Laptop or NetBook just for use with LCD projector

[geoff_hartwell]

Howdy fellas,

Looking for a cheap laptop or netbook that I can use to play loops of photos and QuickTime, basic projecting using an Epson S4. Had used an ancient MacBook and an adaptor cable but not averse to PCs.

Side question: anybody else using projections for multimedia performances and what are you using?

Thanks in advance!

[Armitage]

I had a netbook and it was really slow. It seemed like it was a smart phone processor running full Windows. It took it back the same day.

[JES1680]

Check and see if there is a Microcenter near you they have lots of inexpensive laptops including refurbished ones. A couple of things to keep in mind with regards to projectors. You want to try and somewhat match the pc resolution to the projector. If you get a wide screen pc and your projector is an older model you may have resolution issues. Also, many new laptops do not have a VGA output so make sure you can run HDMI or USB into your projector, or you may need to get an adapter.

I would also stay away from netbooks I've never had good luck with them.

[geoff_hartwell]

Awesome, so def no on the netbook, haha.

Keep em comin!

[RobB]

Geoff, what really matters is the quality of the video card. Intel laptops usually have an nVidia card. Depending on the mfgr, sometimes you'll need to get into the nVidia vidcard control panel, as the Intel video driver may want to override it. Not a problem, it's easy to tweak.

Like said above, newer laptops may not have a VGA out, so look for ones that have hdmi, display port or mini display port.

[geoff_hartwell]

On my macbook ive been using a mini port to vga adaptor and works fine.

Is that the same port that might be found on what your suggesting?

So, so far...

-Intel/nVidia video card

-mini display port

[RobB]

That's fine. It's really incumbent on the rez of the photos you're projecting. If VGA, works. Anything higher rez than 1024x768 will need Hdmi/DVI connectors, all easily adapted from laptops if those ports are not included.

[scottcald]

How about something like an iPad with the Lightning to HDMI or VGA adapter?

[kenjones]

If your Macbook is working fine, then why don't you continue using it?

I totally agree that the video card is the most important aspect. HDMI is probably the most common video display connector these days and all new projectors are going to have an HDMI or DVI input.

[Disturber]

Using an old Windows XP laptop wuth my projector in the basement. Works great for playing media files and dvd's.