ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector Hands-On

ViewSonic has just launched the M1 Portable Projector in the Philippines. We were able to get our hands on this handy projector that can be used both for professional presentations and entertainment. Check it out!

The ViewSonic M1 has a pretty premium look and feel to it. Evident in its name, it’s a compact projector that fits in the hand as it measures about 5.7-inches in length. Some smartphones have a bigger footprint than this portable projector. Most of the body has a silver metallic finish, while the rest features a dark gray mesh design, which indicates the projector’s Harman Kardon-powered built-in speakers. The M1 also has a Music Mode, transforming to a speaker if you don’t feel like using it as a projector.

Speaking of Harman Kardon, one can find the company’s logo adorned at the top of the projector.

On the lens cap, there’s the ViewSonic logo printed across a white, rubber surface.

An impressive design aspect of the M1 is that the lens cap also serves as a 360-degree swivel stand. The rubber surface prevents the projector from sliding against surfaces when set upright.

On the rear, one can find the power button, volume controls, and the navigation button. We found that the power button to be slightly unnecessary, as uncovering the lens cap will automatically switch the projector on, and covering it back will turn the projector off. Right below are light indicators that display how much battery power the M1 has left to keep it running.

At the side, there’s a small focus wheel which allows us to easily control the focus and sharpness of the projected image.

While the M1 comes with 16GB of internal storage, it also has several connectivity options. The ports are hidden by a hatch located below the focus wheel. Opening it up, the M1 provides micro SD, 19V charging port, USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm audio port, and a USB-A port. We were able to connect our devices and stream from them, thanks to the M1’s handy dandy inclusion of various ports.

We tested out a couple of videos using the M1, and we found that the projector’s auto keystone correction straightens out images proportionally, no matter how the M1 is positioned. It’s a pretty neat feature, as there’s no need to adjust the projected image to make it look balanced.

The ViewSonic M1 comes with a USB-C cable, power cord, and remote control included in the box. A carry bag is an optional accessory.

ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector

• 5.7 x 4.9 x 1.5 inches
• 16GB internal storage
• Projection system: 0.2″WVGA
• Native Resolution: 854×480
• Throw Distance: 38″ @1m
• Keystone: ±40° (Vertical)
• Optical Zoom: Fixed
• Audible Noise (Eco): 25dB
• Resolution Support: VGA(640 x 480) to FullHD(1920 x 1080)
• HDTV Compatibility: 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
• micro SD
• 19V charging port
• HDMI port
• 3.5mm audio port
• USB-C port
• USB-A port
• USB-C cable
• Power cord
• Remote Control

Priced at PHP 21,990USD 375INR 31,767EUR 357CNY 2,729, the Viewsonic M1 is available at the following stores:

• JBL (SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, Festival Mall, SM Bacoor, Fairview Terraces)
• A. Refinery (UP Town Center, Cebu)
• Lazada Audiobox
• Inforworx (SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, Festival Mall)

What do you think of the Viewsonic M1? Let us know in the comments!