Since there are quite a lot of software applications that require as much desktop space as possible, the need for projectors that are also able to accurately reproduce the respective images is also more dire. For this reason, the ViewSonic company launched in the second half of 2008 the PJ359w model, a device which offers quite an interesting set of features while succeeding in keeping the price tag at a fairly low level.



The projection system installed in the device from ViewSonic features 3 x 0.59-inch LCD Poly-Si TFT panels and is capable of delivering an 1280x800 WXGA resolution and a 500:1 contrast ratio. The device has also been equipped with a special, short-throw lens, which enables large images to be projected from short distances in small rooms. It can generate images with diagonal sizes ranging between 30 and 300 inches, at distances between 35 and 456 inches (0.9m to 11.6m), which means that the throw ratio varies between 1.5:1 and 1.8:1. Moreover, the PJ359w's built-in automatic vertical keystone correction of +/-30 degrees ensures that images are well-proportioned.



Additionally, the device has also been fitted with a 190W lamp, which produces a brightness level of around 2000 ANSI lumens, covers 100 percent of the NTSC color gamut and has an estimated functioning life of around 2000 hours in normal mode and 3000 hours in eco mode.



The device comes equipped with a rather extensive range of connectivity options, although all of them are pretty much standard for this type of product. Thus, we're dealing with 1 HDMI connector, Composite and S-Video interfaces, plus a VGA connector and a 3.5-mm audio input. The last connector is not thrown in the mix for no reason, since the projector has also been equipped with a 1-W speaker.



Other features that make this projector quite well-suited for out-of-office activities are the slim design, the quick set up and the direct off feature, which allows the projector to be unplugged and stored while bypassing the usual cool down phase. Moreover, this advanced feature also protects lamp life from sudden power blackout.



ViewSonic's PJ359w sells for around 1,300 US dollars, which, given its features and specs, is a rather normal price point, similar to that of equivalent devices found on the market.