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3M Introduces Portable Handheld Projector

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The new projector from 3M fits in the palm of your hand and claims to project images, data, and movies onto any flat surface up to 1.2 metres.


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The 3M Micro Professional Projector MPro110 weighs 152 grams and can be connected to a laptop, mobile phone, PDA, or MP4 players. This device claims to have 40 to 60 minutes of battery life, allowing users to use it for sales pitches, presentations, and office meetings.

The projector uses LED technology to provide up to 10,000 hours of operation. It also has a full VGA resolution that displays in 4:3 format with a wide range of projected image sizes from 127mm during daylight use to 1270mm in a darkened environment.

The unit comes with an AC adapter, video cable, VGA cable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Additional accessories can be purchased separately including a mini-tripod, however, the unit also attaches to any standard size tripod.

3M’s Micro Professional Projector MPro 110 will be available in April with an RRP of $649

See: www.3mmmpro.com.au

Lexmark Printer Produces Less Waste

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Lexmark has launched a new line of colour laser multifunction printers (MFPs) that claim to be environmentally-friendly with its reduced power consumption and two-sided printing option.


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The Lexmark X540 Series has features like built-in two-sided printing, instant warm-up fuser technology, an Eco-Mode which reduces power consumption, a Quiet Mode which reduces noise emissions, and is Energy Star compliant.

The X540 series also features wireless models that are Wi-Fi certified 802.11n draft 2.0, supporting a longer range and higher wireless transfer rates than the previous standard, 802.11g.

Lexmark’s Vice President and President of its Printing Solutions and Services Division, Marty Canning said, “We are excited to introduce this outstanding new line of compact colour products that will help businesses enhance the quality of their professional documents without turning to a more costly print shop. We designed these products with the environment in mind so customers can feel good about reducing their environmental footprint as they decrease costs and increase productivity.”

 

The Lexmark X540 Series includes the new Lexmark Rewards program, which encourages customers to return empty cartridges for recycling or remanufacturing and earn free genuine Lexmark toner and imaging kits. This program will save users up to 20 percent off the total cost of supplies.

The Lexmark X543dn MFP can print up to 21 pages per minute in colour and black, ships with a high-yield toner, and offers two-sided printing for $1,292.

The Lexmark X544 models of colour laser MFPs are four-in-one devices that print, copy, scan and fax, with fast print speeds up to 25 ppm in colour and black, with prices starting at $1,724.

See: www.lexmark.com.au

Trend Micro Cranks Up Channel Dollars For Resellers

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Antivirus and internet content security Company Trend Micro has completely restructured their channel operations with the introduction of new support operations new remuneration fees for referrals and additional marketing support for retailers selling their products.

During the past 12 months Trend Micro Australia has grown 20 percent as both business and consumers invest in protection software now the company is cranking up their selling operations in an effort to take on the likes of Kapersky and Symantec who recently launched several new products into the Internet Security market.

As part of the changes, the Australian operation has appointed dedicated Partner Managers; a phone-based channel management support organisation; a new Channel Marketing Manager to help drive marketing campaigns through partners; a new Channel Trainer to ensure engineering teams have up to date skills; and a Priority Technical Support Hotline for partners to receive fast resolution to any technical issues.

The 2009 Trend Micro Affinity Partner Program offers generous margins for all partner tiers as well as a lead referral rebate; a product push rebate; volume rebates; Market Development Funds (MDF); Not for Resale Software (NFR); access to ongoing education sessions and access to newly appointed Trend Micro Partner Managers for top-tier partners.

Trend Micro’s Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Dave Patnaik said, “Trend Micro partners will be equipped with the right resources to increase their revenues and profitability during these uncertain times as part of this new world-class Affinity program roll-out.”

The new Trend Micro Affinity Program takes effect immediately for Australian and New Zealand partners, who register through the Trend Micro PartnerWeb Portal. 

New HTC Smartphone Larger Than Life

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The new Touch HD from HTC will change the way you look at videos, documents, and websites thanks to its large screen. You can give this phone a go if you hate looking at small screens and want an easy-to-use smartphone, although be prepared to shell out a hefty sum for it.


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The Touch HD’s screen is just as big as my credit card. The 3.8-inch widescreen VGA screen (480 x 800 WVGA) is perfect for the TouchFlo 3D interface: icons were larger and easier to press, while various Windows icons were not as hard to access. Photos and videos were crisp, with the Touch HD being able to change orientation (from portrait to landscape) instantly by rotating the unit.

The unit only has three hard buttons: the power/standby switch located on the upper right had side of the Touch HD, and the volume keys on the left side. A 3.5mm audio jack is found on top of the unit (finally!), while a mini-USB port for charging and synchronisation is found at the unit’s bottom. The unit’s 5-megapixel camera, microSD card slot, and SIM card slot are found at the back of the device, while four touch keys (end call, pick up, home, back) and secondary camera are found up front.

Since the unit is a Telstra-exclusive smartphone (as of this time of writing), HTC has decided to change a couple of icons on its TouchFlo interface. It still has the Home, People, Messages, My Email, Photos and Videos, Music, Settings, and Favourite menus but now has a Downloads section (giving users access to Music, Games, Tones and Pics, Caller Tones, Applications, and Bigpond service), a Telstra Applications menu (containing Scan Code, Yellow, Call1234, Whereis Trading Post, CitySearch, Blog and Photos, My Account, My Sync), TV menu (with Entertainment, Sports, News and Docos, Kids, Music, Active, Foxtel, TV, Live, Movies), News and Sport (access to News, Weather, Finance, Sport, Alerts, BigPond, AFL, NRL, V8, Horse Racing), and Internet and Search (launches BigPond, Sensis Search, Yellow, Web, and YouTube).

 


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Despite its large profile, the unit fits comfortably in our hand. The TouchFlo 3D is more responsive now compared to last year’s Diamond, thanks to its 528Mhz Qualcomm processor and 288MB RAM. The unit runs on Windows Mobile 6.1 and comes with pre-installed programs like Office Mobile, Adobe Reader, ActiveSync, RSS feeder, Jetcet Print 5, Windows Live Messenger, and a Remote Desktop Mobile software.

The unit also comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and can quickly download or upload files as it is HSDPA-enabled.

Despite the unit allowing us to view photos and videos in landscape, we found it strange that the unit cannot change the orientation of our spreadsheet and word documents. It may not be an issue for some users, but after seeing the Samsung Omnia being able to display spreadsheets in landscape, HTC should have done the same.

The Mobile Foxtel service can be watched in full screen, which is great for mums and dads who want to keep their kids busy for a couple of hours. Music sounded great, with the 3.5mm jack adding more versatility as it allowed us to use our favourite headphones. HTC has also included an FM tuner in case you want to listen to your favourite FM station.

 


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Despite sporting a 5-megapixel sensor, the HTC Touch HD was unable to deliver, providing us with bland photos despite taking shots on well-lit places. And don’t even think about taking shots at night: this smartphone does not have any built-in flash.

Thanks to its 1350mAh battery, the Touch HD lasted for about three and a half days with moderate use. The company claims that it has a talktime of up to 420 minutes and a standby time of up to 680 hours, which is good for a unit with a large screen.

HTC has set the bar high this year with its Touch HD. This new phone is bigger, faster, and is very easy to use. The only problem is that you have to shell out $1,499 upfront or $0 upfront on a $150 member plan with a repayment option of $62.45 per month over 24 months for this unit, making it difficult for some to afford this kind of luxurious phone.

See page over for product specifications and final rating.

 

HTC Touch HD Specifications:

Chipset: Qualcomm MSM7201a 528Mhz
Internal Memory: 512MB flash; 288MB RAM
Display: 3.8-inch widescreen VGA screen (480 x 800 WVGA)
Software/OS: HTC TouchFlo 3D with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
Camera: 5-megapixel with auto focus
Network: WCDMA 850.2100 MHz and GSM: 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA 2 Mbps
Memory card: microSD memory card (SDHC capable): 8GB card included
WLAN: 802.11b/g
Bluetooth: 2.0 with EDR with A2DP
GPS: Built-in GPS
Interface: HTC ExtUSB (mini-USB and audio jack in one; USB 2.0 High-Speed)

Battery: 1350mAh
Talk time: WCDMA: up to 420 minutes / GSM: up to 480 minutes
Standby time: WCDMA: up to 680 hours / GSM: up to 440 hours

Size: 115 x 62.8 x 12mm
Weight: 146.4 grams

HTC Touch HD | $1,499 |  | www.htc.com

For: Large screen; Big icons; Responsive TouchFlo 3D; Telstra launch icons; 3.5mm audio jack; Good browser; Connectivity; Battery life; Comes with 8GB card
Against: Spreadsheets and word documents cannot be shifted to landscape; Very expensive
Conclusion: Big is beautiful with HTC Touch HD

Woolworths Profits Up, Dick Smith Sales Solid

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Woolworths has reported a 10.3 percent increase in net profit to $983.3 million and said that it is very well positioned for the future.

According to its half year report, sales were up by 8.8 percent to $26.1 billion and EBIT gained 10.2 percent to $1,515.2 million.

Woolworths Limited’s CEO, Michael Luscombe said: “This is a strong result reflecting increasing customer acceptance of our retail offer underpinned by the continued investment in all our businesses. I am confident that we are well positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities as they arise and to meet future challenges.”

Woolworths has also reported solid sales growth for its Consumer Electronics division with sales reaching $838.9 million (from 769 million), up 9.1 percent on last half year and comparable store sales increasing by 5.8 percent. However, EBIT dropped 26.7 percent to $31.6 million (from 43.1 million last year).

Woolworths has also mentioned in its report that it has finished its strategic review for its Consumer Electronics division and has implemented a number of key findings such as the rollout of its new store format, improvements to its range of products, a new price promise and branding, as well as investment in their people.

Woolworths has opened 29 Dick Smith Electronics and 3 Powerhouse stores during the half taking its total store number to 433.

Sony Slims Down Projector Line-Up

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The new projector from Sony weighs 1.7kg and is only 45mm thick, allowing business users to take it along to presentations.


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According to Sony, the VPL-MX20 has brightness level of up to 2,500 lumens, with the 3LCD projection system providing bright and natural images. The VPL-MX20 has also been optimised to provide smooth gradients in dark areas and prevent colour breakup or the rainbow effect.

Sony Australia’s Projector Product Manager, Vincent Bautista said, “The VPLMX20 is a strong combination of some of Sony’s key projector technologies that can be easily applied across a number of presentation applications. The portability, top end picture reproduction and user features will make the VPLMX20 one of the most appealing data projectors for those presenting on the road.”

These usability features include Advanced Intelligent Auto Setup, which automatically initiates setup functions by simply turning on the VPLMX20. Additionally, a built-in Auto Focus module and Smart APA (Auto Pixel Alignment) focuses and sizes the projected image for optimum picture performance simply by turning the projector on.

The Sony VPL-MX20 will be available from mid-April 2009, with its RRP to be announced at a later date.

An Affordable Nokia Smartphone That Can Organise Your Life

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The new Nokia E63 performs just as good as its older brother, the E71, but sports a cheaper price tag. It may miss out on a couple of good features, but then, who is complaining?


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The E63 sports the same design as the E71 but is a bit chunkier. The E63 is 3mm thicker than the E71 (the E63 is 13mm thick), is 2mm wider (E63 is 59mm wide while the E71 is only 57mm wide), and is entirely made out of hard plastic. The QWERTY keypad is definitely ‘bigger’ than the E71, making it easier for users to type e-mails and SMS. The E63 also comes in different colours (our review unit came in blue), which gives it a more personalised touch.

A 2.36-inch QVGA screen (320×240), light sensor, as well as left and right selection keys, hotkeys (Menu, Calendar, Contact, E-mail), call and end keys, and five-way navigation keys are all located up front, while the unit’s 2-megapixel camera with flash, is located at the back.

The left spine hosts the microSD card slot and micro-USB connector, while a 3.5mm jack is located on top of the phone. What is missing is the volume rocker, which in our opinion, should have been present. Users would now have to press up or down the navigation key to adjust the volume when talking to a person on the other line. Finally, the E63’s charging port is located at the bottom left part of the unit.

 


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The E63 misses out on HSDPA and GPS (the E71 has it built-in) but still comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This 3G handset can still push content, but don’t expect downloads to be as quick as other HSDPA-enabled phones in the market. Programs are subdivided into nine different sections (Log, Communication, Connectivity, Download, Tools, Office, Media, Installations, and Web) for easy navigation.

In order to simplify downloading e-mails, Hutchison 3 users can easily download the ‘Email on 3’ program. This will allow the E63 to automatically retrieve e-mails from a Microsoft Exchange server, Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, and e-mail services from other ISPs. The unit can even automatically gather your contact list and save it to the device and update your calendar and to-do list.

The phone is very simple to use, with Nokia making sure that every day is a stress-free day. The interface is straightforward, the included programs can help business users to be productive while on the road, and the multimedia programs kept us busy during the long commute. The unit can play video files saved in Flash Lite 3, MP4, and 3GP files as well as music files saved in MP3, WMA, AAC, AAC+, and eAAC+. The 3.5mm jack is also a good thing as it allowed us to listen to music using our favourite headphones instead of using the stock buds.

 

Since the E63 is not HSDPA-enabled, web browsing was a little bit on the slow side. But if you are only going to update your Facebook profile or check the weather, then the E63’s 3G connection should suffice.

Battery life is good, with the unit lasting for three and a half days. Nokia says that the 1500mAh Li-Po battery will last up to 18 hours (on standby) and has 11 hours of talk time.

Overall, the Nokia E63 is the perfect smartphone for those who want to receive e-mail on the go. It may not HSDPA and GPS, but since it costs significantly cheaper than the E71, it is not too bad. This phone is currently on 3’s $29 Cap, with unlimited e-mail (Email on 3) being offered by the company for $5 each month. The E63 has an RRP of $509.

Credit: Hutchison 3

See page over for product specifications and final rating.

 

Nokia E63 Specifications

Size
* Form: Monoblock with full keyboard
* Dimensions: 113 x 59 x 13 mm
* Weight: 126 g
* Full keyboard
* High quality QVGA display

Display and 3D
* Size: 2.36″
* Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA)
* Up to 16 million colors
* TFT active matrix (QVGA)
* Two customisable home screen modes

Security features
* Device lock
* Remote lock
* Data encryption for both phone memory an microSD content
* mobile VPN

Keys and input method
* Full keyboard
* Dedicated one-touch keys: Home, calendar, contacts, and email
* Speaker dependent and speaker independent voice dialling
* Intelligent input with auto-completion, auto-correction and learning capability
* Accelerated scrolling with Navi Key

Colours and covers
* Available in-box colours: Ultramarine Blue and Ruby Red

Connectors
* Micro-USB connector, full-speed
* 3.5 mm standard AV connector

Power
* BP-4L 1500 mAh Li-Po standard battery
* Talk time (maximum): GSM up to 11 hours; WCDMA up to 4h 40 min
* Standby time (maximum): GSM up to 18 days; WCDMA up to 20 days;WLAN idle up to 170 hours
* Music playback time (maximum): 18 h

Memory
* microSD memory card slot, hot swappable, max. 8 GB
* 110 MB internal dynamic memory

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Nokia E63 | Free on the $29 Cap; $509 |  | www.three.com.au

For: QWERTY keypad; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; Office productivity software; Battery Life; Affordable
Against: No HSDPA and GPS
Conclusion: An affordable way of keeping in touch.

Shape Up or Else: ACCC Warns Telcos

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ACCC has issued a warning to the telecommunications industry, saying that it must raise its standards in its treatment of consumers or risk increased scrutiny and action.

ACCC Chairman, Mr. Graeme Samuel said the ACCC expects carriers to close off access to their mobile networks for rogue operators.

“Problems such as misleading advertising, unfair contracts and deceptive mobile phone competitions have been allowed to proliferate by service providers, publishers and carriers, who have turned a blind eye while taking a slice of the profits. It is no longer acceptable for carriers to wash their hands of responsibility as operators use their networks to entrap phone company customers with unwanted, expensive and difficult to unwind subscription services,” says Samuel.

“If all carriers do not exhibit a responsible attitude to closing down rogue operators, they must expect the ACCC to pursue remedies available to it under the Trade Practices Act. Consumer protection issues in telecommunications consistently ranked number one as the sectors most complained about to the ACCC Infocentre, with more than 4,000 complaints a year.”

The ACCC consistently received complaints about mobile premium services, primarily related to unsolicited services and billing, with about half alleging consumers had received premium services without agreement.

 

Other concerns included advertising practices; consumers not understanding contracts, including inadvertently signing up to a subscription service; and difficulties with unsubscribing and the complaints handling process.

“The ACCC is drawing a line in the sand – we’re saying to the poor performers, and there are many of them, mend your ways.”

A particular concern was the targeting of readers of youth magazines by mobile premium service providers.  He warned the ACCC was prepared to take on publishers for running advertisements which they knew to be misleading or deceptive.

“Similarly, the ACCC is firmly of the view, that companies which advertising plans as ‘unlimited’ should be very cautious when using such terms. To avoid misleading consumers, any qualifications to ‘unlimited’ calls or SMS messages must be clearly stated and not so significant that they negate the overall impression of the ad,” says Samuel.

The ACCC also encouraged consumers to make sure they fully understood the terms and conditions of their contracts.

Choice Slags Off Printer Manufacturers

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Leading consumer advocate organisation Choice has slagged off printer manufacturers and has accused them of selling inks at exorbitant prices.


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According to Choice, consumers need to be wary of being ripped off by printer inks that cost up to $20 a teaspoon and use microchips to prevent you using cheaper alternatives.

Tests with 13 multifunction printers showed the cost of ink could be extortionate. Choice says that if you printed five B+W pages, three colour pages and one photo every day for a year costed over three years one brand would cost $9436 to run.

And while you can buy cheaper genuine replacement cartridges overseas, you often can’t use them with the Australian-bought printer because the microchip attached to the ink cartridge must match the country.

“They do this to stop legal parallel importation (also known as grey importation). Another effect of the addition of a chip is that third party ink manufacturers have a much harder job competing,” says the report.

Choice spokesman Christopher Zinn said, “The printer manufacturers own the patents for the chips which means third party competitors can’t legally copy them. The competition is frozen out and consumers pay more.”

See choice.com.au for the full multifunction printer review and comparison.