1 . VGA output from connection to portable laptop : Adequate due to focus problem , i.e. unfocused image across the breadth of the projection which come from a distance of approximately 12 ' in this case . furthermore , focus the image adequately with the focus wheel be somewhat difficult . however , if the operator fiddle long enough with the focus , one can generally see a clear image over most of the projection if the projection be nearly perpendicular to the wall with minimal skew . although 12 ' be outside the range suggest by the manufacturer , the Optoma pk201 have focus problem even at shorter distance , e.g. 9 ' . the hdmus capability beg a user to connect the pk201 to a computer and project the desktop onto a wall as a replacement for a large screen tv . currently , the latter process do not work well because not all quadrant of the project image be in focus at the same time . personally , I would love to use this capability with my speech recognition system while browse the InterNet , but a project desktop consist of text be very difficult to read . in order to read the fuzzier text , heavy use of the web browser 's zoom capability be require which cause other problem . Optoma , you blow it here and I fully expect you next generation of micro projector to precisely focus all quadrant of the project image simultaneously . I will not be as forgiving if this problem reoccur in succeed generation . no excuse . 2 . thermal : a purchaser would not want a micro projector produce greater heat . personally , excessive heat might be play a role in the focus problem . with the current design , 20 lumen be about maximum for micro projector use lead dlp -lrb- currently -rrb- and passive cooling . employ laser diode instead of led be a option for micro projector , but I be unsure which option have the greatest luminosity per unit of thermal output . 3 . luminosity : the projector be barely acceptable at 20 lumen . unless one restrict the usage of they micro projector to nighttime hour , do not buy a micro projector with a rate output less than 20 lumen . the projection from the pk201 can be see in a room with some indirect exterior light so the brightness be acceptable . 4 . battery life : marginal at best . buy another battery as a spare . you 'll need it . 5 . the power switch be too small . 6 . one can replace the include conversion software with Handbrake if the user be willing to fiddle with the setting . personally , I use avidemux 2 to convert video for the pk201 , but Handbrake will work as well . thanks to legondaree on the Handbrake forum for these selection for use with Handbrake : a. Select the `` iPhone & iPod Touch '' preset . b. Set output format to `` mp4 file '' c. Set Video \ Video codec to `` H. 264 -lrb- x264 -rrb- '' d. Set Video \ Quality to `` average bitrate -lrb- kbp -rrb- : 1500 '' e. Set Advanced \ b-frame to `` 0 '' f. Disable Advanced \ CABAC Entropy Coding g. Set Advanced \ Motion Estimation Method to `` uneven multi_hexagon '' h. in `` Picture Settings '' , select a maximum width of 720 and height of 480 and set Anamorphic to `` none '' although , I initially think about return the pk201 due to the difficulty in focus and the minimal life of the battery , I have decide to keep it as one can get a readable image across most of the screen if the aforementioned precaution be follow and one can always purchase a additional battery . the pk201 be a good micro projector and worth $ 300 , but the difficulty in focus and the minimal life of the battery detract from its usefulness . remember , technology will continually advance these micro projector so one have to weigh various factor before decide to purchase . personally , I do not think either the pk201 or pk301 be mature enough yet although they be close . the next generation of these micro projector will probably see much wider adoption of these device . I suspect 30 + test lumen will probably be the minimum output and at least 90 minute of battery life before these device see wide acceptance . in conclusion , the pk201 will work nicely for display picture and video as a slightly out of focus condition will not generally be noticeable in part of the image . furthermore , if the pk201 be use primarily in a room with indirect light , e.g. all shades pull during daylight hour , or at night , the brightness of the project image be adequate . the pk201 can also be use to display text , but slightly out of focus text can be maddening after awhile . personally , I be able to use the pk201 to project my desktop while browse the InterNet with my speech recognition system if I heavily zoom my web browser to enlarge the text and precisely fiddle with the focus wheel . the latter can be do with some difficulty and the text be largely readable so all be not lose . I have decide to bump my overall rating from 3 to 4 . the pk201 be so close to meet the requirement for many application and it be a very good buy if the intend use be primarily for view picture or watch video .