I have this micro projector and mostly use it for cookie and cake decorating. But you could project an image onto a wall to trace. It will project up to a 60" image. I think it works really great! And has always served me well. The only issue I've had with it is that you can't charge it and use it at the same time. It has to be charged and not plugged into a power source to use.
It's about $125 so it may be more expensive than what you are wanting.
AAXA Technologies KP-101-01 AAXA LED Pico Micro Video Projector - Pocket Size Portable Mobile Mini Projector with mini-HDMI, built-in Media Player & Speakers, 3.5mm Aux Out, Micro SD/USB readers and 80 Min Lithium-Ion Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TAXDPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ATXD3BJSVDEZGAJBB3PR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TAXDPK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_8D5353NRAT1RRQH451MY
This is the one I have and the only one I've ever used (1.5 years now) so while I can say it has faithfully worked for me, it was kind of a pain to get started with. I have some friends who had problems with the ports on theirs. So a bit hit or miss, which sucks for the price.
We have a conference room that's not being used at work, so I figured I'd take advantage of the situation during my lunch break every day.
I've got the AAXA Pico Micro Projector hooked up to the dock via HDMI (We don't have a projector with HDMI at work. sigh). I got it for under $100 on Amazon a few months ago. On top of that, I've got a Pro Controller plugged in. It's the perfect setup and I usually get people coming in to watch me play during their lunch break. (I've been known to bust out some Astro Bears or Jumping Joe for a little competition.)
Looking to buy a pico project or some other kind of small, cheap projector. I basically just want to project Netflix from my laptop onto the ceiling at night so I can watch while lying in bed (life dreams!).
Since I only plan on using it in near complete darkness and the resolution needs aren't terribly high, I'm looking to spend <$150. Any suggestions? Currently, I'm looking at the AAXA Mini LED Projector on Amazon, but thought I'd reach out to see if you guys have any experience or tips!
The Aaxa Pico projector is the favorite projector of most cookiers and it retails for around 125$.
Pico on Amazon and Tripod that's suitable for cookie decorating with the Pico. If you want her to be able to use it right away think about the connection cord between the Pico and the phone, tablet or laptop.
You can find cookie turntables on etsy . You can also DIY one for relatively cheap.
Edit: don't get her one of those cheap, small projectors you can find on eBay and Amazon. They won't work for cookie decorating.
Yeah, most of those $50-$150 projectors on Amazon are just chinese projectors. If it's not from AAXA, Dell, LG, Viewsonic, Optoma, Epson, BenQ, Sony, Panasonic, JVC then it's probably not worth it.
The good thing about these cheap projectors is that they're pretty low maintenance. No bulbs to worry about, mostly 480p, they're pretty much plug n' play.
I'd probably recommend this AAXA LED Pico projector. AAXA is selling it manufacturer refurbished on eBay for cheaper than it is on Amazon (check the pictures).
It must be used in the dark because it has such low lumens (brightness). It's High definition qHD (960 x 540) resolution. It can display a picture of around 60" and the projector itself should last for 15,000 hours before it's just completely done (similar to that of a TV).
I use a pico projector which I bought from Amazon and swear by it! I have had it for 2+ years and never had any trouble with it.
You do need to purchase a tripod plus a converting cable. I have no idea what the cable is - my brother got it for me when I got confused haha. It could be an HDMI to apple one but don't quote me. But beyond that it's super self explanatory and a huge life saver :)
It’s so amazing! So this is obviously from another bakery, but I use an (I think Insignia) and this projector
These projectors are all LED based instead of your standard bulb based projector.
LED Projectors:
The brand is AAXA which isn't the worst and isn't the best. The majority of their projectors are smaller but have pretty good build quality from what I've seen. I can't really judge on the quality apart from the specifications (480p, 720p, lumens, etc) or looking at picture/video reviews. So, if you're interested, you can go looking through youtube or searching for it on Projector Central. :)
AAXA LED Pico. Seems great for what it is and can project up to a 60" image, but the very, very low lumens means it's going to be in a dark room 1000% of the time. Has quite a few ports for such a small projector. Much better than many of the $100 no name chinese projectors you see on Amazon that are 480p SD (Standard Definition) or less because this one is 540p HD (weird res, but that's ok).
AAXA P3-X. Looks like a better version of the LED Pico above, can project up to an 80" image, more lumens but still needs to be in a completely dark room to see anything, more battery life, more ports for different devices.
AAXA P5. The best and most expensive of the three. It's 720p HD, can project up to 100", still needs to be in a very light controlled room because it's only 300 lumens, you get the idea. The only problem with this guy is that he's better than the 480p projectors but he's not as good as some of the $500-$600, 1080P HD bulb based projectors. So, he has a lot of competition from things like the LG PH300, the bulb-based Acer H5380BD and other used/refurbished projectors.
Anyways, hope this helped. Feel free to ask questions, I know this was a little long-winded but I try to reply to posts like I'd reply to close friends and family. Even if you're only spending $150 on the LED PICO projector, I'd want you to get your moneys worth. :)
Absolutely! The projector is my go to when I have lettering or an exact image to replicate! I use the this one
I use this one, but I’ve heard mixed reviews on it. It works well for me (although it does act weird when trying to turn it on, but once it’s on it’s good), https://www.amazon.com/AAXA-Technologies-KP-101-01-Projector-built/dp/B005TAXDPK
Here is the animation: https://atmosfx.com/products/pumpkin-scares?_pos=12&_sid=8cf965699&_ss=r
Pico projector hidden in the shrub: https://www.amazon.com/AAXA-Technologies-KP-101-01-Projector-built/dp/B005TAXDPK/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=pico+projector&qid=1632414846&sr=8-3
I got this one! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TAXDPK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Thank you! I know I loved it too! 😄 I'm using this projector & I really like it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TAXDPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_XE9V7DNX1H3FHT5J6016?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
is it the AAXA Led pico? I've been seeing it on bakers' instagrams. looks cute tho https://www.amazon.com/AAXA-Technologies-KP-101-01-Projector-built/dp/B005TAXDPK/ref=sr_1_3?crid=MC3U1EYH6L26&dchild=1&keywords=aaxa+led+pocket+projector&qid=1614187112&sprefix=aaxa+led+%2Caps%2C1392&sr=8-3
I have a pico projector. I have the first link below and the other link is also a good projector just a little higher priced. Dafont.com is great for finding different fonts also.
AAXA Technologies KP-101-01 AAXA LED Pico Micro Video Projector - Pocket Size Portable Mobile Mini Projector with mini-HDMI, built-in Media Player & Speakers, 3.5mm Aux Out, Micro SD/USB readers and 80 Min Lithium-Ion Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TAXDPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_95NCNBHS7QFKRQ7W4MYA
AKASO Mini Projector, Pocket-Sized DLP Portable Projector, 50 ANSI Lumens Video Projector, Support 1080P HDMI Input Built-in Rechargeable Battery Stereo Speakers and Remote Control Movie Projector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HNX276T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_21H6FBR855VPMDQXBYY6
Sorry if I didn’t respond in time for the birthday. Projector: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TAXDPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_nbJkFbKHD60G6 Stand: https://www.amazon.com/ChromLives-Projector-Adjustable-Compatible-Smart-Phone/dp/B07JKNHRTS/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=cookie+projector+stand&qid=1596600758&sprefix=cookie+proj&sr=8-3
I use a Pico Pocket Projector to project the image on to the cookie and “draw” with icing. I like to think of it as adult coloring, using a different medium.
I was afraid of that, I'm looking into this option at the moment, https://www.amazon.com/AAXA-Technologies-KP-101-01-Projector-built/dp/B005TAXDPK
Some of those units are decent like AAXA mini projector which cost a bit more tha $100.00
Also look at the actual resolution not the supported) if it says 480/600/500 STAY AWAY at least if its 1280x800 thats close to 720P which is HD
TCheapo projectors are fun to play around with if they are around 70-100 orso dollars (just stay away from resolution said above) are fun to play around with but not anything or a dedicated theater. The really low resolution ones are pixilated and look like nintendo game.
https://www.amazon.com/AAXA-Technologies-KP-101-01-Projector-built/dp/B005TAXDPK
I don't think you're going to find much better than this AAXA Pico projector. If you don't mind refurbished from the manufacturer, then you can save some money buying from them on eBay.
It has very low lumens, so whoever plans on using this must use it in dark room. Darker the room, better it will look.
It's 'High Definition qHD (960x540)' so, I'd expect something decent but nothing 1080p amazing. Just an average 45"-60" image/picture as well.
Check out some of the pictures from reviews on amazon.
Check out some videos of it on youtube.
Ive never used one.
I can see it being nifty if you plan on making a ton of the same cookie design, and want them to be pretty exact. Especially if theyre intricate. Though, I think part of the charm of hand made cookies is that they come out looking unique, rather than being all perfectly identical.
When I had an intricate design I wanted to make a lot of cookies of, I just used an edible ink pen and drew my design on the base layer icing. But then again, I like to draw and cookie decorating is a bit of an extension of that. Depending on your skill, that may not be as easy. I think with handmade cookies, a bit of uniqueness is expected between cookies, even if the design is the same.
If you really want a projector, you can always buy a less expensive pico projector. Theyre about $100. Youd have to find some way to mount it above you. Image quality isnt great, but theyd work perfect for cookie outlines.
I have thought about doing something similar with this little guy