A Nerd’s Dream: Toshiba’s Pocket Projector In A Pocket Protector
I’m on the lookout for handheld laser projectors because they could make large screen displays truly portable for the first time. And the easiest way to make friends is by blasting out Jet Li’s Fearless on a random, dark alleyway, isn’t it? I have no friends, so my desperation and excitement beckoned together when word of a new PICO projector from Toshiba reached my desk earlier today.
Looking like the iPhone’s fatter, younger cousin, Toshiba’s secret entry into the Pico projector arena is proof that the big manufacturers are ready to take on this new tech. Previously, we’d heard of PICO projectors from relatively unknown companies like Optoma and Explay, who were ready to expand the market through stand-alone players. As of today, they’ve yet to be released.
The Toshiba PICO is rumored to produce up to 10 lumens of light, weighs only 100 grams, and measures 10 x 4.5 x 1.7 cm. As for the actual projection, you can check out the video below for a sneak peek. There’s no word on when it’s expected to come out but it shouldn’t be later than January ‘09.
I checked out a beta version of a PICO player a few months ago, and the projection resolution did not dazzle me (at WVGA 848 X 480-pixel res). However, the connectivity options (to a phone, a mininote, or any other video out gadget), and the fact an image size can go up to about 8 ft. diagonally, could make it an invaluable item.
[Gallery]
Download This News As PDF ...
