I was wondering which video projector (manf/model) is best suited for showing short films on dvd using a laptop computer. We wanted something portable so that we can use it as we travel to different cities.

Thanks in advance.

take a look over at projector central reviews

http://www.projectorcentral.com/

There are a large number of small projectors available today. Depends on your budget, the screensizes you want, the ambient light....Today I would look for a single DMD projector. But b.t.w. if it's just for DVD playing, why not use a portable DVD player instead of a PC. It is lighter,smaller and cheaper...I need computer images too, so I use a Dell Lattitude C800 for video and powerpoint presentations, combined with small active speakers. It has a DVD player on board , a video output (Y/C). stereo audio, and of course a VGA output for Powerpoint stuff. I sometimes use a small Liesegang single DMD projector. My company (www.barco.com) commercializes lots of high performance projectors but they are too heavy...For some of them you need a truck!