Okay, so maybe Microvision is
a little late with the release of its pocketable
Show WX pico projector, but we'd rather have a truly useful projector late than a useless one on time. This laser-based beaut will offer you infinite focus -- something we can vouch for having tried out the same technology
integrated in a rifle -- which essentially means that no matter how much you twist or jerk the projector around, or how distant your projected surface is, the picture will remain in focus. An 848 x 480 resolution image can be scaled from less than six inches all the way up to 200, though you're most likely to stick with anything up to 30 in order to make the most of the 10 lumens brightness on offer. The contrast ratio is rated as being greater than 5,000:1 while the battery will last you up to two hours on a charge. The wallet damage is $549 for the standard edition, but the limited edition teased above jumps all the way to $999, for which you'll get a personalized splash screen, LE insignia, a certificate of authenticity, a VGA dock and some other trinkets. Come on, it has lasers inside, it was never gonna be cheap!
posted March 8th 2010 8:48AM
These do create an I-want feeling for me, but I still fail to see when I would use one.. except fooling around with it at home that is.
Anyone knows if the older ones, like the Optima Pico, have been successful?
@bricktop
you can watch Powepoints presentation on the airplane on "how to build a bomb on an airplane"
@bricktop
I know, right? I WANT this... I just couldn't justify buying it. It seems a touch pricey for the resolution, too. I really like the idea of the technology and I hope it comes down in price.
If your thinking of buying a the new Microvision Show WX take a look at this must see review which compares the laser projector to other pocket projectors available. It explores the pros and cons of the device and whether its worth splashing the cash compared to other pico projectors out there.
http://www.personalprojectors.co.uk/blog/2010/03/microvision-show-wx-laser-pico-projector-review-how-does-the-show-wx-compare-to-other-pico-projectors/
Two hours for a charge for a grand? ... Way No!
@L3 Chiffr3 : Its only $549 for the standard edition and did you see the incredible picture quality and laser focus.
...I would buy one if i didn't have an irrational fear of public speaking. :)
All I'm asking for is sharks with lasers!
Yea, I think I might have a look at those 720p projectors now that I see the price...
That price is way too high, and there's no reason anyone should have to pay for a VGA connector - that should just be automatic at this point. And the idea of "collectible" limited edition electronics with "certificates of authenticity" is so absurd as to be almost insulting.
With this one at only 10 lumens, it's pretty dim. The Aaxa laser projector has 20 lumens, and that makes a big difference. It also has VGA connector standard, and has better resolution to boot. At this point if I were shelling out for a laser projector, it'd be the Aaxa L1.
But at this point, while laser pico projectors definitely have advantages over the LED varieties, I don't think the price difference can be justified just yet. LED projectors are about half the price for the same brightness, and while the colors might not be as rich and it may be more difficult to scale the size and focus, it's just not that big a deal. I'll get a laser pico when the lumens get to about 50, and when the price gets to about $300. Until then, I'm going to have to stick with my Dell m109s, flawed though it may be.
@weatherman All valid points. 10 lumens is pretty poor and the Aaxa laser pici is better value as it's cheaper and has 20 lumens.
I'm still using a lcos pico with screensplittr and Air Video on an Iphone to stream movies from my media server onto the bedroom ceiling. Mine has 10 lumens and it's fine for us in a pretty dark room at a distance of around 8 feet giving an approx 70 inch screen. If you want to go bigger or use in a less dark room you need more lumens,
Also, the one I have (The Wowee Cinemax) is the only one that has a design feature that allows you to prohect straight up by just flipping the head of the device. No messing about with (purchased seprately of course) tripods or mounts,
I paid around 200 bucks for the Wowee and, aside from autofocus and higher res, I can't see anything that would make me want to shell out 3 times the price on this.
There are a lot less expensive ones out there with a hit on the resolution, but not too much....
Way too much dollar ...
@L3 Chiffr3 Uh...yeah, that's an understatement. At half the price, I'd consider it. No, at half the price, I'd order one immediately, but this is insane.
put this thing into a phone at a reasonable price, and we area talking.
of course you should have the option to plug the phone into the socket while using it, otherwise it will drink all the juice.
Up your lumens!
It just won't sell at that price and spec to anyone who knows what they are doing. It'll give not much better results than an lcos one costing a third of the price or less.
10 lumens, Phew. Where's my sunglasses?
And it can only be bought right now in the "Limited Edition". So once you find out that it doesn't work out for you, you can't return it because it's been personalized. What a deal!!
No thank you. I'll stick with my AAXA L1. I'm very happy with that.
ok i've got a question - these laser projectors don't require the bulbs to be changed and stuff like that right? if they do, why the F does it have laser in the name, and if they don't, why the F aren't we seeing regular laser projectors?
Have you guys seen this video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9rKuGnI86g&NR=1
Looks pretty awesome to me!
$999 is alot of money but im sure someone will pay it for the first 20 days. and $549 is still a little pricey but for good quality, sounds worth it to me. And im sure it will come down over 3 months or so.
Image size: 150 mm to 2500 mm (6 in to 100 in) wow awesome but to be expected it is focused light
Comparing the ShowWx with the AAXA L1 is totally absurd. That thing is not using fast switching lasers, it uses lasers for the light. When it needs to project black, the light is turned into heat, big difference.
Have a look at this review, it's just in!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQMmMzV3WD0
Looks good. Can't wait to get my hands on won of these.
http://www.picoprojectornews.com