Programming with a projector
 

I found a 2.5kg full HD projector (this is very new) http://www.viewsonic.com/us/pjd7820hd.html here. This screen http://www.amazon.com/Tabletop-Porta...dp/B007A5757O/ fits into a carryon. Often when I travel I could use a larger screen at the other end. This seems like a great trick to pack an impossibly large display into a very small space (and ~4kg is not bad at all). Any problems with this? Will the TSA think it's a rifle in my bag or some idiocy like that :cool: ?

Potential problems:
* noise/heat when running
* cost of lamp replacements
* minimum focus distance (as that's not a short throw, although it may be short enough)

None of those are definite problems with that model or your use, but they're issues to look into. If the last turns out to be an issue, take a look at models specifically designated as "short throw" which are intended for use in a small space and relatively close to the projection screen (they're often quieter/cooler for use in small conference rooms, as well.)

1.18 is pretty short, but no matter since the OP chose a 4:3 screen. by the time he's sized (being letterboxed), it'll be like shooting with a .8

And don't worry about the noise/heat issue. Just don't sit next to the vent, which will be expelling very hot air no matter what project or you have.

I would love to pick a 16:9 screen but there are no tabletops with that ratio I can find quite probably because most portable projectors are XGA (4:3) or SXGA (5:4, close enough to 4:3).

Thanks for the heat warning I was actually thinking on doing just that :/ I might need to find a good rear projection screen perhaps.

RP is a bad choice for portable projectors. First off is all the space they waste. You'll throw away 8-10' of the room your in. Next is with the lower lumens, you lose even more with RP.

If you do go that route, make sure the pj has the display option to do floor/rear. A lot of portable pj's don't.