Mobile professionals who need to display spreadsheets and data files where text legibility is paramount should look for a portable projector with native (actual) resolution of XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) or better. The Hitachi CP-X345 (less than $7,500) is a laptop-sized portable that delivers 2000 ANSI lumens of native XGA imaging power, and weighs only 5.5 lbs. Thanks to the unit's three 0.7-inch Poly-Si LCD and advanced image processing, the CP-X345 also provides superior reproduction of video and HDTV programming.
Road warriors will appreciate the compact new NEC LT20. This 2.2-lb., DLP-based native XGA projector measures just 2.9 x 7.8 x 5.9-inches, but delivers a screen filling 1500 ANSI lumens of high contrast picture for presentation and video applications, for less than $2,000.
Architects, engineers and others using CAD/CAM and other advanced imaging tools, need a display system that makes it easy to see all the fine detail that these applications produce. The new Hitachi CP-SX1350 with native SXGA resolution of 1400 x 1050 pixels delivers 3500 ANSI lumens, and a 650:1 contrast ratio. This 17-lb. projector is intended for installation or AV cart use, and packs enough picture power to fill even a 100-inch wide screen in a well-lit conference room or lab area. The Canon Realis SX50 is an 8.6-lb. projector with SXGA+ (1400 x 1050 pixels) resolution. The LCOS-based unit produces 2500 ANSI lumens of brightness for viewing of highly detailed images and HDTV content, and sells for less than $5,000.
High-speed color laser printers deliver near photographic-quality printouts of presentations, reports and brochures at a much lower cost (less than 10 cents per page) than inkjet printers. Konica Minolta's new magicolor 5450 can deliver up to 27 pages per minute (ppm) of consistently high-quality output on plain paper, 9600 x 600 dpi-class resolution. The 5450 costs less than $1,800, is equipped with browser-based management tools, high-speed Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 interfaces, and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. Options include a duplexer, up to 1 GB of RAM, 1,600 sheet-feed capacity, and a 40 GB internal hard drive for storage of fonts, forms, and printing jobs.
Other high-quality, cost-effective workgroup color laser printers include the 22 ppm, HP LaserJet 4650n, and the 26 ppm Xerox Phaser 6250N with price tags around $2,000.
Inkjet printers are still the best choice for true photo-quality output with glossy and premium grade paper. Medium format, 8-color printers such as the new Epson R1800 ($550) and Canon's i9900 ($499) can produce gallery-worthy prints and posters up to 13 inches wide.
With the right tools, a little patience, and a clear idea of the image you want to create, you should have no trouble tapping into the power of color to enhance your business communications.
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