Projectors

Multimedia Projector Costs

Knowing the scope of the marketplace can make a big difference in the time, energy and cash you spend on your next multimedia projector purchase. We'll tell you how to avoid spending too much (or too little) on a small business projector.

Costs should never be your primary consideration in a business projector purchase.

Many entrepreneurs have learned the hard way that cheap projectors are often unreliable and incapable of creating quality presentations.

But cost can't be ignored, either. Depending on the type of projector you need, business LCD and DLP projectors can be a small expense or a major investment. At the high end of the spectrum, a fixed installation projector can represent a significant budget item. Portable projectors are more affordable, but the costs add up when you consider that many businesses require multiple projectors for sales and field personnel.

Although the most common projector acquisition is an outright purchase of a new piece of equipment, vendors and dealers offer alternatives to make them more affordable for small businesses. Here's what you need to know . . .

Pricing Essentials

Projector pricing is extremely broad depending on the product you select. Basic multipurpose projectors can be purchased for as little as $600 while more advanced projectors can cost upwards of $40,000. A sophisticated, fixed installation projection system for a large auditorium can even run as high as $200,000.

Most SVGA projectors fall into the $800-$2000 range. Resolution, brightness and additional features naturally involve a higher price tag. If image quality is critical and you are looking for a first-rate conference room or fixed installation projector, expect to spend $10,000 or more.

Cost Efficient Alternatives

Vendors now offer a couple of alternatives that make business multimedia projectors more accessible to the masses:

• Projector leasing. Many vendors offer the option of leasing projectors for a fixed monthly fee. Leases tend to run for a term of three years, and monthly payments for a good quality projector fall into the $125-$250 per month range.
• Refurbished projectors. There is a healthy market for secondhand and refurbished multimedia projectors. This market is fueled by vendor lease programs and trade-ins. If you're comfortable with the idea of a refurbished product, go the extra mile to make sure the vendor offers service, warranty and other features to protect your investment.

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