I have recently purchased the Brookstone Pocket Projector for iPhone. It took me about 4 trips through various airports before I pulled the trigger on the $229 device, but I have found it useful for day to day coaching and technique work.It comes in handy for videoing swimmers during practice. The images from the projector can go as large as 50 inches before they get too grainy for use. I find it works well for groups, or for swimmers whose vision is poor.
The biggest trick is to find a darker area, in/around the pool deck to make it useful. At our pool, we have a darkened entry way with a big bulletin board that works perfect as a projection area.
The kids like the fact that they don't have to look over my should to get a view of their strokes and technique. It even has a fairly good set of speakers on it.
I have used it to project Netflix and YouTube videos, and it can also be used to project presentations and photo albums.
The drawbacks to the unit are:
- it is a little big to use as a permanent iPhone case. I usually just slide my phone in as needed.
- it does not have an adjustable stand. If you are using it for presentations, or as a stationary projector, you may need to prop it up on some books to make it the right height for your "screen"
- the $229 price tag is a little hefty. I definitely had to do some soul searching before I bought it.
All in all, I think it is a worthy purchase...at least for me.
