Podcast Summary: Better Offline – Monologue: The Anker Nebula X1 Is The Best Projector I've Ever Used

Episode Information

• Title: Monologue: The Anker Nebula X1 Is The Best Projector I've Ever Used
• Host: Ed Zitron
• Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Better Offline, host Ed Zitron takes a refreshing departure from the show's usual critical stance on the tech industry to share his enthusiastic endorsement of the Anker Nebula X1 projector. Breaking away from the typical focus on tech manipulation and societal impact, Ed delves into his personal experience with this high-end projector, highlighting both its impressive features and areas where it falls short.

Overview of the Anker Nebula X1 Projector

Ed begins by expressing his long-held desire for a user-friendly projector that doesn’t require meticulous setup. He states:

“For many years I've dreamed about a projector that you could just kind of sit down and project with...and you could just start watching stuff.”
[00:35]

He praises the Nebula X1 for closely fulfilling this vision. The projector is described as compact and portable, weighing just under 14 pounds and featuring a convenient handle:

“It's perhaps half the size of a carry-on suitcase with weighing in just under 14 pounds with a handle that pops up with a satisfying click.”
[00:35]

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Nebula X1 boasts impressive technical specs, including 4K resolution and triple laser technology, which Anker markets extensively. Ed is particularly taken with the image quality:

“It looks like a very high-end 4K TV. Though perhaps not as contrasty as a high-end OLED. It's clear, it's crisp...”
[01:10]

However, Ed does not shy away from critiquing the user interface:

“The playback user interface lags and chugs far too often for a projector that costs as much as a gaming laptop.”
[02:20]

He compares it unfavorably to his older Apple TV, questioning the performance consistency given the projector's price point.

Unique Features and Usability

One of the standout features of the Nebula X1 is its built-in gimbal, which allows for flexible positioning:

“It has a built-in gimbal that allows you to move and adjust the image so that you can have the X1 shooting from the side of a room rather than directly onto a surface.”
[03:00]

Additionally, the projector supports digital keystoning, enabling users to adjust the image to fit various surfaces perfectly. Ed shares his positive experience using the projector in a small New York apartment with a portable Epson Duo 80-inch screen:

“The Duo literally clips onto a tripod and pulls open in 15 seconds... it's very much a working presenter type thing.”
[04:30]

Criticisms and Areas for Improvement

Despite his overall positive impression, Ed points out significant flaws, particularly with the projector’s automatic setup features:

“Anker's website says, and I quote, set up in 10 seconds. Which is complete and utter bullshit.”
[06:15]

He argues that the promised AI spatial adaptation is overstated and did not perform as advertised in his experience. Ed emphasizes that while the projector is adaptable, it requires more effort than marketed:

“It does work, it just does not work as easily as Anker says.”
[07:10]

Furthermore, he criticizes the default settings, such as motion smoothing:

“Anchor should absolutely be ashamed of themselves for keeping motion smoothing on. It's on by default... nobody likes... motion smoothing.”
[09:00]

Additional Features and Accessories

Ed highlights the included wireless stereo speakers, which enhance the audio experience:

“They set up in seconds... they create a really convincing surround sound environment.”
[08:45]

He also mentions the portability of the projector, noting its lightweight design and the availability of a carry case:

“It's relatively portable. 14 pounds. It has the lovely little handle... Anker sells a chunky carry case that fits both the X1 and speakers.”
[10:30]

Final Assessment and Recommendations

In concluding his monologue, Ed reiterates his overall admiration for the Nebula X1, despite its shortcomings:

“It's one of the single coolest pieces of hardware I've ever used. It looks good, it works well, it's beautifully engineered...”
[09:50]

He recommends the projector for general use, cautioning against using it for gaming due to input lag:

“I do not recommend it for gaming as the input lag is bad, but for everything else, it's great.”
[10:15]

Ed also expresses his appreciation for Anker as a company, commending their ability to build products that genuinely help people:

“It's nice watching a company build something cool...when you've got tech become so negative, it's nice to see something positive.”
[11:50]

Conclusion

Ed concludes the episode with a strong endorsement of the Anker Nebula X1, emphasizing its value and versatility:

“I truly adore the X1. I'm so glad I bought it. It's great. Great value for money.”
[12:10]

He encourages listeners to share their own experiences and looks forward to future hardware reviews, promising to continue exploring both the positive and negative aspects of tech innovations.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Ed Zitron: “For many years I've dreamed about a projector that you could just kind of sit down and project with...and you could just start watching stuff.”
  [00:35]

• Ed Zitron: “The playback user interface lags and chugs far too often for a projector that costs as much as a gaming laptop.”
  [02:20]

• Ed Zitron: “Anker's website says, and I quote, set up in 10 seconds. Which is complete and utter bullshit.”
  [06:15]

• Ed Zitron: “It has a built-in gimbal that allows you to move and adjust the image so that you can have the X1 shooting from the side of a room rather than directly onto a surface.”
  [03:00]

• Ed Zitron: “It's one of the single coolest pieces of hardware I've ever used. It looks good, it works well, it's beautifully engineered...”
  [09:50]

Final Thoughts

Ed Zitron's monologue offers a candid and comprehensive review of the Anker Nebula X1 projector, balancing praise for its innovative features and design with constructive criticism of its user interface and setup process. His personal anecdotes and detailed observations provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the projector's capabilities and limitations, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone considering investing in high-end projection technology.