Projector offers decent brightness for its size

MacNN has previewed Optoma's Neo-i iPod/iPhone dock, which also doubles as a projector. The system, which was announced in November and brought to CES, integrates a pico projector that allows users to play videos or pictures from docked devices. Like many other small projectors, the Neo-i's picture became slightly washed out when viewed under the bright lights at the Macworld Expo.

Despite the problems under the Moscone Center lights, the projector was brighter than we expected. With a 50-lumen lamp, it still seems to be brighter than most of the portable pico projectors that have been introduced recently. The 16W speakers also produce a robust sound, though not of the same quality as other docks focused on high-fidelity audio.

The additional inputs are a welcome feature, allowing users to attach other sources via HDMI or VGA connections. The dock integration also allows users to view content from video apps, such as Netflix, rather than limiting the experience to stored videos.

Optoma originally estimated the shipping time-frame to fall around December, but the device is now expected to arrive early this year. The combination of features does not come cheap, as customers will have to dish out $449.

by MacNN Staff