Toshiba pocket projector for cellphones

So the obvious way to start a post about a mini-projector would be with a "Hey, is that a projector in your pocket…" type thing, but we are way too classy for dumb jokes like that (usually). Instead, we like to get right into the thick of it with specs, pics and absolutely no snarky comments. In this case we have a new LED projector by Toshiba, which manages a 1500:1 contrast ratio despite its tiny 565 gram package, and is ostensibly designed for use with cellphones. Using LED technology allows the unit to run cooler (so no fan) and without a color wheel, and while we assume its primary use will be to watch V Cast at work, or something along those lines, we do very much like the idea of being able to use this ultraportable projector to force friends and family to watch slideshows of our crummy cameraphone pics no matter where we are.

[Hig @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

The question is: what's its resolution and max. effective distance/screen size.

[Mr Yuk @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

This technology will be the key feature of the video iPod in January.

[Steve @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

LED projectors are great, since it overcomes the problem of short lifespan (+heat and noise) of lamp-based projectors. I'd love to use it to display information on my wall the whole day...

But the big question is -> how bright is it?

[figgles @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

this projector would be perfect for showing off your mobile pr0n collection :P

[Felix @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

where's the keychain hook?

[alwin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

My Windows Mobile phone can play PowerPoint decks. I'm sure sales people will love to show off their PPTs using their phone.

[n8 @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Can we cool it with the metric, please? This is America, gawdamit, and I want my measurements in...well...in english units!

[mehool @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

ummm, by saying "So the obvious way to start a post about a mini-projector would be with a �Hey, is that a projector in your pocket�� type thing, but we are way too classy for dumb jokes like that.." you are using the dumb joke. whether intentional or not, that is just corny. now if you could see my fingers doing: cut (snip snip), it. Out (like umpire's motion at yankees game).

[Reid Bode @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Video iPod anyone?

[Darth Tony @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

he, heh he, you said- 'despite it's tiny ... .... package'.
uhhh hhhuuh.

[tomtux @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

565 gram [g] is equivalent to: 19.94450 ounce [oz]. In perfect conversion, n8, any more brain busters?

[tomtux @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

565 gram [g] is equivalent to: 19.94450 ounce [oz]. In perfect conversion, n8, any more brain busters?

[AH @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

It's not like you can't just flip the switch on your nearest calculator to translate from metric to imperial--many calculators anyway.

The lack of lumen information on these projectors is unfortunate--I've checked the other recent ones and the only one I've found any info on had just 250 lux.

[Jonathan Marks @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I saw the same type of pocket LED projector in IFA Berlin on the Mitsubishi stand. It has an output of 15 lumen (yes, 15 not 1500) so you need a very dark room. cost - 700 euro. It is a gimmick at the moment, but a mid-term trend no doubt.

Jonathan

[The one @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

n8: only metric units matters , get used to it.

[Dylan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Normal decimal to whacked-out-old-fashioned-measurements conversions are even easier than looking for your nearest calculator and flipping switches etc etc.

Just open a google window and type in "565g to ounces" (without the quotes) and bob's your uncle - google spits back what you're looking for. They have been integrating a pretty good natural language processor for lots of "conversion" type calculations - they do exchange rate calculations in a similar manner, using real time exchange rate data. "�700 to $" returns the dollar version of the price mentioned in the comment above, etc etc. They also do normal maths - so you can type in your sums and google works it out and gives it back to you so you really dont need to dig around for your calculator anymore..

[Zex_Suik @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

The mitsubishi version of this, fits in your hand and has 250 lums not 15. Also costs around $700 USD

[Steel_Wind @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

"The mitsubishi version of this, fits in your hand and has 250 lums not 15. Also costs around $700 USD"

Not true. The only specs Mitubishi has given for this product is 250 LUX. That's LUX - *not* ANSI lumens. LUX measures the brightness of a reflected image. They aren't saying reflected off of *what* to get 250 LUX either.

The lack of any discussion about the brightness of this product in std ANSI lumens speaks volumes. Whatever the ultimate ANSI lumens output - I expect it to be 700 or less. That's mighty dim by today's standards.