Redmond, WA—Banking that pico projectors may be the next must-have gadget that students take to college, along with their notebook computers, cell phones and music players, Microvision introduced the ShowWX laser pico projector.
The size of a deck of cards, the ShowWX (pronounced “SHOW,” “W,” “X”) plugs into any device with video out, such as an iPod, iPhone, iPad or notebook computer. In a dark environment, it is said to project a large WVGA, 16:9, high-quality image from 6 inches to 100 inches diagonally. Additionally, no user focus adjustment is needed as the device is designed to automatically keep focus, even on curved surfaces.
By design, ShowWX is not as bright as a big, traditional stationery projector, but it’s very portable and performs well in low light on nearly any projection surface: a wall, a bedsheet, a piece of poster board or the ceiling of a dimly lit dorm room.
The little projectors may be particularly convenient as learning tools, as video in the form of YouTube, podcasts, webcams, conferencing, webinars, Flipcam and iPhone clips, web chat and telepresence become commonplace in higher education. Microvision states, “The vivid, laser-driven color and large image size of the ShowWX adds to the richness of shared video learning.”
And when it’s time for a study break, the ShowWX, plus a Netflix movie playing on a laptop or downloaded videos on an iPod or iPhone, help turn a dorm room into a home theater.
Microvision is now offering a special back-to-school price on the ShowWX of $449.99. Included is a rechargeable battery, wall charger, connection cable for iPods, a composite adapter for other TV-out devices, a micro-USB cable, a storage pouch and wrist strap. A VGA dock for most laptops, netbooks and Macbooks is sold separately. microvision.com