the motorcycle doesn't get used, and isn't fun. It just is used for very limited, and very specific purposes which only are useful for a handful of people.
As long as people are fully aware of the limitations which the motorcycle has, then there isn't a problem. The problem comes in when people try to put the 12 bags of groceries, or the three people they are picking up for a meeting onto the back of the motorcycle... and then are suprised when they don't fit.
