Well, looks like Canon's not the only one launching projectors during this time of the year. Epson has decided to do the same and came up with four new models in its PowerLite series, which provide a host of useful options (especially for the educational environment), at the same time managing to maintain the price points at a fairly OK level.

The fresh PowerLite 84, 85, 825 and 826W come equipped with E-TORL lamp technology, which not only provides a very good level of brightness, but also delivers a functioning life of up to 6,000 hours, a built-in closed captioning decoder, USB Plug 'n Play technology, a powerful internal 10-watt speaker, network connectivity for remote presentations (via wired LAN), and optional wireless connectivity. Furthermore, in order to come to the teachers' aid, the new models are also the first to offer a dedicated microphone input, allowing educators to amplify their voice using the internal speaker.

Both the PowerLite 84 and 85 provide 2,600 lumens white light output, 2,600 lumens color light output and XGA resolution. The PowerLite 825 has a 3,000 lumens white light output, 3,000 lumens color light output and XGA resolution, while the last model announced, the 826W, offers 2,500 lumens white light output, 2,500 lumens color light output and WXGA resolution (16:10 aspect ratio).

The PowerLite 85, 825 and 826W also offer PC-free connectivity through a USB Type A port, allowing for quick connection with USB memory devices, as well as affordable wireless functionality via an optional wireless module. Using the Quick Wireless Connection USB Key, teachers can simply insert the USB Key into the projector (first time set-up only) and then into a PC - the USB Key automatically reconfigures the computer's network settings and wirelessly connects to the projector for instantaneous use.

The Epson PowerLite 84 and 85 will be available in May 2009 and will sell for 800 and 900 US dollars, respectively, while the PowerLite 825 and 826W are slated to arrive in stores a little later (in June, to be precise) and will each sell for $999.


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