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BenQ Joybee GP1 Mini Projector review

in-house feature

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On July 8, 2009, 5:58 AM EST

The Joybee GP1 Mini Projector is BenQ’s most compact and portable projector, boasting image sizes up to 80” and featuring a rather unique USB reader that allows you to run media without the assistance of a computer or additional video input device.

When BenQ approached us to review the Joybee GP1 projector we stopped to think about it for a second considering it deviates from our usual coverage of computer peripherals. That said, the idea of testing the minimalistic projector sounded appealing from the perspective of a gadget lover that wouldn't mind dumping a large monitor for a 60-plus inch projected screen under the right circumstances.


Furthermore, this is just the beginning of a developing trend of 'pico' or 'palmtop' projectors that offer form factor convenience, along with the use of LED-based light sources. LED projectors do away with common nags associated with traditional projectors like the use lamps that need to be replaced during its lifetime.

Read the complete review.

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User Comments (7)

Post a comment
yukka
on July 8, 2009
1:10 PM

If only it cost 200 pounds instead of 450, I would buy one. It still looks promising for the future though.

Reply

Guest
on September 15, 2009
1:14 AM

can BenQ Joybee GP1 Mini Projector be used to project word or notepad document directly from USB

Reply

Julio Franco
on September 15, 2009
1:20 AM

I don't think that's possible, the USB functionality is available for a number of audio/video formats only.

Reply

Guest
on November 4, 2009
3:09 PM

The Sival's Mini LED Projector has 1280X720 native resolution with a compact size, very suitable for the travel, camping, presentation, play game and HD movie. It can also play JPEG photos.

Reply

Guest
on August 2, 2010
5:35 PM

is this projector compatible with mac?

Reply

Guest
on March 10, 2011
1:53 PM

How does this compare to the AAXA M1 or M2? They're newer than this one and should be better or?????

Thinking of buying them on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/AAXA-Limited-Projector-iPhone-Laptop/d
/B003YIAIFW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1299786762&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/AAXA-TECHNOLOGIES-M2-Micro-Projector/d
/B004BM2OS4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299786762&sr=8-1

Reply

Guest
on August 24, 2011
6:47 AM

The GP1 gives a good clear image, mine has been used by a teenage Manga group in the local public library, and before they used an old bulb projector supplied by the library. They found the GP1 BETTER than the library projector - I was impressed !

This DP is good for use by environmental groups, or by anyone who wants a light portable DP for travelling. Because the lamp isn't a bulb it is probably a lot more robust, and can be moved when the DP is switched on or still hot, which is not safe for a DP with a normal lamp. The GP1 can be driven at 19 volts DC from a low voltage system, and it only uses about 50 watts. I use it with a bicycle-powered 12 volt system and a 12 to 19VDC adaptor. The only problem is that the GP1 power socket is not a standard size and I've been unable to source a rewirable power plug so I can fit it to my DC/DC adaptor.

BenQ seem only to have a small no. of standard replies to customer queries, all they will tell me is "your GP1 needs the benQ adaptor" , they won't tell me the size of the power socket/plug or respond to my suggestion that they market a DC/DC adaptor with the right power plug. I suspect their Customer Service dept. is computerised or manned by unskilled people who read from a prompt sheet, they don't actually know what I'm talking about.

In spite of this I'd recommend the projector. It can be operated safely from alternative power systems without breaking the warranty, but you'd have to use 2 adaptors if your power is low voltage: One to step up to mains voltage, then the benQ mains adaptor to step down to 19 volts DC

again - complicated and wasteful, each adaptor probably loses 10% of the power, not very helpful if one cyclist is trying to generate about 60 watts.... If anyone knows where I can get a benQ size power plug, can you please tell me ?

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