Samsung MBP200 test

Even if I’m a big fan of my Aiptek V10, I must admit that only the Optoma PK-101 happens to produce an image worthy of a traditional projector, for despite all the qualities of the Aiptek V10 (especially firmware updates giving it additional functionality), it does not provide a clear and brilliant picture. I was looking for a real improvement: more lumens, and an integrated camera. I chose the Samsung MBP200.

I placed the order of the Samsing MBP200 on Ebay (currently only 5 Korean distributors). You can purchase it for just under 600 USD. After waiting five delivery days, I now have a beautiful well-stocked box that contains:

1 - The picoprojector itself
2 - A small protective cover (simple but with a nice logo design on the side)
3 - Two batteries
4 - A battery charger (handy for charging a battery while using the other)
5 - An adapter (very compact)
6 - Headphones
7 - A small “screen stand” with a telescopic antenna on which you can hang a sheet of paper to use as a screen
8 - A VGA cable, USB cable and a T20-M20 cable
9 - A micro SD 2GB and 4GB card (provided by the Ebay seller)
10 - The user manual, unfortunately only in Korean

At first ignition, first surprise: the sound quality! Incredibly, Samsung has successfully integrated speakers with great stereo quality (I think there is only one speaker but the quality is really mind-blowing).
Moreover, the integrated display is very good and makes this product a true PMP. At first the menu is in Korean (!!!) but in three clicks, and thanks to icons, it is easy to change the language (only Korean and English are available).

The device asks us to choose between the screen and projector, it is not possible to have both, I guess the reason is power saving. The quality is perfect (according to my pico projection criteria, of course). In broad daylight, I get a surface projection of about 40 cm with optimum brightness (not possible with a Aiptek V10). The contrast, clarity and colors are excellent at this distance. The Samsung MBP200 picoprojector comes with a small 9min animation.

Strengths

1 + Nice esthetics: black with a built-in screen, tactile navigation keys.
2 + Excellent projection quality (with only 10 lumens!)
3 + Excellent sound
4 + Easy file transfer: most files (especially videos) are compatible without the need to convert, it even takes into account all Office documents (even 2007 with a different extension).
5 + Very good media player: MP3, photos and video
6 + Volume control at any time.
7 + Possibility of forward or rewind when playing a video or MP3.
8 + The power button can be set to ‘Lock’ to avoid any mistake when watching a movie.
9 + The 1,5 hour projection autonomy of the battery.

Weaknesses

1 - Projection of a 480 × 320 resolution in HVGA, so once connected to a computer, it does not project the whole desktop.
2 - I never understood how to connect an external video source (DVD player). I expect a T20 cable (10-pin), RCA (Composite), normally this should do the trick.
3 - When you play a file on the integrated screen of the picoprojector, you can not project it instantly. You must first go through the menu, ask to change the display to the picoprojector and then once on, you must return to the menu and replay the file.
4 - Setting the focus should be a little more precise. The knob on the side is a little weak.
5 - The Samsung MBP200 includes a DMB/DV-TV tuner, which makes it a must but only in Korea.
6 - Flash files are not compatible (too bad for a multimedia player).
7 - No screw hole to put on a tripod.

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