Epson unveils two sub 4-lb. projectors

Epson this week launched two new LCD projectors, the 3.8-pound PowerLite 740c ($2,699) and the 3.9-pound PowerLite 745c ($2,899), with features such as XGA resolution, 802.11g wireless LAN connectivity, USB flash drive support and the ability to view MPEG-2 videos. The projectors will be available through audio/visual resellers, catalog and direct PC dealers in September, Epson said.

The projectors have 2,500 lumens of brightness, and measure 7.6- by 10.9- by 2.7-inches, and are small enough to carry in a briefcase or shoulder bag. The 745c includes 802.11g connectivity, which lets users upload or run presentations wirelessly, and supports Apple's Keynote software. The 745c also includes LEAP authentication and WEP/WPA security support.

Both projectors can power up in about seven seconds, and it takes only 20 seconds to shut down and cool off, Epson says. They also include a 1.2x optical zoom lens, which can be adjusted through a remote control. Other ease of use features for setup include color-coded cables and a tone that sounds whenever the on/off button is chosen.