The Package
BenQ Joybee GP1 Mini Projector comes with the following accessories:

• AC Adapter and power cord
• Remote Control
• Small padded bag
• Multi Input Cables
• Disk containing user’s manual
• Quick Start Guide , safety Manual and Warranty Card

Aside from that, BenQ is kind enough to include a 2GB Sandisk Cruzer flash drive, containing sample videos and other documentations to help the new user get acquainted with the new GP1 projector.

Getting familiar with the GP1 Mini Projector
The GP1 mini projector is presented in a box like appearance with an elegant glossy black top and white exterior. On top of it lies a control panel consisting of buttons with blue back light, and a focus ring that would let you adjust the focus of the projected image easily.

The lens, though not covered, is a bit recessed protecting it from dusts and accidents. An air vent and the remote sensor is also found in front of the projector.

At the back you can find the USB reader, a multi input socket, which at first I thought the same as the one in the Ipod. An audio output socket which is applicable only when using the USB reader.

In case you need to adjust the height of the projected image, there is an adjuster foot and tripod screw located at the bottom of the projector.

Testing the Mini Projector
A first time user like me, need not feel intimidated when using this projector. I’m so lazy to read the entire manual to get started, so just like some other gadgets that came to my hands, I started operating the Joybee GP1 simply by following the menu on the screen.

Button symbols in the control panel are straight forward so getting started navigating through the menu is really hassle free.

I first tested it using the USB reader, connected my Fujitsu Handy Drive to watch a movie. Upon plugged in, the projector searched for the source which will take a few seconds, you will then have an option to view Photos, Movies or go to projector Settings.

Depending on the option chosen, the projector will automatically go to the location where images or movies are located. So if your external storage contains other folders and files, you don’t have to browse through all these. This is of course limited if you have different folders for images and movies, I guess the projector will go to the first location it identifies as the location of the files needed.

As seemless as connecting to the USB reader, connecting the Joybee GP1 mini projector to my laptop is effortless. When using my laptop, the projector suggested a recommended display settings which I find unnecessary when just viewing a movie. But in situations where you are to display text that must be readable at some distance, it is recommended to follow the suggested display settings.

I also successfully connected my Canon camera by using an A/V cable supplied in my camera package, done by connecting it to the corresponding socket of the multi-input cable. In effect, the projector works as a large view finder, depending on which camera mode you choose. Browsing through images will still be controlled on the camera, not by the projector.

Connecting your IPOD touch or iPhone is also possible, though I wasn’t able to test it since the Ipod dock accessory is not included in my test package. This is sold separately.

Image Projection and Sounds
At about 5.5feet distance from the mini projector, the projected image measures approximately 48inches diagonal. At normal room lighting, I could still see the projected image, but in poor quality. You would appreciate it more in dim light or better, no lighting at all. In a dark room, the colors are so vivid and clear. Though, the projection quality can’t be matched with the bigger projectors, I find it tolerable considering the portability this mini projector offers.

The built in speaker is just so-so for me. At a highest volume level, there are times that I can barely hear the sound coming from it.  It is ok when you are alone and the room is so quiet, but when tried with all your family members in the room, at a medium noise level, you can hardly hear it. In this case, just use a separate speaker and everything will be great.

Here are shots taken on different room lighting condition:

Captured from the movie Horton

Captured from the movie Horton

Captured from the movie When Love Begins (with light coming from other room)

Lights ON

Lights OFF

Adjustments and Settings
The projector is also armed with different settings for the user to fully enjoy using the product. Wall color correction, keystone adjustment, different picture modes among others, are the one’s that I find very useful.

Simply use the remote or the control panel buttons when browsing through the menu. When using the remote control, the upper group of buttons are dedicated to control the projector menu, while the lower group is used when using the USB reader.

Portability
With the Joybee Gp1 Mini projector alone, it would be easier to place it in any shoulder bags. But including the AC Adapter, which of the same size as of that of a laptop, the power and the multi-input cables, it would need an extra space to fit all the needed accessories. But definitely, it is much much easier to carry the mini projector around considering you can use it without a computer.

I think it would be much easier if the supplied bag can accommodate all the needed accessories and the projector

I’m still editing my demo video of this product, so just watch out for it.

Likes: Small enough to carry around; bright, vivid color in low lights; PC less operation; easy, hassle free setup; Can connect on multiple devices;

Dislikes: Multi-input cable is too short, limiting source and projector location; Unresponsive control panel buttons; Weak built in speaker sound.

My say: Having been using it for a couple of weeks now, I can say that I’m impressed and satisfied with its features and capabilities. The BenQ Gp1 mini projector gives a user quite a lot of projector usage, from on the go business presentations to a vast array of entertainment applications. At a price of $499 (at the time of the review), others find it expensive, but taking into account its features,quality, usage and portability, the price is just right for it.

Product Rating (1-5, with 1 is the lowest):

Ease of use: 4
Overview picture quality: 4
Portability: 4
Features: 4
Value: 3.5

For product specifications, please visit my Gp1 Mini Projector Unboxing Post

For more information about BenQ Gp1 mini projector, please visit BenQ at http://www.BenQ.us

More Images:

GP1 Mini Projector First Impression:

Joybee GP1 is a pocket projector that is really portable, very light, you can even carry it inside your bag! It uses a 3LED technology that is said to give better accuracy when reproducing images and videos.

Aside from that, what I really find convenient about Joybee GP1 mini projector, is the integrated USB reader. Just simply plug your flash drives or any external storage device and that’s it, you don’t even need a computer. I really find this really useful for those on the spot presentations or for meetings / presentations that involves multiple locations.

Oh, you can even watch a movie with your friends instantly without a PC nor a television, just a wall,speakers and the Joybee GP1 Mini Projector!

Enjoy playing  games with your friends in a bigger screen, since you can project images and videos from your game consoles such as Wii, connect your digital camera, PDA, IPOD, iPhone and Smartphone hassle free and get an instant images and videos projection! How cool is that!

BenQ Joybee GP1 Mini Projector Specifications:

• Display System: 0.45″ SVGA DMDTM Chip 1-CHIP DMD
• Native Reolution: SVGA (858 x 600)
• Lens: F=2, f=17.7mm
• Light Source: 3LED (RGB) technology
• Power Supply: AC19V, 4.74A, 50/60 Hz (Automatic)
• Power Consumption: 60W (typical); <1W standby
• Dimentions: 136mm (W) x 57mm (H) x 120mm (D)
• Weight: Approx. 1.4lbs (640g)
• Input terminal:  Computer- D-sub 15pin x 1(through CEA 30pin), Component Video- D-sub 15pin (through CEA 30pin)(shared with analog RGB Connector), Composite Video- RCA x 1(through CEA 30pin), USB type A, Audio L/R- RCA x 2 (through CEA 30pin)
• Ipod Input: iPod dock with cable (optional)
• Output Terminal: Audio output 3.4mm stereo mini jack (for USB reader only)

Here are some Joybee GP1 Mini Projector Unboxing Pictures:

GP1 Package

GP1 mini Projector Package

GP1 mini Projector - What's in the Box?

GP1 Mini Projector - Side 1

GP1 Mini Projector Side 2

GP1 Mini Projector Side 3

GP1 Mini Projector Side 4

GP1 Mini Projector Bottom

I’m really excited to try this product so expect my actual and full review within 2-3 weeks.

For more information about BenQ and their products and services, visit their website at http://www.BenQ.Com or you may want to watch Joybee GP1 on youtube

More Pictures:

Uhmm before anything else, I would like to thank Eric for sending me this product

What is Water Alarm?

Water alarm is a product developed to detect even the smallest amounts of water before damage can occur. Placing alarms in critical spots throughout your home can go along way to ensure your home will be protected from the expense and destruction of water damage.

Water Alarm Features and Specifications:

• Simple Installation
• Safe to use around children and pets
• Affordable
• With one year warranty
• Extra loud alarm sounds at 110+DB for up to 72 hours
• Outer shell constructed of durable ABS plastic
• Operates on standard 9 volts battery
• Low battery life
• Sensors are stainless steel
• Completely electronic
• Remote sump and hot tub adapter available

Testing a new water alarm is easy, I just inserted a standard 9 volts battery inside the battery bay located at the bottom of the product.

I then placed the water alarm at the top of a damp cloth, for about two seconds, it alarmed, putting it away from the damp cloth stops it from alarming

You can use it on any ‘problem spot’ in your home since it is really small. We have been using it when we are filling up a drum of water. We just open the faucet, place the water alarm beside the drum and left it there and do other chores. It’s that easy! When the sensor probes of the water alarm detects even a small amount of water, it will produce a loud sound.

To further test the product and how sensitive the sensor probes are, I moistened my fingers and touched them on two of the sensors, after 3 seconds it beeped. My father told me to stopped since he was irritated with the continues loud sound of the product lol!. I tried touching 1 metal sensor with my moistened finger but no luck, I can’t make it work. So I conclude that the alarm will only produce sound only when its two sensors detected water. But thats not a problem though since that only happened when I tested it on my moistened fingers.

Aside from the one I stated above, I can’t see any cons about this product. This is really a great product that I recommend you have in your home. I’m sure Moms would be happy to have this

Price: US$39.95, but they are now offering a $10 discount, so you’ll get this amazing product @ US$29.95

For more information about this water alarm, you can visit their site here

Features and Specs:

The kickTrak™ kick counter
• provides a reliable record of your baby’s movements
• helps you monitor your pregnancy health
• allows you to alert your obstetrical provider to potential problems
• may help decrease the risk of stillbirth

EASY TO USE :
• simplify your kick count monitoring – just press a button!
• count and time each movement as you enter it.
kickTrak™ lets you know when 10 movements are completed.
• store and recall the 10 most recent kick counting sessions.
• track the progress of your pregnancy in weeks and days.
• count down the last 99 days of your pregnancy.

It’s really convenient to carry around and could last through multiple pregnancies!

Thanks to Carey Hart of BLASTmedia for informing me about this great product.

Picture and info are captured from KickTrak website

The water alarm arrived in our office last February 11 and since I am kinda busy lately, it’s just now I am going to post about the product.

The idea of a water alarm catches my attention since water leak is one of our concerns at home. Everyday, we have to fill some drums of water since at about 9pm the water service stops and will be available again at about 5am the next day

This leak detector device is really helpful to alert us immediately when the drums are already full

I haven’t tested the water alarm yet so i’ll just present you the water alarm leak detector unboxing ceremony !

I want to thank Eric Morgan for introducing me and shipping me the product

Source(s): Front picture is captured from water alarm website

That’s all for now. Will definitely post a review of the product when time permits. Hayyy.. too many products to post and review… too little time

Add some life to your home by adding some outdoor lighting