WHEN it comes to the world of portable projectors, this rather niche market has a limited number of models in circulation — simply because the use of such devices is not that pervasive. When was the last time you attended a conference room meeting and a portable or pico projector was in use? Normally, offices invest in more powerful and brighter projectors which are far from being portable.
AAXA Technologies intends to straddle this by offering its latest M4 portable projector. This incorporates a 28 watt lithium ion battery alongside a powerful 800 lumen LED optical engine. The integrated battery boasts of up to 90 minutes of operating time in eco brightness mode, resulting in three times the level of brightness as found in other battery-powered projectors.
We are looking at a brilliant 800 lumens of brightness, thanks to the 20,000-hour rated Vibrant Color LEDs, as it sends out a native High Definition resolution count of 1,280 x 800 (WXGA) pixels. This particular optical power house paves the way for the AAXA M4 to offer vibrant 150-inch displays in dark areas, and it is also usable even in a brightly lit environment, making it the first of its kind in its class where mobile projection is concerned.
If you require it to run for more than 90 minutes, then you can always plug it in via the included high efficiency AC power adapter. Other hardware features include an onboard media player that can handle a variety of video, movie, image and music formats, while the DTV Tuner lets one watch broadcast TV while you are on the move. Connectivity features include HDMI, VGA, Composite Video input, and a microSD memory card slot. Retails at US$599 (RM1,964).
Ultra fast charging
THERE are devices out there that live up to its namesake - and Pronto is one of them. It was so named because it is the fastest-charging portable battery pack. In fact, it charges up so fast, the Pronto claims to be able to stash a full smartphone charge in a matter of just five minutes. The Pronto is available in two models, the lighter Pronto 5 comes with a 4,500mAh capacity, making it good for three full iPhone 5 charges. The more heavy duty Pronto 12 delivers 13,500 mAh X while you are on the move, which translates to nine iPhone 5 charges. I suppose the latter works out great if you are going to be away from civilisation for a few days and yet need your smartphone to keep working. Both will be able to charge to full capacity in just one hour. It has a virtually indestructible enclosure that is made of hard-anodised aluminium, making it tough enough to handle the rough outdoors.
A lightweight cap that is accompanied by an internal silicone seal helps protect the ports from water and dirt. Pronto 12 sports a pair of high-powered USB ports and a 12V adapter, which enables it to juice up larger devices including notebooks, dSLR cameras and even drone batteries. Retails at US$79 (Pronto 5) and US$99 (Pronto12).
www.kickstarter.com/projects/powerpractical/the-pronto-fast-charge-battery
WiFi-connected toy
IF you would like to adorn your desk with funny looking accessories, then I recommend the US$59.99 Toymail WiFi Communication Device. The name of this desktop accessory says it all, really, as this is a unique toy that allows the “animals” to voice messages from you to your children. Since communication happens to be a two-way street, your children too will be able to respond to the Toymail WiFi Communication Device without missing a beat.
How does it work? For starters, you connect the animal of your choice (Buck the Deer, Milksop the Bear, or Rochester the Raccoon) to your home’s WiFi network. Once done, download and install the free app on your handset. When that is done, feel free to send a voicemail to your child’s Toymail.
Upon receipt of the mail, it will kick into action, making some animal noises, now how about that? This will naturally elicit a response from your child as he/she presses the play button, and the Toymail will then play your message in your voice - or in that of the corresponding animal’s, depending on the option you pick. With the Toymail, multiple apps can be connected to a single Toymail, allowing multiple family members to send messages.
The Toymail WiFi Communication Device functions as a fun manner to keep in touch with your family, especially children. It checks mail every half hour. Each Toymail is powered by a quartet of AA batteries, which under normal use, should be able to last anywhere from three to four months, making it a relatively low maintenance desktop accessory.
Mouse with ergonomic curves
HOW much time do you spend sitting behind the computer screen each day? If you happen to plant your rear end on a comfortable chair with ergonomic devices, the long-term experience is not all that bad, which goes to show just how having the right tools and equipment will go a long way in making sure you do not end up too tired despite a relatively heavy workload.
Having said that, Logitech has delivered its fair share of ergonomic computer accessories over the years, and this time around it is the Logitech Wireless Mouse M320 that intends to help you breeze through your day at work without having to worry about getting some Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The Logitech Wireless Mouse M320 has been specially designed with a curved shape in order to guide your hand to a natural position. It comes armed with the Logitech Advanced Optical Sensor that delivers advanced precision and responsiveness. The asymmetrical form factor, soft rubber grips with a distinctive, tactile pattern and a wide wheel further improves the overall scrolling experience, ensuring that this particular mouse is a great fit regardless of whether you are scrolling through numerous spreadsheets and documents or simply browsing on the latest Internet news.
Compatible with Windows, Mac, Chrome and Linux operating systems, the versatile Logitech Wireless Mouse M320 arrive with a nano receiver, and sport blue, red, black and grey colour options.