3M MPro 110 projector

When you want to display something a monitor is not always available, nor is it always the best option. 3M's MPro 110 'micro-projector' is an attempt to make a projector that's light and small enough to carry around.

Intended primarily for use with a laptop at home or in an office, the MPro 110 comes in a silver and black casing and is indeed light and small – approximately the size of a chunky smartphone.

With no installation required and the only controls on the device being the power switch and lens focus control, it was intuitive, simple and quick to set up and use.

A tripod can be attached – though none is provided – while the bundled VGA and video leads allow connection to a computer, digital camera, video player or even some mobile phones. Certain devices may require an adapter, however.

By placing the MPro 110 at the recommended distance (between 30cm and 1.8m) from a blank screen or wall – and by rolling the lens focus wheel at the head of the unit – it can create an image of between 5in and 50in.

The projector was silent when in use but while it was good at displaying movies and presentations filled with organisational charts, text at small font sizes was difficult to see clearly, even when we made adjustments to the focus. Colour reproduction was best in a darkened room – it looked quite washed out in normal lighting conditions but the image was still viewable.

The projector has a battery life of between 40 minutes and one hour with constant use, though a mains adapter is supplied.

While performance was not jaw-dropping in the conditions that the MPro 110 is designed for, this is also a common complaint in full-size projectors that cost a great deal more.

As such, the MPro-110 is a fantastic way of achieving a big-screen gaming or film experience in reduced-light settings and a great backup tool to have in your arsenal if you make a lot of presentation.

At £299, however, the MPro 110's price makes it too expensive for many home users.