I spent a week testing the P3500S to find out if it deserves a spot on your coffee table. Let’s get one thing straight: This is not a 4K home cinema monster. The Polaroid P3500S is a compact, portable LCD projector. It is surprisingly lightweight—clocking in at just over 2 pounds.

Because this unit is often sold by third-party resellers, make sure you check the return policy. Sometimes these "Polaroid" branded projectors are generic units with a sticker on them. Test yours immediately when it arrives. Have you used a Polaroid P3500S? Let me know your experience with the focus wheel in the comments below!

Screen mirroring works okay for YouTube or photo slideshows, but there is noticeable lag (around 150-200ms). Do not try to play competitive shooters via screen mirroring. For gaming, plug an HDMI cable directly from your laptop or console into the unit. In Game mode (turning off post-processing), the input lag is acceptable for casual RPGs or FIFA. This projector is not for everyone. If you have $500 to spend, buy an Anker Nebula or a BenQ. But if you have a tight budget, the P3500S is a specific tool for a specific job.

When you hear the name "Polaroid," you probably think of instant photos, white frames, and peeling back a sticker to watch a picture develop. You probably don't think of home theater projectors.

Yet, in the bustling world of budget electronics, the has been turning a few heads. Is it a hidden gem for movie nights, or just another cheap beamer riding on a nostalgic brand name?