My initial reaction to the Aurzen Zip was one of excitement and intrigue. As a compact projector that can fit in the palm of your hand, it promises to turn any nearby surface into a secondary screen without the need for wires or WiFi. The company proudly claims it to be the “world’s first tri-fold projector.” Although I appreciate the innovative design and concept, I must admit that my enthusiasm for the device was greater than my actual experience with it.

The Zip’s most notable feature is its tri-fold design, which is the primary reason to consider purchasing it. When folded, it measures a mere 3.3 x 3 x 1 inches, roughly half the size of an iPhone, and weighs a lightweight 0.6 pounds. When opened, it resembles a miniature version of the iconic Pixar lamp, ready to project your favorite content onto any surface. Its portability allows you to carry it in a bag or jacket pocket, making it perfect for impromptu screen sessions, whether at a campsite or on a plane. While I may not be an avid camper or keen on disturbing fellow passengers with projected game trailers, the idea of having that capability is undeniably appealing.

Setting up the Zip is relatively straightforward. Once connected to your computer or phone’s screen mirroring list, you simply follow the on-screen instructions. Mirroring content from your phone is seamless, with little to no latency. I was able to watch Mets spring training games on the wall near my desk, much to the dismay of the Yankee fans in our office. A more practical use was projecting Ms. Rachel videos onto the ceiling for my toddler before bedtime, which was a hit until the battery ran out.

However, I did notice some latency when using the Zip as a second screen for my iMac and PC. The delay is more noticeable when watching videos, as the audio and video are slightly out of sync by a few milliseconds.

Besides YouTube and Twitch, many streaming apps like Max and Netflix do not support screen mirroring on phones and computers due to stringent DRM restrictions. This limitation is not unique to the Zip, as you would encounter the same issue using Apple AirPlay from your iPhone to a smart TV. If this is a deal-breaker, consider a mini-projector with built-in Google TV, such as the Nebula Capsule Air. Although it may not fit in your backpack, it is still compact enough for travel.

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The Zip has a brightness of 100 lumens, which is dim for a projector, regardless of its size. As a result, you will need near-complete darkness to comfortably watch anything. The difference in picture quality is noticeable when the lights are on and off in our studio. If there is too much light, the image becomes washed out, and you can barely see anything.

The optimal viewing distance for the Zip is between two to four feet from the wall, resulting in a screen size of approximately 30-40 inches. At around five or six feet, you can project a larger image of around 70 inches. However, the further you get, the more you sacrifice screen clarity and brightness.

After using the Zip for an extended period, I was still surprised by how loud it is, considering its compact size. The tiny fans inside the Zip start working overtime almost immediately after turning it on, often overpowering the underpowered 1W built-in speakers. Even at its highest volume setting, the fans are always audible.

The battery life is also underwhelming, with approximately 45 minutes of usage in Turbo mode and just over an hour in Eco mode. The only noticeable difference between the two modes is that Eco mode further dims the screen to conserve battery. While it might be useful in a blackout, the Zip’s battery life is more of a novelty than a practical feature.

Ultimately, the Aurzen Zip’s strongest selling point is its compact and portable design. It is, by far, the most portable projector I have used. I appreciate its innovative design and ease of use. However, the lackluster battery life, poor sound quality, and low brightness make it challenging to justify the high price point.

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The Aurzen Zip is set to launch in April for $400, but you can pre-order it now for $250.