What’s the difference between the ViewSonic M2 and M2e?

The M2e is a new projector from ViewSonic. So, how does it compare to the similar M2?

You can find out in this comparison guide between the two 1080p smart portable LED projectors.

Quick Summary

When compared to the ViewSonic M2, the newer ViewSonic M2e has a shorter throw ratio, shorter throw distance, wider horizontal keystone correction, lower offset variance, lower input lag, wider horizontal frequency range and wider vertical frequency range.

The M2e is also the only one of the two to come with a MicroSD slot in addition to having Time-of-Flight, a new feature that lets the protector auto focus in just one second. Unlike the M2, the M2e supports Bluetooth audio output as well.

On the other hand, the M2 has higher brightness levels and is slightly more energy efficient.

M2 vs. M2e Comparison Chart

You can check out Seeking Tech’s comparison table between the two LED projectors below.

Weight

The View Sonic M2 is heavier when compared to the View Sonic M2e.

You can take a look at the weight specifications for both projectors below:

• M2: 2.9 lbs.
• M2e: 2.2 lbs.

Dimensions

The M2 is a longer and wider than the M2e. On the other hand, the M2e is slightly taller.

You can check out the measurements below:

• M2: 8.8” x 8.8” x 2.0”
• M2e: 7.2” x 7.2” x 2.1”

What’s in the Box

The M2 comes with some extra contents not found in the M2e as you will get a USB Type-C cable and carrying case.

You can check out a breakdown of what’s included in each box below:

ViewSonic M2:

• M2 projector
• Remote control
• Power cable
• USB Type-C cable
• Carrying case
• Quick start guide

ViewSonic M2e:

• M2e projector
• Remote control
• Power cable
• Quick start guide

Compatible Accessories

You can take a look at the compatible ViewSonic accessories for the two projectors below:

ViewSonic M2:

• PGD-350 An Immersive 3D Experience
• PJ-SCW-1001W 100″ Projection Screen
• VCB10 All-in-One Wireless Presentation and Collaboration Gateway
• ViewSonic ViewBoard S IFP2710

ViewSonic M2e:

• PJ-CASE-010 ViewSonic Carrying Case for M1 Projector
• PJ-SCW-1001W 100″ Projection Screen
• PJ-WMK-006 Universal Projector Ceiling Mount
• VSR100 ViewConnect Pro VSR100 HDMI Wireless Presentation Dongle

Supported Resolution

The M2 and M2e support the same resolution range, which is from 640 x 480 to 1920 x 1080.

Lamp Watt

Both of the portable projectors in this versus guide use RGBB LED.

Light Source Type

The light source type for the two is LED.

Brightness (LED Lumens)

In terms of brightness levels, the M2 can get 200 LED Lumens brighter, which is 20% brighter, than the M2e.

You can find the brightness specifications below:

• M2: 1200 LED Lumens
• M2e: 1000 LED Lumens

Normal Mode Light Source Lifespan

The ViewSonic M2 and M2e have a light source lifespan of up to 30000 hours when you are using the normal mode of the projectors.

Contrast Ratio

The two portable LED projectors in this versus guide have an identical contrast ratio at 3000000:1.

Display Color

Both of these devices are also capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors.

Lens

The ViewSonic M2 is equipped with the F=1.7, f=9.251mm lens while the ViewSonic M2e is equipped with the F=1.7, f=6.35mm lens.

Projection Offset

Projection Offset measures the position of the projected image in relations to the centerline of the projector’s lens.

The offset for the two projectors in this comparison guide are the same at 100% although the M2 has more variance than the M2e.

You can check out the projection offset specs below:

• M2: 100% (+/-5%)
• M2e: 100% (+/-3%)

Throw Ratio

Throw Ratio measures the projected image size based on the distance between the projector and projected image.

The M2 has a slightly higher throw ratio when compared to the M2e.

You can check out the ratios below:

• M2: 1.23
• M2e: 1.21

Throw Distance

Throw Distance is the measurement between the projector lens and the projected image.

The M2 has a longer throw distance than the M2e.

You can find the distances below:

• M2: 0.65m to 2.72m (80″ at 2.18m)
• M2e: 0.65m to 2.68m (80″ at 2.14m)

So, you will be able to get the same projected image size with the M2e at a shorter distance when compared to the M2.

Optical Zoom

The ViewSonic M2 and M2e use fixed optical zoom.

Time-of-Flight

A new feature added to the M2e is Time-of-Flight (ToF). With this feature, the projector is able to auto focus in just one second.

Projected Image Size

The projected image size range is identical for both of these portable projectors at 24″ to 100″.

Horizontal Keystone Correction

Both the M2 and M2e features keystone correction, which will help correct any distorted projected images.

The M2e has better horizontal keystone correction than the M2.

You can find the specs below:

• M2: +/- 30°
• M2e: +/- 40°

Vertical Keystone Correction

The vertical keystone correction is the same at +/- 40°.

Normal Audible Noise

Both the ViewSonic M2 and M2e have the same 26 dB audible noise in normal mode.

Eco Audible Noise

The audible noise is also identical at 24 dB in eco mode.

Local Storage

Both of the projectors come with 16 GB for local storage, 10 GB of which is available for usage.

Input Lag

The newer M2e has much lower input lag when compared to the M2. With that said, both projectors aren’t really suitable for gaming as the latency is too high to get a responsive experience when playing.

You can find the input lag specs below:

• M2: 125 ms
• M2e: 66 ms

Horizontal Frequency

The M2e has a wider horizontal frequency range than the M2.

You can check out the specifications below:

• M2: 30K to 97KHz
• M2e: 15K to 102KHz

Vertical Frequency

The M2e also has a wider vertical frequency range when compared to the M2.

You can find the specs below:

• M2: 24 to 85Hz
• M2e: 23 to 120Hz

Connectors

For connectors, the main difference is that the M2 comes with a micro-USB port while the M2e includes a microSD card reader.

The M2 also has two USB 3.0 Type A ports while the M2e has one USB 2.0 Type A port.

You can find the full lists of connectors below:

ViewSonic M2:

• 1x HDMI 2.0
• 2x USB 3.0 Type A
• 1x USB 3.1 Type C
• 1x Micro USB
• 1x 3.5mm Audio Out

ViewSonic M2e:

• 1x HDMI 2.0
• 1x USB 2.0 Type A
• 1x USB 3.1 Type C
• 1x Micro SD Card Reader
• 1x 3.5mm Audio Out

Wi-Fi

For Wi-Fi, both projectors use 5Gn.

Bluetooth Audio Features

When it comes to Bluetooth Audio connection, the M2 only supports Bluetooth 4.0 Audio Out.

The M2e supports Bluetooth 4.2 Audio In and Bluetooth 4.2 Audio Out.

Speakers

The two projectors are equipped with two 3W speakers.

Typical Power Consumption

The M2 has a slightly lower typical power consumption when compared to the M2e:

• M2: 74W
• M2e: 75W

Stand-By Power Consumption

The M2 will also consume less power in stand-by mode when compared to the M2e:

• M2: <0.5W
• M2e: 0.5W

Operating Temperature Range

The two projectors have an operating temperature range of 32º F to 104º F (0º C to 40º C).

Operating Humidity Range

The M2 and M2e has also have the same operating humidity range of 0% to 90% (non-condensing).

Certifications

Both projectors have been certified with the following:

• CTUVus
• FCC
• ROHS

Warranty

The ViewSonic M2 and ViewSonic M2e each comes with a three-year limited warranty.

Resources:

• https://www.viewsonic.com/us/m2.html
• https://www.viewsonic.com/us/m2e.html