Slashdot Mirror
A Widescreen Laser Projector In Your Pocket
Edis Krad writes "Redmond based company Microvision is in the last stages of developing and releasing a portable, laser-based projector, code-named 'Show WX.' The projector has a resolution of 848 by 400 pixels (WVGA) and, since it uses laser-scanning rather than LCD to form the images, it does not require a lens to focus, allowing it to display images virtually in any surface. The device comes with its own user-replaceable battery, which means you could take it with you anywhere you want. Although there is no pricing information on their website, according to this local news video, it could cost at least $200."
This could be very useful in the cooperate world. Instead of dragging around charts projectors and things alike; have this nifty device in your pocket and your presentation is ready.
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits" - Albert Einstein
Project a movie or an e-book on your ceiling. No more tired arms from holding books up. I'm getting one of these babies!
Dang, $200 would have been awesome.
It should get there, in a couple years. The reason it will be so expensive to start with is two new technologies in one: Scanning MEMS mirror which projects the image, and the green lasers inside, which have not been produced before.
Microvision has been waiting for green laser supplier for a long time. Corning has built a facility and is ramping up production of green lasers now.
When green lasers are available in quantities of millions, the laser projectors will be built into blackberries, iphones, digital cameras, etc.
Send lawyers, guns, and money. Dad, get me out of this.
I think this is where I'm tripping up. I always assume laser light is perfectly collimated so that the projected dot at 1cm is that same size as at 1m, but I guess the projector uses slightly unfocused beam to generate a larger dot with relatively short increases in projection distance to avoid getting just a collection of horizontal or vertical lines appearing instead of an image.
"I bless every day that I continue to live, for every day is pure profit."
In 1080p and capable of 120hz refresh rate?
???
I wonder why don't they release a normal-sized, mains-powered projector with awesome brightness first?
Actually, becuase it's a Class III Laser, even continous exposure would not cause permanent damage. That's why it's only .5 mw.
If they'd pump it up to, say 200mw, then they could have a lot of fun. 25mw is enough to pop a black latex ballon.
Bill
It's my Sig and you can't have it. Mine! All Mine!