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October 12, 2009 6:33 AM PDT

Get a 3M pocket projector for $149.99 shipped

by Rick Broida
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Now that second-generation pico (i.e. really tiny) projectors are hitting the streets, you can pick up first-gen models for a song.

Witness the 3M MPro110, on sale at Newegg for $149.99 shipped. It's a refurb, but given that it sold new for $359 just 10 months ago, you gotta take a look-see.

The impossibly small MPro110 weighs 5.6 ounces and measures 0.9 inch high by 2 inches wide by 4.5 inches deep, meaning you can literally stuff it in a pocket.

The projector works with a wide variety of video sources: laptops, digital cameras, camcorders, and iPods (which require a special video-out cable--3M doesn't supply one).

CNET hasn't reviewed the MPro110, but be sure to read the reviews at Gizmodo and PC Magazine. The chief complaint lies with brightness: you need a pretty dark room to enjoy the view, and you can't get an image much larger than 20 inches without taking a brightness hit.

Of course, if you're running a photo slideshow or watching a movie, 20 inches is way better than the source device's little LCD. The MPro110 may not be a suitable replacement for a boardroom projector, but for fun and leisure, it's pretty sweet.

You can learn more, and see the gizmo in action, in the above video (which is a little cheesy but very informative). Still more info is available at 3M's product page.

Newegg doesn't specify the warranty, but assume 90 days (and call or e-mail them if you're concerned about it). I don't really have a need for one of these, but I'm salivating over that price.

Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog.
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by dannosliwcd October 12, 2009 8:24 AM PDT
If you are absolutely against refurbs, this is available new at tigerdirect for 200. Refurb deal isn't that bad anyways, since the new product's warranty is only 3 months anyways.

I can't imagine much of a reason to have one of these (it seems like any place you would prefer this over other display methods already has a good setup for a full-sized projector). Although, I'm sure someone has already rigged up a halloween costume that uses this as part of an active camouflage suit.
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by dannosliwcd October 12, 2009 8:25 AM PDT
Guess you might want a link:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4340434&sku=T350-3000
by Mr_fleabite October 12, 2009 9:20 AM PDT
Hey rick do you have any suggestions on where to look for deals on tools?
BTW this thing is cool but the wife said no, I guess we're saving money for the home ren'o.
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by j_a_s_p_e_r October 12, 2009 9:38 AM PDT
I can recommend Amazon's Denali brand. E.g the 115pc Home Repair starter kit for ~$45. I got the 80 something piece drillbit set and carry bag for $20 last year. Very good. Got dozens of diferrent types of drillbits and the quality is above average.
by jon345111 October 12, 2009 10:33 AM PDT
Argh, the stupid ad for the powermat blocks the main page's link to the blogs. How can I get to them while this ad is up there besides just googling them (pain in the butt). Thanks
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by rickbroida October 12, 2009 11:01 AM PDT
You're right! I'll find out what's going on. In the meantime, you can get straight to the Cheapskate at this url: www.news.com/cheapskate. Bookmark it! :)
by PeteyBrian October 12, 2009 1:49 PM PDT
Thanks Rick!
Cool product! Especially cool to hook up to ipod/iphone/laptop/camera on the go. It doesn't say it works with an iphone, but I can't see a reason why it wouldn't. Plus, iPhones have external speakers (unlike ipods), albeit small sounding. $150 - an expensive toy, but priceless fun!
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by greatpix October 12, 2009 8:35 PM PDT
That's a lot of money for a pocket protector don't you think? I mean, does 3M make ones that are all that much better than the ones that cost 25 cents at the office supply store? :o)
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About The Cheapskate

The best things in tech are cheap. "The Cheapskate" scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets, and all the other tech stuff that makes life worth living. Send your own cheapskate tips to thecheapskate@gmail.com. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.

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