Aiptek micro projector (Credit: Mint Wireless)

Introduced at Computex 2008 in Taipei and scheduled for initial shipment in September 2008, the Aiptek Pocket Cinema V10 device uses an LED light source to project a VGA (640x480) image at a screen size of up to 50 inches at 1.8 meters (obviously, the screen size is smaller at closer distances). The projector supports streaming files from an iPod or computer as well as playing MPEG 4, AVI, ASF, MP3, and JPG files either stored in the 1GB of internal memory or on SD cards up to 8GB in size. 

The included Lithium-ion battery only allows 45 minutes of playtime when fully charged but the projector can also be powered via a USB 2.0 connection to a laptop or desktop computer. That same connector charges the battery, drawing its power from the computer. The projector uses a manual focus and includes a limited controller on its top surface (oriented with the projector facing forward) just below a set of stereo speakers.  

Aiptek projector - 50" from a distance of 1.8 meters (Credit: Mint Wireless)

The projector is 4.9 inches (125 millimeters) long, 2.2 inches (55 millimeters) wide, and 0.9 inches (23 millimeters) thick. The full system also includes a miniature tripod to assist in pointing the device toward a screen or other viewing surface so it doesn't have to be held in a hand during the entire projection period. 

The new projector system (including both the projector and the tripod) will sell for $649 in Australia through Mint Wireless. Prices for the initial release in the United States, Europe, and Asia are not yet available. 

TFOT has written about other miniature or innovative projection systems and displays including a projector so small it literally fits in the palm of your hand, a new tabletop projection system from Microsoft, and new flexible LCD technology that doesn't require a polarizer. 

You can read more about the Aiptek Pocket Cinema V10 in this Mint Wireless press release, download a product datasheet (in PDF format) here, and view additional photographs of the device here.