In fact, the package includes just the basics, with no lens cover, remote control or adjustable feet for aiming the projector. It also lacks a speaker, optical zoom and keystone correction. However, like the Pico PK-101, the MPro110 has a threaded mount for a tripod stand.

There are two video connectors: a mini-video jack for a composite video cable that can work with a DVD player or other device, and a proprietary flat plug for connecting with a notebook. Unfortunately, the latter worked its way loose several times during testing.

Inside its silver and black frame, the MPro110 has a 0.47-in. LCOS imaging engine. The resulting 640-by-480 resolution images are cruder than the M109S but sharper than the Pico. 3M rates the MPro110's contrast ratio at a realistic 80:1. While the other manufacturers say their contrast ratios are an order of magnitude higher, to the naked eye they appear to be similar.

The MPro110's projection size matches the Pico's at between 6 and 60 inches (measured diagonally) but works best at an image size of less than 48 inches. It operates from 1 to 7 feet away from the screen. The biggest defect is that the output of the MPro110 is bowed inward along its horizontal and vertical sides, which distorts the image.

The MPro110 was up and running in 15.3 seconds and shut down nearly instantly. It is capable of putting only 8.4 lumens of light on screen, a bit more than the Pico PK-101 but much less than the M109S. This should suffice for a small group meeting in a darkened room, but I found that the image was easily washed out by sunlight or bright room lights. On the other hand, without a fan, the MPro110 was whisper quiet.