Tech Watch: Projectors; Badge Printer; LCD Display
The operative word here is output. Sharp's recently released digital projector, Zebra's new card printer and Sony's latest high-end LCD all leave an impression--some better than others.
Projector With Real Remote Control
It might be hard to get a CIO or systems administrator excited about portable digital projectors. Sharp's new XG-MB50X, however, has a built-in RS-232C interface allowing for remote monitoring and operation, giving administrators the capability to provide assistance and lamp diagnostics from afar. The projector combines Texas Instruments' DDR DLP technology for enhanced picture quality with a condenser lens optical system. The result, Sharp says, is brighter, more accurate color reproduction. It provides brightness of 2,000 ANSI lumens and a native 1,024-x-768 XGA resolution; is equipped with multiple ports, including RGB, composite RCA, S-Video and RS-232C; and is HDTV-compatible.
Sharp XG-MB50X, www.sharp.com Price: $1,600
Not Your Everyday Printer
Sophisticated badges with employee and visitor photos aren't just for large businesses anymore. Priced under $3,000, Zebra Technologies' P120i printer aims to bring that capability to small and midsize companies. Constructed with a top-loaded feeder, the printer can hold up to 100 30-millimeter cards. Zebra offers software drivers for Windows 2000 and XP, which the company says provides plug-and-play compatibility with most applications. Customers can create credit-card-sized building passes and even include digital photos and logos. A magnetic-stripe encoding option also makes this device suitable for small retailers that want to create customized gift cards.
Zebra P120i, www.zebracard.com Price: $2,895
LCD May Please Sony Fans, But Who Else?
If you're looking for a display that has some nice amenities, check out Sony's new SDM-X95KB. This analog/digital LCD comes with a built-in switchable hub, allowing any peripherals connected to it to become active with the PC that's linked to the display, including keyboards, mice and external drives. An anti-glare screen boasts a 700-to-1 contrast ratio and brightness level of 300 cd/m. Viewing angle is 170 degrees, plus the unit has a built-in power supply as well as built-in speakers, the latter of which is nice but certainly not a novelty these days. While the X95KB won't disappoint--particularly for those customers already partial to the Sony brand--better options from competitors are available in this size and price range.
Sony SDM-X95KB LCD display, www.sony.com Price: $572 (list)