September 29, 2004

2:36 PM

I'm in the process of writing a grant for a projector and laptop to run it. It's for a small rural fire department and the total budget is roughly 4.5k. I need two prices for each and know nothing about projectors -- I'm looking for a well regarded projector manufacturer and two good online retailers selling the brand. The laptop isn't an issue, I'll use Dell and IBM (I know there are better sources but these folks like names they've heard of).
posted by cedar to (4 comments total)

Manufacturers aside, one thing you really want is lumens and lots of them. This is the difference between being able to see a nice, bright image in a dim room and seeing a lousy, dim image in a very dark room. Another thing is to check the price on replacement bulbs. They can cost a pretty penny.
posted by plinth at 3:11 PM on September 29, 2004

Plinth is very right. (Hi, Plinth! Long time no talk.)

Another point is that you're going to want a very durable laptop. As far as I know, the IBM T40 is one of the top-rated for durability right now. Many people have complained about the Dell laptops being flexible and flimsy.
posted by SpecialK at 3:21 PM on September 29, 2004

Dell and IBM both sell projectors.

I bought an IBM T41 partly based on MeFites' recommendations. I have tested the durability factor (wet pavement, slippery soles, multiple items in arms, something had to give); no problems then or since.
posted by initapplette at 3:55 PM on September 29, 2004

The problem with lumens is that the more you get, the more frequently the lamp burns out. And the higher-lumens lamps are more expensive. Be sure to consider the cost of consumables as well as the projector itself.

CDW is one of the standard places for organizational purchasing. They will sell to anyone, but the more volume you put through them the better. When I was doing low-volume office equipment, I could often get better prices out of CDW than the big wholesalers like Ingram Micro. Insight and NewEgg are also worth checking out.
posted by b1tr0t at 4:33 PM on September 29, 2004