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Projector Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of dots of light that appear on a screen or a projection to make up a projected image. Take care to note the "native" resolution of the projector you're interested in - while a projector may be able to work with several different notebook computer resolutions, there is one native resolution at which it works best.
Choosing the right resolution for your projector is as easy as knowing the resolution of your notebook. Don't forget, though, that if you plan on upgrading your notebook after getting a new projector you're best off buying a projector with a fairly high resolution that will match newer laptops.
Your presentation won't come to a screeching halt if your notebook and projector don't have the same resolution. Virtually all models can accept higher or lower resolution images than their native resolution, using interpolation to either expand or compress the pixels that compose the image. However, expect to lower your standards a bit for for such interpolated images, since this will usually degrade the quality of the image.
The most common resolutions, from cheapest to most expensive, are VGA (480x640), SVGA (800x600), XGA (1024x768), and SXGA (1,280x1,024).
Resolution of projectors is differentiated in four categories
UXGA (1,600 x 1,200) - UXGA is for very high resolution workstation applications that are detail or information intensive. These are expensive projectors that support a broad range of computer equipment.SXGA (1,280 x 1,024) - SXGA products are high resolution, and notably more expensive than XGA. These products are targeted for high-end personal computer users and low-end workstation users. They are used primarily for command and control, engineering and CAD/CAM applications where acute resolution of small details is important.
XGA (1,024 x 768) - XGA is suitable for relatively high-resolution images from videos, spreadsheets, and graphics. XGA projectors are generally more expensive, and are an equally popular resolution format to SVGA. They have gotten more popular as XGA resolution computers have become more plentiful.
SVGA (800 x 600) - This is a very popular resolution today, because of their attractive prices and great images. SVGA is good for projecting simple graphics and presentations. Personal computers often have an SVGA or XGA resolution.
Higher Resolution: High-resolution projectors are able to show more picture details than low-resolution projectors. Also, since there are more pixels used to make the image, each individual pixel is smaller, so the pixels themselves become less visible on the screen.
Lower Resolution: Lower resolution projectors are much less expensive, and they can produce images that are just as bright and attractive as higher resolution machines. Unless you really have a need to display fine details, lower resolution products will be your best bet from a cost perspective.
If you mainly use: You need at least this much resolution: Consider this projector class: PowerPoint type presentation software, clip art, or simple graphics (pie and bar charts) 800 x 600 SVGA Excel type spread sheets and detailed graphics such as (architectural drawings) 1,024 x 768 XGA CAD/CAM applications or ultra high-resolution graphics 1,280 x 1, 024 SXGA
Projector Buying Tips:
An Introduction to Projectors
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