1. Senario Torpedo

Price: $170/£117
Resolution: 320×240 (about the same as VHS tape video)
Contrast Ratio: What contrast ratio?
Replacement bulbs: $10/£7

Many of the reviews online for the senario Torpedo are bad. This I think is slightly representive of this low entry “cheap” micro projector, however it is also because the sorts of people offering reviews on micro-projectors on the whole are not the ideal audience. This is aimed at kids, younger kids, kids that don’t understand what HD is yet – for these kids this projector will be alright, it will however appear quite gimicky. For us this projector is a bargain basement option, and in the end – you get what you pay for. The resolution is low, the contrast is bad even in a dark room, but the bulbs are cheap – if you can watch something for long enough for one to blow. Probably a cheap kids present, but dont expect them to use it for long.

2. Hasbro ZoomBox Kids Projector
Price: $299 at release (£200ish)
Resolution: 557 x 234 Native Resolution
Aspect Ratio:4:3 Native
Contrast Ratio: TBC
Replacement bulbs: TBC
Weighs: 9.7 lbs

We have a few more figures and stats on the hasbro kids pico projector than we do on the others, its weight and size are different too. The reason we group with the others is because although a little bigger, it essentially still just about fits within the kids microprojector category. Not a lot can be said that cant be seen from its stats, a fairly average contrast ratio/resolution but a standard aspect ratio – probably tied into the fact it has a built in dvd player – definately this mini projectors Unique Selling Point decided apon by Hasbro, and they might be on the money as kids are much more likely to be using dvd’s over micro sd cards or other card flash media for projecting with, after all you can buy kids films on dvd but not on sd card.

3. Optima GT-7000
HD Ready 720p
Compatible with most inputs (Scart Adapter and cables for “virtually all consoles” included)
1600 Ansi (Brightest here)
4000:1 Contrast Ratio
2.1 Speakers (loud)
Purpose designed back-pack to carry it
Remote Control

The Optima GT-7000 is sold as a gaming projector – GT itself stands for “Gaming Time” – this shows optima’s ongoing devotion to making projectors for use in peoples homes, for entertainment value. Again this projector is not a hand held one, while they provide you with a bag and set of 2.1 speakers capable of the best sound out of all these projectors, it is not a pico projector in the sense we usually mean on microprojector5. While its not itty bitty it does have some nice figures attached, note this projector is the ONLY HD ready we feature here (all be it only 720), this micro projector is likely to be ideal for the mid age kid’s bracket, perhaps for young gamer/computer friendly kids that are between the age of wanting better resolution but not wanting hugely expensive home cinema projectors. The bag that comes with this miniprojector does bode well for the product, ultimately we see this as a good unit that will work well with slightly older kids – perhaps a birthday present rather than a small gift, but definitely one that will be well used and teach a little technology to the child.

4. Senario Mega-Vu
Price: TBC
Resolution: TBC (expect 320×240)
Contrast Ratio: TBC
Replacement bulbs: TBC

This childrens pico projector is sort of an unknown, it is shown on their website but there has been no other reviews or product sightings around on the net. Potentially its Senario’s next kids pico to be released, although that is yet to be seen.

From Senario’s website: “Mega Vu – Turn almost any room into a theater with Mega Vu dark room projectors. Project video games, photos and movies anywhere. Portable and easy to set up, you can use the projectors at home or on the go. Built-in speakers allow you to watch – and listen to – your favorite movies, music, videos, digital pictures and more at the touch of a button. “