Is that a projector in your pocket?

Assuming you didn't make it to the Internationale Funkaustellung trade show in Berlin this week, you may not have heard the news that Toshiba, Mitsubishi, and Seiko Epson have been working on small, battery-powered digital projectors. They use colored LEDs in combination with a DMD (digital micromirror device) chip, so they can run much cooler than a traditional LCD projector you might encounter in a conference room. (Toshiba's apparently doesn't need a cooling fan.) Start-up and shut-down time is much quicker, and the LEDs last longer than a standard bulb.

DigiTimes and New Scientist have articles on the Toshiba projector, which seems like it is closer to reaching the market. (Barry Fox writes, "...the Toshiba model will be the first of its kind to go on sale before the end of 2005, and will cost about €1000 [$1250].")

DigiTimes has a separate piece about the Seiko Epson projector.

What would you do with one of these? Obviously, the main market will be suits toting it around with their laptops to deliver sleep-inducing sales presentations. But what about impromptu movie showings in a booth at a dark bar? At the gate area while waiting for a delayed flight? Creating a home-made drive-in on your garage door? Late night cult flicks on the dorm room wall? (I could go on...)