Macworld 2009: Microvision Pico Projector - Project From Your Pocket!

If you've always wanted to be able to just whip out a projector from your pants pocket and show everyone just how hot Milo Ventimiglia on Heroes looks without a shirt (you know you do) Microvision may have your wants and needs covered with the Picop "pico projector."

The pre-production prototype seen here on the show floor is capable of projecting an image at 10 lumens with a resolution of 854 x 430 (WVGA), and, of course, fits in your pocket quite readily!

The interesting thing is that due to the way laser light sources are used to project the image, the Picop requires no focusing. The image stayed clear as the exhibitor moved the projector near and far from the screen.

For those with thermal considerations, I picked up the Picop that they were using for demonstrations and while it was warm to the touch, it wasn't hot or burning, so it seems the heat output is manageable.

The Microvison rep told us that they hadn't quite finalised which input interfaces they would have in the final production model, but assured us that VGA and Composite would make the cut, with component connections a "maybe."

Of course, iPhone and iPod compatibility is a given as well. In fact, the projector on the show floor was running off of an iPod Touch.

The first model, releasing in mid-June, will be SD, but Microvision also has plans to make an HD model for release at a later time, which would include HDMI and component connections for you video-philes.

Check out their promotional blog for some examples of the Picop in action:

The Pico Underground [Pico Underground]