The ViewSonic M2e Portable Projector Review: A Compact Powerhouse for Home, Travel, and Work?
The promise of a portable, high-quality projector that can transform any surface into a giant screen is alluring. ViewSonic’s M2e, with its Harman Kardon speakers, power bank compatibility, and Full HD resolution, aims to deliver on this promise. But is this Rs. 85,000 projector truly the versatile entertainment and productivity solution it claims to be? Let’s dive into the details of this compact powerhouse.
ViewSonic M2e: Design and Specs
The ViewSonic M2e, while not as ultra-portable as its predecessor, the ViewSonic M1, is still remarkably compact and lightweight. Its design is unassuming, with a sleek, black finish and a subtle, textured surface. The front houses the lens and two Harman Kardon speakers for a combined output of 6W, while the right side features heat vents.
Connectivity options are plentiful: a 3.5mm Audio-out socket, HDMI 2.0 port, USB Type-C port, USB Type-A port, microSD card slot, and a power socket for the included adapter. Notably, the M2e lacks a built-in battery, requiring a power source like the adapter or a compatible power bank capable of delivering at least 45W via the USB Type-C port.
The bottom boasts an adjustable kickstand for precise angle adjustments, which is both sturdy and smooth in operation. A tripod mount socket also allows for more stable positioning.
The ViewSonic M2e is a Full HD (1920×1080-pixel) LED projector with a rated brightness of 1,000 lumens and a lamp life of up to 30,000 hours.
ViewSonic M2e: Connecting and Controlling
The M2e’s connectivity options cover most bases, with HDMI and USB Type-C for connecting modern devices, USB and microSD for traditional storage media, Bluetooth for wireless audio, and Wi-Fi for standalone functionality. It also boasts AirPlay support for Apple devices and an app for Android screen mirroring.
The projector runs a custom Android-based OS with a user interface manageable via the included remote. While you can download apps from a built-in app store, navigation using the remote proves clunky, making most apps difficult to use effectively.
The projector also offers detailed settings for manual calibration, focus adjustment, and a file browser for accessing storage media. It even includes 16GB of internal storage, with around 10GB readily available. The ViewSonic M2e natively supports media up to 4K resolution, although it downscales it to Full HD for projection.
ViewSonic M2e: Picture and Sound Performance
The M2e’s fixed zoom lens necessitates careful positioning for optimal performance. While the projector has a range of up to 2.68m, it shines best at shorter distances with smaller projection sizes.
I tested the M2e with the Amazon Fire TV Cube (2nd Gen) as the primary source device, watching various content: streaming services, movies from a USB drive, mirrored smartphone screen, and YouTube videos.
At a distance of around 1m, the projector delivered a decent 40-inch projection, suitable for many scenarios. The picture quality was sharp and detailed in the right setting, particularly when watching high-quality streaming content on the Fire TV Cube.
The projector requires a dark room for best performance, with bright sunlight impacting the picture quality, especially at larger projection sizes. However, dimming the room with curtains significantly improved the viewing experience, making it more enjoyable for Full HD content even in dimly lit environments.
Low-resolution content appeared decent in dim lighting, with smaller projection sizes being essential. While the M2e claims to project up to 100 inches, the picture quality noticeably deteriorates at larger sizes, making precise positioning crucial.
Sound quality is excellent thanks to the 6W Harman Kardon speaker system. Despite the low wattage, the sound is adequate for a typical room and well-balanced for various content. The built-in speakers are a valuable asset, offering versatility and eliminating the need for external speakers in most cases.
ViewSonic M2e: Verdict
The ViewSonic M2e, priced at Rs. 85,000, is a high-quality projector with many appealing features. Its compact size, portability, and various connectivity options make it a suitable option for home, travel, and professional use.
Pros:
- Easy to store and carry.
- Excellent connectivity options.
- Decent projection performance, particularly in dimmed room settings.
- Very good sound quality.
- Effective autofocus and keystone correction.
Cons:
- Relatively expensive.
- Fixed optical zoom.
- Slow boot-up times and occasional software bugs.
- Basic built-in UI with limited app usability.
While not a direct replacement for a television, the ViewSonic M2e offers a blend of portability, performance, and convenience. Its ability to transform various spaces into mini home theaters or presentation areas makes it a strong contender for those seeking a versatile projection solution.
