Projectors

Any suggestions on projectors for doing classroom work on the run? I conduct several digital imaging workshops each year for small groups up to 40 people and have a very old Epson and need to upgrade. I have a 17in Macbook Pro...if that makes any difference.
Thanks in advance!
Kate

Kate, I have a BenQ projector that is medium sized (a couple of pounds) that I've never used for a show because I can't get the colors even close to calibrated. At work for many years, we had a very compact Epson that worked well for the typical powerpoint presentation and seemed okay color wise with photographs. I don't think the type of computer matters as long as you have the right connector (and Apple keeps changing their plug), more important issues are likely to be the weight/size (if you carry it a lot), the brightness, and how far away you have to be from the screen for 40 people to view comfortably.

I, too, use a portable digital projectorfor my photography classes and workshops and have developed a distinct preference foe Epson projectors ( having used a variety of other brands over the years). I also have a deep rooted antipathy toward the prices commanded by the new, latest and greatest models. Hence, my proclivity for shopping where refurbished or at least gently used and warranted electronics are for sale. Obviously, go for the items with the least number of hours on the lamp and for which a spare lamp is included. It's amazing how many sellers forget or disregard what that spare lamp originally cost them! And be sure to check on the price of replacement lamps for the model you are considering. Check out your purchase thoroughly upon receipt so as to be able to return, if necessary, within the return period. I've used mine with my laptop du jure, as well as with, increasingly, my iPad. For the past year I've produced all my presentation programs with the "Keynote" app on the iPad. Far more intuitive and easy to use than, IMHO, Power Point ( which I had used for years in academia before retirement therefrom). So keep checking eBay and the "refurb" websites, do due diligence as to your specific needs, and I suspect you'll like the price and results. As with any electronic purchases, be sure you understand the explicit warrantees and the seller's requirements re: returns.
Just a suggestion as to venues for your classes and workshops; paying a little more for use of a venue already equipped for projection with use of it's projector included may be your best choice, given the cost of replacement bulbs for your particular projector. I always take my own projector, however, as a back-up.
Dave Graham,
East River, SD