We were against a fixed TV in the Cali from the beginning, too impractical and inflexible. At this point, we will leave out the transmission method, i.e. how a TV signal gets into the vehicle. As a portable solution, we had an iPad Pro in use for quite some time and used it as a TV. In the end, the size became a problem here; it is not so good to look at on a good 13 inches.
Nebula by anchor
Looking for an alternative, we came across the Nebula series from Anker, we have written about Anker products a few times and are total fans of the brand. Super electronics at a fair price, that’s what Anker excels at. With Nebula, Anker has a brand in its portfolio that specializes in the manufacture and distribution of beamers. Couldn’t be better, could it? In terms of price, the Nebula ranges from 200 to 2000 euros, which is quite a large range.
The model of choice
Nebula offers 5 systems in the field of mobile devices, each of them has its raison d’être and it really depends on your wishes and requirements. We chose the Capsule Max model because the design – the projector looks something like a Coke can – seems perfect for us. Furthermore, it has a resolution of 720p and 200 ANSI lumens. For many, the ANSI lumens point is certainly important; there are even dedicated websites about this topic. This much should be said, projectors with an ANSI lumen between 100 – 250 deliver a very good performance in darkened rooms.
You can find a link to ANSI lumens by clicking on the word ANSI.
The highlight, as it should be for a mobile device, the Capsule Max can be operated for a whole 4 hours with the battery, which is easily enough for a TV evening outdoors or to watch a blockbuster. The system is charged by means of a 230 volt power supply. The features are rounded off by a Super Autofocus system, integrated WLAN and the Android operating system.
Operating system
We can of course go on and on with technical details and go into ANSI lumens or resolution, these are certainly very important components of a projector, however, the operating system used by Nebula – even though we are absolute Apple kids 😜- has been the absolute reason to buy here. With the perfect integration of Android and the Google Play Store, there are almost no limits to the app selection. TV streaming apps like Zattoo can be installed without any problems.
Connections
- 1x HDMI
- 1x USB
- 1x jack for wired sound – playback on headphones
Playback modes
The Capsule Max has an HDMI port that can easily be used to connect a notebook, for example. However, this is almost not necessary since the projector has an app store, as described above, and thus almost all content can be streamed or opened via the corresponding app. As an alternative to the HDMI connection and the possibility to play content via app, Apple Air Play and Google Cast are available, among others. You can also open and play videos or pictures from a USB stick.
Design
The shape, which really reminds you of a Coke can, is so practical for this very reason. The Capsule finds a great place in the Grand California, whereas square, larger projectors can become a problem here. We conveniently placed the Nebula in the tray above the dinette.
A small drawback is that there is no stand that you can adjust. Although the bottom offers the possibility to mount a tripod, an integrated variant would have been the better solution here. Such things were probably omitted due to the compact design.
Nebula in action
Here you can see some photos and videos of the playback.
The Nebula Capsule Max is the perfect new entertainment companion for us at Grand California.
Buy Nebula
Like all Anker products, Amazon is considered the exclusive distribution destination for Nebula. Currently, there is an unbeatable offer there, you get the Nebula Capsule Max for 379 instead of 499 Euros.
