3M Mpro110

3M’s MPro110 is the second ultra-portable projector to find its way into the WinLabs and, like the Optoma Pico PK101, is designed for business professionals.

From a technological standpoint the two projectors are worlds apart. Whereas the Optoma relied on a DLP engine, the MPro110 is powered by a Liquid Crystal On Silicon (LCOS) engine designed by 3M. 3M claims this is capable of a maximum projection size of 50-inches and has a life of 10,000 hours after which the projector must be replaced.

Putting the MPro110 to the test, we found its performance was short of 3M’s claims. While it can project a 50-inch diagonal image from about 7-feet away, the image lacks detail and sharpness. Text appears somewhat fuzzy and watching flash-based films, the lack of detail is even more apparent. In the end, we found the 3M performed best when creating a 20-inch image from 4-feet away.

In terms of size and build quality, the MPro110 doesn’t have what it takes to beat the Pico PK101. The Optoma boasts slightly slimmer dimensions and when used, feels a far sturdier product. The focus dial on the 3M however feels flimsy and, when you move the projector, the wheel doesn’t hold its position and slides the lens either in or out.