MSI Projector PC proof-of-concept in the flesh

MSI is sure in a conceptual mood at this year's the CES, and one of the odder combinations was this Projector PC. The unit pumps HD video onto a wall at about the quality of a mini projector (though certainly a step above a pico), but for convenience's sake it has a PC and DVD drive built right in. MSI plans to pair it with a wireless mouse and keyboard for living room use, but we're still not sure we see a huge advantage over plugging a nettop into a projector -- outside of the novelty factor, of course. Still, no harm in concepts, and this one's at least got a bit of style.

MSI Projector PC proof-of-concept in the flesh

[Loonie Posted Jan 10th 2010 4:37AM]

It looks sentient.

[Tony C Posted Jan 10th 2010 1:30PM]

@Loonie It looks pissed off.

[macserv Posted Jan 10th 2010 1:46PM]

@Loonie: It looks like a Sony SRX-R220:
http://hd.engadget.com/2006/10/25/sonys-18-000-lumen-srx-r220-projector-on-sale-early-2007/

[juzzthefuzz Posted Jan 10th 2010 4:54AM]

Don't you think that if you gave it tripod legs it would look like something out of War of the Worlds?

[shizbgby Posted Jan 10th 2010 7:08PM]

@juzzthefuzz Yeah....creeping me out a bit. o.o;

[Zoidbert Posted Jan 10th 2010 9:26PM]

@juzzthefuzz

uuuuulllllaaaaaa!

[CrossCheck Posted Jan 10th 2010 5:17AM]

Looks like they'll be getting a C&D from the legal representation for Mr. Lucas ;)

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/DUM-series_pit_droid

[Lundmark Posted Jan 10th 2010 6:00AM]

Useless POS

[TacticalTimbo Posted Jan 10th 2010 7:12AM]

@Lundmark Agreed, just connect a decent PC to a decent Projector, I don't think there is a valid case here for a craptastic combination.

[jameschurchman Posted Jan 10th 2010 7:32AM]

@TacticalTimbo

how do you possibly not get it? agreed it’s not for everybody but thats like saying there is no point in an imac, just buy a decent box and a screen and you can upgrade either etc…

this thing saves lots and lots of wires, one projector on the wall for all your media p.c. type stuff, with out a 2nd power cable, a display cable, the actual pc sitting next to your project etc…… + pc’s are not easy to mount to a wall, net top or not — projects are (due to high availability of proper celling, wall, shelf etc.. mounts)

i totally see the point of this (and hopefully bigger / more powerful and bright versions) and see many many applications such as media pc projector, travelling sales man who always gives the same old powerpoint, schools where a teacher may have to move from class to class and does not have need to do a 15 min setup each time etc...


the only problem…. no (legal) os x support!!!!! :-)

[Cheesus Crust Posted Jan 10th 2010 11:59AM]

@jameschurchman Its not illegal to put OSX on your home PC if you own it.

[BigJayDogg3 Posted Jan 10th 2010 1:57PM]

@Cheesus Crust


The EULA states you can only put OSX on Apple hardware. It's done, but it is a breach of contract.

[mabhatter Posted Jan 10th 2010 9:43PM]

@Lundmark
For the way my company uses projectors this would be handy. The biggest problem we have setting up conference rooms is cables all over the place. We end up using dedicated PCs anyway to host webex and powerpoint from. This would probably be a nice thing to have, but it's probably a big premium over the current setup of cheap PC and Cheap projector we use now.

[F C Posted Jan 10th 2010 7:31AM]

There better be a video out for when the bulb burns out.

[Tony C Posted Jan 10th 2010 1:29PM]

@F C If someone can get this thing to burn out the lamp, it's been completely abused. LED light engine.

[RitchieTheBrit Posted Jan 10th 2010 9:16AM]

Pretty interesting. My partner is an IT teacher, this could find use in schools for certain. Instead of lugging a PC/DVD to other clases along with the projector, they could just move this unit. And as the teachers she works with are 70% technophobe, it would simplify their lives by being consolidated like this as well.

Does it look slightly like the top of a Tripod to anyone else?

[FreakShow Posted Jan 10th 2010 9:42AM]

War of the Worlds

[Andr Posted Jan 10th 2010 1:55PM]

What's weird, however, is why they didn't include a BluRay player when it projects Full HD. Would have made sense...

[BigJayDogg3 Posted Jan 10th 2010 1:58PM]

@Andr

Its a proof of concept. I'm sure if/when it goes on sale, there will be a blu-ray option. But for something they are just trying to show off, it gets the job done.

[oOblik Posted Jan 10th 2010 4:44PM]

I can see it now.... Sony partners with MSI to develop Projector PS3. Not only does function as an entire home entertainment system by itself, but it will also cook a frozen baked potato in thirty seconds!

[Omen Posted Jan 10th 2010 7:23PM]

This would actually work really well at our school, we have projectors in every classroom that is hooked up to a smartboard (touch enabled white board) and there are medium sized tower PCs always attached to the bottom of the cart, with this PC it would all be in the same device and less cables.

[MetroKnight Posted Jan 10th 2010 9:55PM]

I definitely see some usage for this, but it all depends on how quietly it runs!