National Newspaper Computer Columnist
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Craig Crossman National Newspaper Computer Columnist Click here to see the index of Craig's columns. |
| QUESTION: I'm looking for one of those projectors that can hook up to my portable computer so that I can make presentations to my clients. Since this is my first projector, I find myself at a loss as to what specifications are important as well as desirable features. I know, for example, that modems should be 56K, printers at least 600 dpi and scanners should be at least 32 bit. Can you give me some guidelines? ANSWER: Computer projectors are relatively expensive compared to other peripherals. Typically costing thousands of dollars, they're usually much more expensive that the computer to which it's connected. So you want to make sure the projector you select is going to do the job. Your observations about most peripherals is a correct one in that there is usually one specification that ranks a peripheral's quality and cost. With modems, it's speed, with printers, it's dots-per-inch (dpi) and scanners, it's a combination of dpi and color bit depth. The most important specification that ranks a computer projector is ANSI Lumens which is how bright of a light the projector throws off. The higher the number of ANSI Lumens, the brighter and more expensive. And according to Epson who makes a complete line of quality computer projectors, the minimum number of ANSI Lumens one should accept in a new projector these days is 800. The other important specification is the resolution it can project. Earlier projectors could only support the 640 x 480 or VGA resolution. Look for the higher 1024 x 768 or XGA resolution that's found on most current model portable computers. Portability is another consideration. If you plan to lug this thing around with you on the road, then you may want to consider one of the newer, lighter models that weigh in under six pounds. Epson has just introduced three Commuter Series models in their Powerlite series. The 500c, 700c and 710c offer a myriad of features and all weigh in at 5.8 pounds. The first two offer 800 ANSI Lumens, the 710c jumps to 1000. They all offer additional features like picture-in-picture, electronic zoom, on-screen help and menus plus a remote control that lets you operate the projector and your computer. The remote is a must have for your presentations because it allows you to be center stage and not tied to your equipment. All of the Commuter Series models support resolutions from VGA to SVGA (1280 x 1024). Epson's latest top-of-the-line projector is the 8000i. This projector weighs in at 18.3 pounds making it less portable that the Commuters but is still small enough to be considered portable. The 8000i throws off a blinding 2200 ANSI Lumen beam making it capable of being seen in a well lit office or small auditorium. This is one device you would not want to stare into. In addition to offering all of the Commuter features, it offers a 20 degree keystone correction that lets the image appear with no distortion in case you cannot have the projector exactly perpendicular to the wall onto which the image is being projected. All of Epson's projectors work with Windows or Macintosh computers as well as most any other video component with a composite or NTSC video output such as a VCR or digital camera. The Powerlite 500c, 700c and 710c sell for $5,999, $6,999 and $7,999 respectively. The 8000i retails for $15,999. Epson, Inc. www.epson.com |
| Craig Crossman is a McClatchy-Tribune newspaper columnist writing about computers and technology. He also hosts the nation's longest running nationally syndicated radio talk show on computers and technology, Computer America, heard on both the Business TalkRadio Network® and the Lifestyle TalkRadio Network®, weeknights at 10PM Eastern time. Visit his website at http://www.computeramerica.com |
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