PURCHASING THE RIGHT OVERHEAD PROJECTOR
Overhead Projectors are Still Popular
Since the advent of the personal computer, in particular the laptop unit, and multimedia projectors, overhead projector sales have declined. However, they are still a very viable product with an absolute need in the market place. Multimedia, though declining in price, is still expensive and requires having a PC. Overhead transparencies are extremely transportable and add an element of security. Transparency film can be discarded safely, while software can be emailed and transferred from one user to another without safeguarding confidentiality. Finally, while multimedia is a good option for presentations, overhead projectors are much better for discussion, teaching, small groups, etc.
Understand Product Usage
Imagine you are attending a presentation. You take a seat in the near-empty large room. As the room begins to fill with about ten more people, the speaker shuffles papers and prepares to begin. The speaker turns on an overhead projector and starts to speak. You strain, struggling to see what is on the screen. Feeling awkward but frustrated, you move your seat closer to the front of the room, hoping to be able to see the screen better. Finally, you begin to follow along with the presentation.
Has this happened to you, as a speaker or an audience member? Did you figure out the problem? The overhead projector was not properly chosen for the size of the room and the number of attendees. Do not let this happen to you. Choosing the proper overhead projector may seem like a daunting task, but it is relatively easy. First, survey your needs. Review the type of room where the overhead projector will be used. Is it a small room, around 400 sq. ft., or is it a large conference room, around 700 sq. ft.? In the case of a large room, the best overhead will be one with 4000+ lumens like the Apollo 3400. The larger number of lumens will increase the brightness of the image. Does the room allow controlled overhead lighting? Will you be able to shade windows from natural light? Do you need to leave some light in the room for note taking? Also, if you are presenting images which need to be crisp and high quality, a triple element lens is the best option. If you need to conserve lamp life or are presenting for a long period of time, consider a high/low switch which is standard on most Apollo overheads. Finally, if the overhead projector will be used in an educational or industrial application, suggest a closed head in order to protect the reflective mirror from damage.
Most of the Apollo overhead projectors include a standard option called a lamp changer. Lamp changers eliminate the need for cooling down the projector in order to use a new lamp. Just shut the projector off, move the lever to expose the new lamp, turn the projector back on and continue with the presentation in less than a minute. Never be embarrassed waiting to change a lamp or be unexpectedly finished with a presentation due to lamp issues.
To go along with your Apollo overhead, be sure you use the proper transparency film for your application. Universal Film can be used in most laser and inkjet printers as well as in most copiers. Apollo Write-On Film should be kept on hand for presentations to explain some points further. Another good presentation suggestion is an Apollo laser pointer. Keep the audience focused on the point at hand.
Free Offer
For the entire year of 2004, Apollo is offering a FREE presentation kit (via mail-in rebate) with the purchase of any Apollo overhead projector. The kit includes a box of Universal Film and a laser pointer.
Consult the chart (below) when purchasing the right overhead
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