Aaxa’s M1 Micro Projector Weighs In
Since we received it a few weeks ago, we here at ShopXtreme have been busy testing out Aaxa's latest projector, the M1, and comparing it to its predecessor, the P2. The M1 is undoubtedly a step up (both in size and in capabilities) from the P2, but we thought it would be best to actually give you a look at the changes. Here's what we came up with!
Product Specifications
Just as a refresher from our previous Aaxa review, we've given you the specifications for the P2 and M1 side by side to have an idea of what they translate into when you see a visual comparison:
| P2 | M1 Standard | |
| Native Resolution | 800 x 600 (SVGA) | 800 x 600 (SVGA) |
| Lumens | 33 Lumens | 66 Lumens |
| Noise (dB) | 30dB | 22dB |
| Lamp | 30,000 hour LED | 20,000 hour LED |
| Contract Ratio | 1000:1 | 1000:1 |
| Focus | Manual | Manual |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 |
| Size | 110x59x27mm | 112x105x46mm |
| Power Consumption | 15 watts | 30 watts |
| Power Supply | AC 100-240V, 50/60hz | AC 100-240V, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Battery | DC 1700mAh battery | Not included |
| Video In | Composite A/V (3.5mm jack), VGA (D-Sub) | Composite A/V (3.5mm Jack)* |
| Audio Out | 3.5 mm stereo jack | 3.5 mm stereo jack |
| Audio Output | 1w stereo speakers, Stereo speaker/ headphone mini jack | 1w stereo speakers, Stereo speaker/ headphone mini jack |
| USB | 5-Pin Mini USB | 5-Pin Mini USB |
| Onboard Memory | 1 Gigabyte | 1 Gigabyte |
| External Memory | Micro SD card | Micro SD card |
| Price | $349 |
$299 |
Now that you can see the quantitative difference, let's take a look at the qualitative differences.
Testing Comparison
For the M1 vs. P2 comparison, we decided to show how each projected a handful of images spanning a range of colors: Orange, red, blue, yellow, black, white, and pretty much everything in between...
- The cover of Red Hot Chili Pepper's Californication, with the P2 projection on the left and the M1's on the right
- Everybody's favorite evil geriatric nuclear plant owner showing off yellow and white
- A dark picture of the Orange Lantern. This one instance in which the M1 really stands out in comparison to its little brother, the P2
- An angelic Rambo shows the difference in brightness in relation to how the P2 and M1 display white.
- A photo of the Tesla Roadster showing off how each projector displays a dark red.
*All images were projected on a 55-inch display on a white wall in a room with windows (with the shades closed) on a sunny day around 2 pm.
As you can see, the M1 is head-and-shoulders above the P2 in terms of technical capabilities. With double the lumens, the jump in performance is expected, however. The downside to the M1, though, is its physical size. It's just about double the size of the P2:
Other Notes
There are two variations of the M1 available: the Standard and the Plus version. The Plus edition features a 1280x960 VGA input (in addition to the composite A/V) which the Standard lacks. Both versions include a remote control. Both have optional connectors for your iPod, Zune, or PSP.
Final Thoughts
After testing the M1 out, the only thing we were quite puzzled about was the lack of a mounting socket for a tripod. This was a problem for us, since we had to balance the M1 on top of our tripod to get an accurate comparison with the P2, but it would be a much bigger problem for consumers in our eyes. The lack of a socket means that the M1 is pretty much supposed to be used on a flat surface ONLY and nothing else. It seems like a simple thing to incorporate into the product, so it is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed.
Also, despite its size, the M1 doesn't come with a built-in battery. Aaxa does offer one that can give you 1.5 hours of usage, however, which you can buy here.
The bottom line is that the M1 performs very well in and of itself, let alone in comparison to the P2. The only real advantages that the P2 has is smaller size and a built in battery. So if you are waiting to get the VGA input with the M1 Plus, you'll have to wait about a month and a half. If you aren't, and aren't concerned about size or portability, buy one today!
Source: Aaxa
