By David Ponce

At first glance, the Toshiba TLP-XC2500U looks like a regular ole projector, with a funny arm sticking out of it. Its features even are pretty vanilla: 2500 ANSI Lumens, 400:1 Contrast Ratio, and three XGA (1024 x 768) LCD panels. But, it’s when you discover what that arm does that everything changes: it holds a 3MP QXGA document imaging camera, and a high powered LED.

Just like that, you’ve basically got the modern version of the classroom overhead projectors we all loved to hate. Instead, in this case, you don’t even need transparencies. Simply place whatever document you wish to blow up and project on the machine, and the camera takes care of the rest. Other features include the ability to digitally zoom on certain spots of the document you are presenting, like spreadsheets or important details. Also, the TLP-XC2500U incorporates a unique anti-theft device for extra security. A removable palm-sized control panel on the projector is specially designed with a self-assigned password for theft prevention. When the control panel is removed, the projector is no longer operable unless the password is entered on the remote control.

It’s not the first projector with an included document imaging camera, but there are few, and at $1,540, it’s not entirely unreasonable. It is somewhat heavy, at 8.8lbs, but comes with a carrying case. It’s available now through authorized vendors or at Toshiba Direct.

[ress Release] VIA [About Projectors]