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HP t410 AIO Smart Zero Client does single-wire Power over Ethernet, no power cord required

Richard Lai — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:41:00 EST

Now, we don't normally cover this sort of networking equipment, but we were quite impressed by HP's new t410 All-in-One Smart Zero Client after we spoke to its proud product manager Walt Jurek. First of all, this isn't an AIO desktop PC, nor is it an LCD monitor -- well, if you're unfamiliar with thin clients, just think of this as an 18.5-inch, 1,366 x 768 LED-backlit monitor (featuring a 3M technology for the 200 nit brightness -- our money's on the Uniformity Tape) that uses just one Ethernet cable to get both its 13W power from a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch, as well as data connection over Citrix, Microsoft or VMWare protocol. The t410 can automatically detect the virtualization environment and then reprogram its digital signal processor when needed, meaning less manual work for the admin (in theory, anyway). More after the break.

Gallery: HP t410 All-in-One Smart Zero Client

Continue reading HP t410 AIO Smart Zero Client does single-wire Power over Ethernet, no power cord required

HP t410 AIO Smart Zero Client does single-wire Power over Ethernet, no power cord required originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M launches its Cloud Library e-book lending service, hardware and apps in tow

Billy Steele — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:47:00 EST

Almost a year after it was first announced 3M's Cloud Library e-book lending service is getting a proper rollout. Introduced today at a beta site in St. Paul, the system is now ready for its kiosks, e-readers and apps to hit the hands and eyes of library patrons. The touch-based Discovery Terminals allow catalog browsing for visitors and selections can be checked out -- along with 3M's eReaders -- like other library materials. Already have a mobile device? E-books will play nicely with your iPad, Nook or Android device via the Cloud Library app. If you find yourself needing to read a bit on your computer, checked out items are compatible with both PCs and Macs as well. "With this technology, we are able to offer cutting-edge technology to all our patrons, whether they own their own e-reader or not," said Kit Hadley, director of the Saint Paul Public Library. A handful of other library systems across the US have also implemented the service. The list of those sites and all details on the introductory period await your click in the PR below.

Continue reading 3M launches its Cloud Library e-book lending service, hardware and apps in tow

3M launches its Cloud Library e-book lending service, hardware and apps in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PixelQi has heavy night, wakes up married to French 'PadPro' tablet

Sharif Sakr — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:06:00 EST

What has Mary Lou Jepsen been up to since 3M's cash injection? It's hard to say, but her sunlight-readable PixelQi panels are still popping up on the odd device -- like this Windows 7 slate from little-known Evigroup. The 10-inch PadPro is aimed at graphics types who are willing to bid adieu to €599 ($800) in return for a pressure-sensitive display, a 1.6GHz Atom processor (no mention of Cedar Trail), 1GB RAM and 160GB hard-drive. They also need to really hate Android.

PixelQi has heavy night, wakes up married to French 'PadPro' tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M MP410 and MP220 Mobile Projectors hands-on

Billy Steele — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:36:00 EST

3M has just unveiled a pair of new mobile projectors here at CES: the Mobile Projector MP410 and MP220. Both devices are notably small and compact: the MP410 measures just four inches in width and length, and stands just one inch tall, while the MP220 weighs in at less than one pound. The MP410 also features 1GB of memory, a microSD slot and USB port, and is capable of projecting 80-inch moving and still images at WXGA resolution, with a brightness of 300 lumens. The MP220, meanwhile, can beam up to 65-inch images onto any flat surface and comes packed with 2GB of memory, along with a brightness of up to 50 lumens. Both are slated to arrive in April, with the MP410 priced at $600 and the MP220 coming in at $480. We stopped by 3M's booth at Pepcom this evening to get a closer look at the devices, so check out our gallery below, or head past the break for the full PR.

Gallery: 3M Mobile Projectors MP410 and MP200 hands-on

Continue reading 3M MP410 and MP220 Mobile Projectors hands-on

3M MP410 and MP220 Mobile Projectors hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M Touch Systems 46-inch Projected Capacitive Display hands-on (video)

Joseph Volpe — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:40:00 EST

Heard of Microsoft Surface? Sure you have. It's the tech that takes capacitive touch and smears it across a table-like design. While those devices, manufactured by the likes of Samsung, have begun their slow creep into the market, rival companies are hard at work on their own multi-user, widescreen touch solutions. Which is precisely what 3M Touch Systems is showing off today at CES Unveiled. At 46-inches, its prototype Projected Capacitive Technology ups the ante on user input, allowing a theoretical maximum of 60 touch points and up to four split screens. We had a chance to take the table for a test run, so click on past the break to see how it fared.

Gallery: 3M multitouch table

Continue reading 3M Touch Systems 46-inch Projected Capacitive Display hands-on (video)

3M Touch Systems 46-inch Projected Capacitive Display hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IEE brings glasses-free 3D to the battlefield

Daniel Cooper — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:31:00 EST

In a war zone, having the right data is as important as the right bomb sniffing laser. IEE has melded its 4.8-inch 800 x 400 military data display with 3Ms autostereoscopic film so soldiers can see mission-critical data in three dimensions. The Preliminary Advanced Information device is designed to show accurate terrain maps, relay the picture from a drone camera or bring up the occasional blast of Monday Night Football.

Continue reading IEE brings glasses-free 3D to the battlefield

IEE brings glasses-free 3D to the battlefield originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M makes Mary Lou Jepsen's dreams come true, showers Pixel Qi with cash

Joseph Volpe — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:16:00 EST

Chances are you've heard plenty about Pixel Qi's super-efficient, transreflective displays. The odds are equally as high that you've never touched one before, either. Well, 3M aims to change all of that and make good on founder Mary Lou Jepsen's continued promises to get those screens out into the consumer wild. Infusing the LCD company with an undisclosed amount of cash, 3M's New Ventures investment arm is betting the combo of its Optical Systems Division's LCD film technology expertise and funding will not only ramp up production of the sunlight-readable color screens, but also innovate uses for it across "...consumer markets as well as digital signage and touch applications." It's a nice shot of confidence for the display maker's much-touted, albeit scarce tech, and could be the financial boost necessary to take Jepsen from underdog to industry heavyweight. We'll keep a close eye out for how this develops. In the meantime, you can jump past the break to read the hyperbolic PR for yourself.

Continue reading 3M makes Mary Lou Jepsen's dreams come true, showers Pixel Qi with cash

3M makes Mary Lou Jepsen's dreams come true, showers Pixel Qi with cash originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IBM and 3M join forces to fab 3D microchips, create mini-silicon skyscraper valley

Joseph Volpe — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:59:00 EST

3D hype is fast wearing out its welcome, but there's at least one area of industry where the buzzed about term could usher in true innovation. Announced today as a joint research project, IBM and 3M will work towards the creation of a new breed of microprocessors. Unlike similar three-dimensional semiconductor efforts by Intel, the two newly partnered outfits plan to stack up to 100 layers of chips atop one another resulting in a microchip "brick." Under the agreement, IBM will contribute its expertise on packaging the new processors, while 3M will get to work developing an adhesive that can not only be applied in batches, but'll also allow for heat transfer without crippling logic circuitry. If the companies' boasts are to be believed, these powerhouse computing towers would cram memory and networking into a "computer chip 1,000 times faster than today's fastest microprocessor enabling more powerful smartphones, tablets, computers and gaming devices." That's a heady claim for a tech that doesn't yet exist, but is already taking swings at current faux 3D transistors. Official presser and video await you after the break.

Continue reading IBM and 3M join forces to fab 3D microchips, create mini-silicon skyscraper valley

IBM and 3M join forces to fab 3D microchips, create mini-silicon skyscraper valley originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M reader concept looks familiar, begs you not to judge an ebook by its cover

Brian Heater — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:41:00 EST

This image purporting to be the current concept design for 3M's upcoming ereader looks awfully familiar. In fact, the similarities to the txtr reader we saw a couple of years back are pretty uncanny -- and they're likely more than skin deep, seeing as how 3M has been investing in the company. There's a decent chance, however, that the device will hit the market looking a bit different -- and hopefully with a few other changes on-board, since the txtr reader is now a bit ancient. One thing does seem fairly likely: the device will probably play nicely with 3M's recently announced Cloud Library lending service. You didn't expect 3M to let other companies have all the fun, did you?

3M reader concept looks familiar, begs you not to judge an ebook by its cover originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M announces Cloud Library e-book lending service for '21st century' libraries

Amar Toor — Fri, 20 May 2011 12:34:00 EST

Both Amazon and Sony have already hopped aboard the e-book library lending train and now, it looks like they'll have to make room for 3M, as well. Yesterday, the company announced a new Cloud Library e-book lending service that will allow users to browse and borrow digital books directly from their iPads, Nooks and Android-based tablets. Under the program, 3M will outfit local libraries with its own software, hardware and e-book collection, which bibliophiles will be able to access via special apps, or 3M's new eReaders, which will be synced with available digital content. The company is also planning to install so-called Discovery Terminal download stations in libraries, allowing visitors to leaf through the collection from a touch-based interface. Thus far, both Random House and IPG have signed on to the initiative, though licensing details remain murky. There's also no word on when or where the service will launch, but 3M's Discovery Terminal and iPad app will be on display next month in New Orleans, at the American Library Association's Annual Conference. Full presser after the break.

Continue reading 3M announces Cloud Library e-book lending service for '21st century' libraries

3M announces Cloud Library e-book lending service for '21st century' libraries originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M Uniformity Tape improves lighting quality on LED edge-lit LCDs, lowers production costs

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 18 May 2011 10:51:00 EST

Ever seen a display like the one on the left? That's long been a pesky phenomenon -- known as "head-lighting" -- with many LED edge-lit LCD panels, and 3M's new Uniformity Tape wants to make sure it won't be around for much longer. Basically, the tape sticks onto an LCD's internal light guide, and its printed-on optical pattern disperses each LED's light path at wider angles. This allows for up to three times the distance between each LED, while still maintaining an even all-around brightness level across the panel. There are other benefits to this as well considering future LCD panels could use fewer LEDs -- cutting manufacturing costs, and raising eco-friendliness. Hopefully the tape actually ends up working as well as the photo illustrates, but for now, you can view the full press release by clicking past the break.

Continue reading 3M Uniformity Tape improves lighting quality on LED edge-lit LCDs, lowers production costs

3M Uniformity Tape improves lighting quality on LED edge-lit LCDs, lowers production costs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's 32-inch display with 10-finger multitouch steps out at CeBIT (video)

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:54:00 EST

Though there are bigger multitouch screens out there -- and ones that can support more simultaneous touch points -- 3M's brand new C3266PW is the company's largest, said to be suited for industrial-strength installations with multiple simultaneous users (the company is quick to note that the ultra-wide 178-degree viewing angle along both axes is great for that, since folks can crowd around and start touching). They demoed the new unit here at CeBIT in two ways: three of them in a row on a "cascade table" with one high, one slanted, and one low, and another separate unit mounted on a solo kiosk at roughly eye level. The table's set up as a multi-display Windows box running a tech demo with maps, images, and videos that can be flicked between screens, pinched, and zoomed; the kiosk, meanwhile, is running a rudimentary flight simulator designed to demonstrate all ten points of multitouch capability at once with a finger-based aircraft control scheme (not the way you'd really design a game, but a good demo nonetheless).

3M points out that touch response -- the amount of time that it takes the screen to actually recognize that it's been touched -- is an issue in the industry, and it's not something that we really think about as users; if a gesture is laggy, we just assume the processor isn't up to the task or the software sucks. The C3266PW is rated at a relatively brisk 12ms recognition time, and while the company has other products with even quicker ratings, we definitely noticed the lack of lag as we played around (of course, the computers powering the displays have plenty to do with that). We've come to associate good capacitive displays with glossy glass and resistive with matte, but that's really not a fair assessment -- this one has a non-glare "anti-stiction coating" that, as its name implies, makes your fingers glide like butter. It might not be great for a phone, but it works well for a display of this size that's probably going to be used in public installations and potentially handled by hundreds of people a day. Follow the break for 3M's press release and video of both setups!

Gallery: 3M's 32-inch display with 10-finger multitouch steps out at CeBIT

Continue reading 3M's 32-inch display with 10-finger multitouch steps out at CeBIT (video)

3M's 32-inch display with 10-finger multitouch steps out at CeBIT (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M touts capacitive touchscreens with tiny bezels, 10x faster responsiveness

Vlad Savov — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:57:00 EST

Add another one to the (short) list of obscure things that slipped our net at CES. 3M, a company concerned with the materials and components that go into your delicious new gadgets, spent its time in Vegas this month discussing a new way for building capacitive touchscreen panels. By employing silver as its conducting material, 3M says it has made it possible to shrink the circuits at the edge of a touch panel by a whole order of magnitude, resulting in finger-friendly screens unhampered by bulky bezels. Additionally, due to silver's high conductivity, response times have been shown to dip down as low as 6ms, which is ten times speedier than the currently used Indium Tin Oxide stuff. It's arguable that neither advancement is revolutionary today, as bezels serve a purpose in providing a gripping surface for slate devices and touch responsiveness is currently constrained by software lag more than hardware capabilities, but 3M sure looks to have a nice building block for the future. The future being 2012, according to the company's estimates.

3M touts capacitive touchscreens with tiny bezels, 10x faster responsiveness originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M Shoot 'n Share camcorder projector gets reviewed, does what it says on the box

Paul Miller — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:38:00 EST

You should know by now that the 3M Shoot 'n Share is aptly named: it shoots 720p video and stills, and it shares with a 640 x 480 built-in pico projector. Simple, yes? What you might not know is how well the thing actually works, and for that we have a helpful review from PicoProjector-info. It basically confirms any fears you might've had about the combination: it's not the best pocket camcorder, and it's not the best pico projector (even 3M's own similarly-specced MPro-150 model bests it). The good news is that it absolutely works, and is certainly passable in both of its stated aims, along with being fairly easy to operate. Not too bad for $300.

3M Shoot 'n Share camcorder projector gets reviewed, does what it says on the box originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M Shoot 'N Share does just that: shoots 720p, shares with its built-in pico

Joanna Stern — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:52:00 EST

3M may have snuck out two pico projectors for the guy in the boardroom yesterday, but its latest handheld is clearly designed for after-hour usage. Figuring it can leverage its projector roots and jump right on into the camcorder / camera side of things, the company's Shoot 'N Share packs a 5 megapixel sensor that can capture 720p MP4 video as well as take stills. Once you're done recording, you can tap the capacitive projector button and display it on the wall (or in our style, on someone's forehead). We figured with only 14 lumens of brightness it would be fairly dim, but some recorded video was actually bright enough to make out in a fairly light room. However, it only projects at 640 x 480, though we guess for $299 we didn't expect much more. The projector... er, camera, has a microSD card slot and HDMI jack on its edges, but it's definitely chunkier than we'd like. Hit the shots below to decide for yourself and the press release after the break for a few extra details.

Gallery: 3M Shoot N' Share

Continue reading 3M Shoot 'N Share does just that: shoots 720p, shares with its built-in pico

3M Shoot 'N Share does just that: shoots 720p, shares with its built-in pico originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M MP160 and MP180 pico projectors bring business casual to your pocket, sort of

Laura June — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:11:00 EST

The pico projector has always walked a fine line -- the smaller they are, the less features they typically boast. 3M's been cranking out the picos for a long time now, and its just outed two new ones firmly aimed at the business crowd. The MP160 and MP180 are both small (no surprises there), with the MP180 being the most full-featured of the two. That one packs WiFi, a touchscreen, Bluetooth, an integrated MP3 player, 4GB of storage, an SD slot and USB for all your quick, on-the-go projecting needs. The stripped down MP160 doesn't have any of those extras, but both feature external speakers and audio output. As far as the actual projectors are concerned, but the MP160 and MP180 have 30 lumens of brightness and a two-hour battery life with SVGA resolution -- a good showing for projectors of this type. Both are available for pre-order at 3M right now, with shipments in early October. The MP160 sells for $349 while the MP180 will run you $399. The full press release is below.

Updated: We actually got to check out the MP180 for ourselves. There are some shots below, but the unit we saw was an early prototype and couldn't keep a connection to a WiFi network. The resistive touchscreen on the device was also pretty flaky. Still it looks like it'll be an interesting little gadget when 3M works out the kinks.

Gallery: 3M MP180 projector hands-on

Continue reading 3M MP160 and MP180 pico projectors bring business casual to your pocket, sort of

3M MP160 and MP180 pico projectors bring business casual to your pocket, sort of originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quanta and 3M's DST touchscreens like styli and fingers too

Tim Stevens — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:56:00 EST

Spend a few days with a capacitive touch device and moving back to resistive can feel a bit... clumsy. Quanta and 3M are saying they have created a new type of touch sensitive screen that could make capacitive feel relatively just as vague, what they're calling dispersive signal technology. DST is a layer of "specially-designed glass" that detects the pressure of a finger or a stylus (or, probably, other things too) with high precision, all without making the display thicker. We're not sure how another layer could not make things at least a little bit beefier, but it at least won't be an expensive addition, with DigiTimes saying "consumers should have no difficulty accepting the price." There are, however, no comments on how well consumers will handle the other stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, and depression. Remember, we're here for you.

Quanta and 3M's DST touchscreens like styli and fingers too originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's PMP-packing MPro 150 pico projector gets a partially positive review (video)

Tim Stevens — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:56:00 EST

The pico projectors just keep on coming, and now it's time for the 3M MPro 150 to shine. It caught our eye back at CES thanks to its ability to play media, presentations, and even display spreadsheets all from internal memory -- no PC required. Now that ability has been given a thorough evaluation by PicoProjector-info.com and, while the overall performance of the projector was found to be good, it didn't quite deliver thanks to a VGA resolution. That simply didn't push enough pixels to render much business content, and the onboard media compatibility options disappointed as well. Build quality was said to be high and image quality good, but overall this one doesn't seem to live up to its $350 pricetag. You can see the thing in action after the break, or hit the source link for all the review details.

Continue reading 3M's PMP-packing MPro 150 pico projector gets a partially positive review (video)

3M's PMP-packing MPro 150 pico projector gets a partially positive review (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's MPro150 pico projector now shipping to highly-mobile presenters everywhere (update: not quite yet!)

Tim Stevens — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:34:00 EST

We caught a quick glimpse of 3M's MPro150 at CES a few weeks back, and while the performance of this pico projector didn't exactly blow our minds, we were quite intrigued by its ability to give PowerPoint presentations without a laptop or, indeed, any wires at all -- assuming your speech will be through before the thing's 90 minute battery is. It has 1GB of internal memory, plenty for slideshows filled with the most tacky of sound effects, and 3M even includes a 2GB microSD card to boot. But, for the $395 asking price, we're thinking that was the least it could do.

Update: Seems someone jumped the gun a bit, and 3M has clarified that shipments have yet to begin. Should be soon, though.

3M's MPro150 pico projector now shipping to highly-mobile presenters everywhere (update: not quite yet!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M rolls out MPro 150 pocket projector with 1GB of inbuilt storage

Darren Murph — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:03:00 EST

3M just got done pushing out its MPro 120, and here at CES we're already feasting our eyes on the MPro 150. For all intents and purposes, this is just an MPro 120 with 1GB of internal storage and a microSD expansion slot. We spotted it over at CES Unveiled, and while the VGA video wasn't anything special, the ability to open and display PDFs, Excel files and PowerPoint documents (in addition to the traditional movie and audio files) was indeed a nice add for the traveling salesperson. Hit up the full release after the break if you're thirsty for more details, and you should see it ship next month for just under $400.

Gallery: 3M rolls out MPro 150 pocket projector with 1GB of inbuilt storage

Continue reading 3M rolls out MPro 150 pocket projector with 1GB of inbuilt storage

3M rolls out MPro 150 pocket projector with 1GB of inbuilt storage originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M unveils 10-finger multitouch LCD display at CES

Laura June — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:34:00 EST

3M's just announced it'll unveil its previously gabbed about multitouch LCD -- at CES 2010 which, if you live under a rock and don't know anything at all, is just getting under way in Las Vegas. The beautifully named 3M Display M2256PW is a 22-inch, high def (1680 x 1050 resolution) multitouch LCD for professionals (and professional consumers) who require up to 10-finger input with a fast response time. The Windows 7-compatible display also boasts DVI and VGA video inputs, an audio input, and USB ports. 3M is set to show off some conceptual applications currently in development for its platform at CES as well, so we're pretty excited to see this one in action. Keep an eye here, we'll be checking it out any day now! Full press release is after the break.

Continue reading 3M unveils 10-finger multitouch LCD display at CES

3M unveils 10-finger multitouch LCD display at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M optical film for greener LCDs making an appearance at FPD International 2009

Richard Lawler — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:38:00 EST

Not happy with the green TV movement so far? 3M promises its latest Vikuiti Optical Film technology will save 32% more energy in LCD screens under 40-inches, without cutting into image quality, while enhancing the viewing angle and color uniformity. Checking it out before this film makes its way into the latest LCDs will require a trip to the FPD International show next week in Japan, where the it will also show off film intended for autostereoscopic (no glasses) 3D handhelds, but just a note, tearing off a piece and sticking it on your VIZIO at home won't help, we've tried that.

Filed under: LCD

3M optical film for greener LCDs making an appearance at FPD International 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's MPro 120 pocket projector fights the good fight at CEATEC (video)

Darren Murph — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:23:00 EST

3M's MPro 120 didn't really add a whole lot of spice to the currently drab pocket projector lineup, boasting a simple VGA resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio and image quality suitable for presentations alone. Granted, the 12 lumens and 4 hours of battery life both trump figures on the decidedly impressive SHOW WX (which has 10 lumens and 2 hours of life), but in the wide world of beamers, it's the picture quality that matters most. We took a peek at the latest MPro here in Japan, and while the results were less than impressive underneath the lights, the sub-$330 street price in the US is definitely admirable. If you'll recall, the laser / PicoP-based SHOW WX is slated to retail right around $500, while this bugger can be found right now in trusted e-tailers for over a Benjamin less. 'Course, 3M might want to inform its booth attendant of this little matter, as the (erroneous) $600 price quote we got from a certain someone definitely shocked us momentarily. Video's after the break.

Gallery: 3M's MPro 120 pocket projector fights the good fight at CEATEC

Continue reading 3M's MPro 120 pocket projector fights the good fight at CEATEC (video)

Filed under: Displays, Portable Video

3M's MPro 120 pocket projector fights the good fight at CEATEC (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M debuts MPro 120 pocket projector and awesome ad simultaneously

Laura June — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:32:00 EST

As you may already be aware, we're part of an elite minority who are generally smitten with pocket projectors. Sure, they haven't found their niche of "usefulness" with the wider world, but that doesn't stop them from being cool to us. 3M's just debuted a new one -- the MPro 120 -- a follow-up to the MPro 110. The MPro 120 projects 12 lumens of brightness (with VGA resolution), a 4:3 aspect ratio, and up to 4 hours of battery life. The MPro is currently pre-ordering for a September 10th delivery in the UK, for £260 (about $423). No word on availability in the US, but we are extremely fond of the projector's rather insane ad, which is after the break.

[Via Engadget Spanish]

Continue reading 3M debuts MPro 120 pocket projector and awesome ad simultaneously

Filed under: Displays

3M debuts MPro 120 pocket projector and awesome ad simultaneously originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Littmann Electronic Stethoscope lets docs record, analyze heart rhythm

Vlad Savov — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:26:00 EST

We didn't even know there was such a thing as an "auscultation workflow" until we first encountered the FreedomScope, a Bluetooth-packing untethered stethoscope. The 3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope also relies on Bluetooth for wireless communications, but its purpose is somewhat different. While it looks (and for the most part acts) just like a normal stethoscope, it also has noise canceling / sound augmenting technology alongside the ability to record heart and lung sounds, which may then be analyzed using the bundled Zargis StethAssist software. It's a bit on the pricey side at $379, but should be welcomed with open arms by collaborating diagnosticians and avant-garde concert bootleggers.

[Via MSN Money; Thanks, Will]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wireless

Littmann Electronic Stethoscope lets docs record, analyze heart rhythm originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Epson and 3M create the 0.3-mm spokesmodel, eating disorders skyrocket

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:09:00 EST

The technology behind this display might not be new, but the approach to demonstrating it is absolutely captivating. Good thing too because the idea here is to combine Epson's rear-projection technology with 3M's 0.3-mm thin Vikuiti film to project talking avatars on shop windows in a bid to lure lusty nerd-boys and impressionable Cosmo-girls in for a closer look. Check it after the break courtesy of Impress.

Continue reading Video: Epson and 3M create the 0.3-mm spokesmodel, eating disorders skyrocket

Filed under: Displays

Video: Epson and 3M create the 0.3-mm spokesmodel, eating disorders skyrocket originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change 3M's MPro110 pocket projector?

Darren Murph — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:12:00 EST

The pico projector market has practically exploded over the past six months or so, but all the while it was 3M's MPro110 leading the charge. Given that you've now had a few months to toy with it, we're wondering if this thing really has lived up to the hype. Is having a projector in your pocket as awesome as advertised? Is the image quality sufficient for impromptu wall splashings? Would you recommend holding off for round two? We have all ideas we'll hear tons of "make it brighter!" and "where's the 1080p version?" type comments, but if you have something else besides that to add, then -- by all means -- drop some knowledge on us in comments below.

Filed under: Displays, Portable Video

How would you change 3M's MPro110 pocket projector? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's MM200 micro projector seeks integration within cellphones, cameras

Darren Murph — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:44:00 EST

The MPro110 has picked up some pretty positive vibes in the burgeoning pico projector market, but 3M is already looking well beyond that. At this year's CES, the company is debuting the LCoS-based MM200, a micro projection engine that is destined to find its way into cellphones, handheld accessories and digital cameras of the future. Reportedly, the device can project a 50-inch image while only drawing a single watt of power, and best of all, it'll be "available for consumer purchase in 2009." Yeah, as in, this year. One more look is after the break.

Continue reading 3M's MM200 micro projector seeks integration within cellphones, cameras

Filed under: CES, Displays

3M's MM200 micro projector seeks integration within cellphones, cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's MPro110 pocket projector reviewed: okay for geeks, so it's okay for you

Darren Murph — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:48:00 EST

3M's MPro110 never set out to blow minds, just to wow those who thought projectors could never be this small. According to Gadling's hands-on review, it achieved its goal(s). With a brightness of just 7 lumens, the actual image that it produced wasn't exactly stunning, but it was deemed "far from useless." The biggest knock was just how limited it was in terms of real-world usage; unless the room was perfectly dark, it wasn't the most gorgeous thing to look at, which means those midday sales presentations may not fly if there's a window in the room. In the end, the MPro110 was found to be more of a geek's toy than a proper presentation tool, but who says that's a bad thing?

Filed under: Displays

3M's MPro110 pocket projector reviewed: okay for geeks, so it's okay for you originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M MPro110 / Optoma PK101 pico projectors get dissected

Darren Murph — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:17:00 EST

Sure, we frequently come across gizmos so small that tweezers and eyeglass repair kits are needed to dissect 'em, but rarely are those gadgets projectors. With the new wave of minuscule beamers comes a new kind of tear down, and Tech-On has taken the time to split apart and photograph both the 3M MPro110 and Optoma PK101. The splaying gets pretty detailed, too, with us being informed of two large LSIs on the former (one from Weltrend; one from TI) and a hard look at the LEDs of the latter. Have a peek at the writeups and accompanying images below, and see just how long you can go without uttering an "aww" -- we'll bet it's not long at all.

Read - 3M tear down
Read - Optoma tear down

Filed under: Displays

3M MPro110 / Optoma PK101 pico projectors get dissected originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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US alliance to wrestle electric car batteries away from Asia

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST

From our perspective, it appears that we've reached a tipping point with regards to interest in the electric / hybrid automobile. No wonder considering the environmental and national security risks presented by a continuation of an oil-only approach. Unfortunately for the troubled US automotive industry (and economy), the single biggest money generator from a global fleet of electronic vehicles -- the lithium-ion battery cell -- is likely to be manufactured in Asia along side the lithium ion batteries found in our consumer electronics. According to the Wall Street Journal, "More than four dozen advanced battery factories are being built in China but none, currently, in the U.S." That could change, however, with a little determination, private investment, and a government willing to clear the way for manufacturing of this highly toxic contributor to the US infrastructure. Already, we've seen that Intel is being coaxed into building electric car batteries. Now, a group of 14 firms (including 3M and Johnson Controls-Saft) have stepped up to form an alliance with a US government laboratory. The National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Battery Cell Manufacture is modeled after SEMATECH, a public-private venture from the 80s that helped restore US prominence in computer semiconductor technology. The goal is to create a shared-cost, "open foundry" for members to perfect and ultimately produce automotive batteries. Problem is, they need upwards of $2 billion to build a plant to manufacture batteries that no one has ordered. Of course, that's a pittance when compared to the bailout requests made by the Big 3. Hmm, jobs and an industry dominating money machine... hey Obama, you listening?

[Via Ars Technica]

Filed under: Transportation

US alliance to wrestle electric car batteries away from Asia originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's MPro110 pico projector hits the streets for $359 a pop

Paul Miller — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:18:00 EST

With the holidays at hand, all these improbably-small projectors we've been seeing around for the past year or so are starting to land in force, and 3M's MPro110 is certainly a contender. The little unit shoots a VGA image onto screens as large as 50-inches (though we wouldn't recommend it), with a long lasting LED backlight backing it up. We got an up-close look at the thing last night, and have a few quick notes: the image is about as dim as you'd expect, and looks exponentially better the smaller the area you're trying to project on -- at about 30-inches in a decently lit room the image was insufferably dim, but at around 17 or 18-inches we were getting some pretty good definition brightness. The projector autofocuses plenty fast, which is clutch for a "handheld" projector, but it does get fairly warm despite its LED usage. Overall, we can't fault the projector too much, with a $359 pricetag and a "paperback book" form factor, but the application is certainly limited at the moment, and we're guessing these will be getting a lot better in the future. The MPro110 is now shipping.

Filed under: Displays, Projector

3M's MPro110 pico projector hits the streets for $359 a pop originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's MPro110 pico projector hits the streets for $359 a pop

Paul Miller — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:18:00 EST

Gallery: 3M's MPro110 pico projector hits the streets for $359 a pop

Filed under: Displays, Portable Video

3M's MPro110 pico projector hits the streets for $359 a pop originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M reveals MPro110 pocket projector: ships this month

Darren Murph — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:51:00 EST

It's official: the age of the pico projector has arrived. And we're not talking the age of pico projector announcements, we're talking about launches. Just after Toshiba came clean with its LED Pico Projector, along comes 3M (of all companies) with one of its own. The MPro110 pocket beamer got handled by PopSci, and the results were pretty much as we'd expect. Decently bright, extraordinarily novel, but not exactly world-class. Brightness (the lack thereof, actually) was an issue, and a few movie scenes were deemed "indecipherable." Additionally, it has no built-in speaker, but for just $359, we suppose that's an omission we can live with. Best of all, this one's set to ship on September 30th. To America. Woo!

[Via AboutProjectors]

Filed under: Displays

3M reveals MPro110 pocket projector: ships this month originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony cuts a deal to put 3M optical film in LCDs

Richard Lawler — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:37:00 EST

Just to add another variable to your next BRAVIA, Sony's announced a deal with 3M to include some of its optical film technology the company's prismatic films for LCD TVs. Like other partnerships announced on this Friday evening details were scarce, but 3M claims it can make TVs, laptops and cell phones brighter, more energy efficient and more vibrant, so no matter who actually made your next Sony HDTV, it should have an even better look to it.

Filed under: Displays, Sony, LCD

Sony cuts a deal to put 3M optical film in LCDs originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 May 2008 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M mini-projectors set to land in / with Samsung phones later this year

Donald Melanson — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:01:00 EST

3M has been touting its mini-projectors for some time now (along with many others), but it looks like they're now finally a bit closer to landing in an actual product, with Samsung reportedly set to begin offering them later this year. What's not clear, unfortunately, is whether the projectors will actually be built into the cellphones (and if so, which ones), or simply offered as an attachment of some sort, but either way you can apparently expect to pay between $200 and $400 for the chance to spread a bit of visual pollution.

[Via Unwired View]

Filed under: Handsets, Multimedia, Peripherals, Samsung

3M mini-projectors set to land in / with Samsung phones later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 May 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M mini-projectors set to land in / with Samsung phones later this year

Donald Melanson — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Displays

3M mini-projectors set to land in / with Samsung phones later this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 May 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M to showcase a micro-projector for handheld devices at CES

Nilay Patel — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST

The idea of stuffing a tiny projector into a handheld device isn't a new one -- we've seen a couple different takes on the idea -- but it looks like it might be hitting the mainstream soon, as 3M has announced plans to demo a half-inch wide projection unit at CES that can put up a 40-inch image. The LCoS projector is about the size of a wireless headset, according to 3M, and tops out at VGA resolution -- which seems adequate, given the QVGA resolution of most handhelds. Apparently we'll be seeing devices with the projector built in later this year, and hopefully we'll get a chance to play with a couple at CES -- you'll know as soon as we do.

Filed under: Displays

3M to showcase a micro-projector for handheld devices at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3M's DMS800 short-throw projector-cum-alien probe

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:57:00 EST

Here we have it, the black mamba of short-throw projectors: 3M's DMS800. The 0.7-inch DLP projector mounts to the wall yet throws a 1,280 x 1,024 image with a 1,300:1 contrast in sizes ranging from 50 to 85 inches thanks to that long, telescoping neck which can extend up to 4.2-feet. Inputs are available for DVI-I, D-Sub 15 RGB, component, composite and S-Video sources. You can even combine the built-in Ethernet with an optional, external sensor and you've got yourself a digital white board to share on the network. The entire kit will set you back ¥715,000 (about $6,292) as of today in Japan. Still confused? Click through for a sample installation.

[Via Impress]

Continue reading 3M's DMS800 short-throw projector-cum-alien probe

Filed under: Displays

3M's DMS800 short-throw projector-cum-alien probe originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony and 3M settle intellectual property dispute

Darren Murph — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:03:00 EST

The bickering that boiled over into a patent dispute earlier this year between 3M and Sony has finally ceased, but it seems like Lenovo and friends may actually still be fighting their own battles with the innovative giant. Nevertheless, Sony Corporation and Sony Electronics are now "licensed sources of batteries containing 3M's cathode technology," and while specific terms of the settlement shall remain confidential, we're sure it was no small sum that Sony was ~~asked~~ required to pay out. One down, several to go.

Filed under: Laptops

Sony and 3M settle intellectual property dispute originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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