Our take
The Dell S300 is a legacy meeting projector whose fixed short-throw lens solves a particular room-layout problem. Dell documents a 0.521:1 ratio and 2,200 ANSI lumens, giving buyers a basis for measuring the wall distance and comparing rated output. Native WXGA and older connections are limitations. Consider it as a replacement when the room geometry already fits, then inspect the exact inputs and lamp condition rather than treating the model specification as proof about a used unit.
A meeting room replacing a compatible short-throw unit after checking screen distance, adapters and lamp condition..
It is a poor fit if you need Full HD or 4K detail, optical zoom, integrated streaming, a battery, or an installation with only modern inputs and no adapters.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Dell documents a close 0.521:1 throw ratio.
- Its 2,200-lumen rating is explicitly stated in ANSI lumens.
- At 6.7 lb, it can move between nearby meeting rooms.
What to weigh up
- The lens is fixed, with no optical zoom to fit several room distances.
- Native WXGA 1280 × 800 is below Full HD and 4K detail.
- Legacy ports and an 8 W speaker may require adapters or separate audio.
Specifications and exact model details
The key details
| Model covered | S300 |
|---|---|
| Image format | Native WXGA 1280 × 800, single-chip DLP |
| Rated light output | 2,200 ANSI lumens |
| Placement | Fixed 0.521:1 short throw, 6.7 lb, 8 W audio |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 15, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
Full review: how the features affect your choice
What the features mean for you
Short throw is the reason to shortlist the S300
Dell specifies a 0.521:1 projection ratio and identifies the S300 as a short-throw projector. This geometry can place the unit closer to a screen than a conventional model and reduce the chance of a presenter blocking the beam near a board. It is not an ultra-short-throw model. A ratio alone does not prove that a particular screen will fit, so measure lens-to-screen distance, image diagonal and mounting height against Dell's specifications. Reusing an existing bracket may still require repositioning or cable changes.
A fixed lens makes measurement essential
The S300 uses a fixed lens, so image size depends closely on its distance from the screen. That can suit a room already laid out for this projector class, but it leaves little freedom when the screen position changes. Confirm the expected diagonal from the planned lens location and allow for ceiling clearance, cable paths and maintenance access. Digital correction is not a replacement for correct placement. If your room needs several possible mounting positions, a projector with a documented optical zoom will be more forgiving than expecting the S300 to cover a range it was not designed for.
WXGA works for ordinary slides, with a detail limit
The native image is 1280 × 800 WXGA. Its 16:10 shape can show routine meeting slides and classroom material, but it will not preserve the fine detail of a native Full HD projector. A source signal's resolution does not change the panel's native pixel count. Test the small text, tables and diagrams that people must read from the back of the room. For a legacy presentation system where compatibility and close placement matter more than crisp video, WXGA can be serviceable. Buyers showing detailed plans or dense spreadsheets should compare higher-resolution models first.
The ANSI rating has a clear basis, not a condition guarantee
Dell lists 2,200 ANSI lumens, which gives this brightness figure a defined measurement basis. It can be compared more directly with other ANSI-listed models than an unqualified lumen claim. It cannot confirm remaining light from a used lamp. Ask about operating hours, inspect the image across the entire screen, and check focus, color, fan and filter condition. Room lighting and screen size affect how bright the image looks in practice. Use the published rating for initial planning, then verify the exact unit before spending money on a room installation.
Connections fit a mixed-era presentation room
Dell lists HDMI alongside VGA, S-video, composite and network capability, plus an 8 W speaker. That can help a room that still uses older computers or video sources alongside HDMI equipment. The documents do not establish a built-in streaming-app platform; subscription content would need a separate player. Check which devices you plan to connect and whether they require an adapter, especially for protected video. The small internal speaker may be enough for a quiet table-side talk but a larger group could require the room's own sound system.
Choose it as a measured-room replacement
The S300 makes sense when the room needs a fixed short throw and its current sources can connect. The NEC NP-UM361X-WK places closer still but is a wall-mounted XGA classroom system, while Epson's PowerLite 2255U has WUXGA and zoom for a conventional meeting layout. These models are not interchangeable by brightness alone. Decide from throw geometry, resolution, source ports and maintenance. Confirm the projector mount, exact input panel, lamp hours and image condition before buying. The documentation describes a model; it cannot certify a particular used sample or its included accessories.
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Before you buy
Is the Dell S300 ultra-short-throw?
No. Dell documents a short-throw ratio of 0.521:1; this guide does not classify it as UST.
Does the S300 have zoom?
The cited specification identifies a fixed lens, so measure the required screen distance and image size before mounting.
Can I stream apps directly from it?
Dell's product documents list connections, not a built-in app platform. Use an external source if you need streaming.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources and review basis
Sources & review basis
We use the linked product documentation for the features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- Dell S300 official short-throw projector documentation ↗ — checked October 15, 2026.
- Dell S300 official projector specification ↗ — checked October 15, 2026.
- Dell S300 support page ↗ — checked October 15, 2026.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.