[trossi]

Hi all,


I'm new to the projector scene and am looking to equip my future home theater with the best pj I can afford. I am moving into a new house with a bonus room over the garage that I am going to convert to a home theater. Approx room size is 19'x16'.


I am looking at an Infocus X1 since it seems to be the preferred pj under $1000. (If this is not the case anymore, let me know! The theater won't be finished for another 2-3 months, so if there is a better choice, let me know)


When looking to purchase a used pj, what should I be on the look out for? Here is my list, feel free to comment or add/delete:


1) Lamp Life Used

2) Was it dropped/abused (probably wouldn't be disclosed by seller)

3) Ebay Seller feedback

4) Used Price vs. New w/warranty (is it really worth the money)?

5) Used in smokey or dirty environment?


Its going to be hard to squeeze a new unit into the budget, so I thought I'd try used to save some money. Even if I have to replace a bulb in a year or so with a used unit, cost up front is the concern. Is it worth it?


Thanks everyone for their replies!


Tony

 

[smass]

A couple of tips on buying a used projector - I just bought a new one myself about 3 months ago - and I am cheap...


1. Used projector = no guarantee on bulb life. Even if the seller states that there is low bulb life this is impossible to verify. The bulb life counter can be reset and you would not be able to see a difference between a low hour bulb and a long hour bulb.


For this reason alone I ruled out buying a used projector unless I could get a screaming deal.


2. You can't get a screaming deal - at least not on ebay. Bidders bid the prices of used projectors up too close to a new one IMHO. If you could get a used X1 for under $500 I might consider it - worst case scenario you have to buy a replacement bulb for $250-300 and you are back to $800. If a used X1 cannot be had for less than $500 I would not make the trade off of having no/short warranty and no return policy/support.


The scary thing about Ebay is the ridiculous prices that people will bid popular items up to. I have been buying and selling on ebay for 5 years and the simple truth is - unless you do your homework and get lucky - the deal you can get on a popular item is usually not very good - thanks to ridiculous bidders.


That being said - good luck - maybe you will get lucky and/or catch other bidders napping and get a good deal. I went with a new projector because I couldn't find a fair deal on a used one. By the way - check the site sponsors for pricing - you may be surprised what a great deal you can get on a new X1 right here.

 

[Scott Osmond]

I bought my X1 used from a Dealer, it was their demo unit. This may be a little different from your situation as I felt more comfortable buying it from a brick and mortar dealer as I had somewhere to go back and complain to if I had problems (none so far).


If your budget is $1000 then see if you can get a new unit (X1, Benq 6100/6200, or any of the others mentioned on this forum). Although projector reliability is much better now, you can see in this forum that folks do still have problems, this is why I would make sure you have a valid warranty with your unit.


Lastly if you aren't going to have your room ready for 2-3 months (if that's contractor speak it really means 4-6 months) unless you stumble across some unbelievable deal, hold off until your room is done. You just never know what's coming down the pipe and the effect new units will have on year previous models (AE700 for example, how will it affect AE500 prices).

 

[Ericbres]

SMASS hit the nail right on the head.

Buying a used projector is nothing like buying a used car ... or most other things in general. One thing he didn't mention was the price of replacement lamps. With most all in the $275 - $400 range ... you can easily eat up any and all savings with just one lamp purchase.


My recommendation if you have 2-3 months to wait, go out today and get a large jar or something and literally save every penny. When the time comes, cash it all in and add that to your budget. Shop around for some demo/open box units from dealers or B&M stores. They should give you the best value and they should also still carry a warranty.

 

[trossi]

Wow, thanks everyone for the responses! Great Stuff!


I guess the major thing bugging me is if I wait until the theater is finished, will it be too late to pick up a new X1? I believe they are discontinued now. I'd like to have a HD projector, but they seem to be closer to $1500. I figured the X1 was the best pj to have at 800x600 and around $900.


If I wait and can no longer get an X1, do I now have to spend $1500 to get the same quality or better in another pj? I can wait for HD (maybe another year or so), but from what I have read, the X1 has the best pq for the money.


The good thing is that Christmas is around the corner and sales should ramp up soon, so maybe I can find something better or cheaper. Hmmm.... Its frustrating.


Anyway, I think you all have convinced me to stay away from the used projectors and look for a new one. So as far as pj's go, can anyone tell me this:


Should I go for the X1 now or wait 2-3 months and worry about it then and possibly a different pj?


Thanks!

Tony

 

[Scott Osmond]

From what I've heard the X1 (the real X1) is getting harder and harder to find - so yes 2-3 months from now it might be very difficult to find one.


But in 2-3 months, there may be another option that's better than the X1, although it's not a certainty, it's typically how the projector market works - today's hot commodity is tomorrow boat anchor.....