Projectors
Review: Viewsonic M1

With the summer finally here in the region, many are either getting ready to fly off to cooler destinations for holidays or getting their camping gear ready to hit the desert. I love camping outdoors and even though the entire experience is excellent, something I miss is on the go entertainment. While you can certainly watch content on a smartphone, nothing beats watching a movie on a bigger screen with your family snuggled up beside you.
Viewsonic has a trick up its sleeve that solves this issue – it is called M1. The M1 is an ultra-portable LED projector that comes packed with dual Harman Kardon speakers built-in. This is a lightweight LED projector that is designed to deliver multimedia content for users on-the-go. The Viewsonic M1 is a compact and lightweight and weighs just 680 grams.

The Viewsonic M1 also features 250 ANSI lumens of brightness and offers a contrast ratio of 120,000:1. What’s more, it is also packed with a short-throw lens that can display large images in small spaces. The ViewSonic M1 comes with a built-in battery that provides up to six hours of power.

You also get 16GB of built-in storage, and LED technology that provides you with up to 30,000 hours of usage. Connectivity options on the Viewsonic M1 include HDMI, USB 2.0, and USB Type-C, audio out, and a microSD card reader.
The overall design and build quality of the M1 is good. The design includes a swivel stand, which can be used as a stand to prop the projector up, while also making it easy for you to carry it around. Once the projector is turned off, the swivel stand can be used to cover up its lens.

The Viewsonic M1’s buttons are located at the back of the projector, while the ports are under a flap on the side. There are two 3W Harman Kardon speakers on the top, while the bottom features a tripod mount. Inside the box that the projector comes in, you also get a USB Type-C cable, an HDMI cable, a power brick and a cable for charging, and a cloth pouch to store the projector and carry it around in.
The Viewsonic M1 is not a full HD projector and hence it offers a maximum viewing resolution of 854×480 pixels. The projector can project a screen size of up to 100-inches in either the 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratios, with a minimum throw distance of 1m. You also get auto keystone correction with the M1.
Even though the Viewsonic M1 is a portable LED projector, the quality of the projection was very good. It was bright enough even in a room with a little bit of sunlight peeping in. On a single charge, we were able to clock around 3.5 hours of battery life, which is lower than the advertised 6 hours of battery life. While there is an audio out to connect to external speakers, the M1 does not come with Bluetooth connectivity option.
The Viewsonic M1 is a good portable projector that offers a range of ports allowing you to get content for a wide range of sources. It also features a neat design and its simple UI is easy to get used to without any learning curve involved. For a price of AED 1300, the Viewsonic M1 can be a very good portable projector for home and office use.
Price: AED 1300

Gadgets
Acer Intros Five Innovative and Future-Ready Product Series for Education

Acer has introduced a new lineup of education-focused products at the BETT 2025 show, underlining its mission to transform the digital learning landscape. The launch includes five cutting-edge product series, thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of modern classrooms, from K-12 to higher education. With a strong focus on durability, eco-consciousness, and adaptability, Acer’s latest innovations are built to enhance learning experiences while reducing environmental impact.
Acer’s latest Chromebook range – featuring the Acer Chromebook Spin 512, Spin 511, and Chromebook 511 – brings classroom computing to a new level. Engineered for durability, these devices are designed to endure the wear and tear of daily academic life. Key features include easily serviceable keyboards, reinforced I/O ports, and impact-resistant structures that meet MIL-STD 810H standards, ensuring they can withstand accidental drops of up to 122 cm.
Integrated features include a Quick Insert key to easily access helpful ChromeOS features, spill-resistant designs, and TÜV Rheinland-certified Eyesafe displays, making these devices ideal companions for students’ demanding school days. The models incorporate PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic, OceanGlass touchpads made from ocean-bound plastic, are EPEAT registered, and Energy Star and TCO-certified.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 512 will be available in EMEA starting March 2025 at a price of $349. The Spin 511 will start at $329, and the Chromebook 511 will start at $299.
Acer’s new TravelMate laptops, including the TravelMate B5 14, TravelMate B3 11, and convertible TravelMate B3 Spin 12, are designed to meet the dynamic demands of today’s hybrid classrooms. Key durability features such as shock-absorbent bumpers, reinforced brackets, and mechanically anchored keyboard keys which ensure longevity and resilience. Each model is MIL-STD 810H certified and integrates Acer PurifiedVoice with AI-enhanced noise reduction for an immersive and productive online learning experience.
The TravelMate B5 14 features up to an optional 14-inch FHD IPS display and powerful yet energy-efficient performance to enable seamless multitasking. The compact TravelMate B3 11 offers a lightweight 11.6-inch design with various connectivity options, including dual USB Type-C ports. Meanwhile, the convertible TravelMate B3 Spin 12 empowers collaborative learning with its 360-degree hinge, a TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light-certified display for greater comfort while reading, writing and watching videos plus an optional fast-charging stylus for efficient notetaking.
The TravelMate B5 14 will be available in EMEA from February 2025, starting at $400 +VAT. The TravelMate B3 Spin 12 will be priced at $430 +VAT, while the TravelMate B3 11 will be available at $330 +VAT.
The Acer Chromebook Tab 311 is a simple, affordable, and secure computing experience for students. Featuring a lightweight, durable 610g frame and MIL-STD 810H compliance, it offers resilience against everyday drops and bumps. The Acer Chromebook tablet is also equipped with a heavy-duty 8,000 mAh battery that can provide up to 10 hours of battery life, helping students stay productive throughout long school days.
The Chromebook Tab 311 also supports optional add-ons, including a portfolio case with an adjustable multi-angle stand and a folio keyboard, letting students easily switch between typing, drawing, and viewing modes. Acer Chromebook Tab 311 will be available in EMEA in Q2 2025, starting at $329.
Acer takes multitasking to the next level with the PD3 Series portable foldable monitors. Available in two sizes – 15.6 inches (PD163Q) and 18.5 inches (PD193Q E) – the devices offer a versatile dual-screen setup for educators and students are designed to boost productivity, efficiency and entertainment experiences. Each monitor features a sleek, lightweight design and Dual FHD resolution (2160 x 1080) for crisp text and rich visuals. Acer VisionCare technology helps reduce eye strain during prolonged tasks, while a 315-degree ergonomic hinge enables versatile viewing angles for optimized productivity.
Ideal for multitasking environments, the PD3 monitors can serve as second or third screens, connected seamlessly through HDMI or USB-C. The Acer PD3 Series monitors will be available starting February 2025. The PD163Q will be priced at $399, while the PD193Q E will start at $499.
The Acer PD1520Us ultra-short-throw LED projector brings big-screen learning to even the smallest of spaces. With the ability to project a 100-inch image from mere centimeters, this compact, flexible projector is ideal for classrooms and training spaces and weighs just 740 grams. Enhanced features like Auto 2D Keystone correction, 4K compatibility, multimedia playback, a stable 30,000-hour LED lifespan and interactive app integration help create an engaging, cable-free learning and presentation experience. The Acer PD1520Us projector will be available in EMEA from March 2025, priced at $699. The optional battery kit will be available for $99, and the interactive module for $199.
Gadgets
Epson Intros New Mini Smart Laser Projectors

Epson has launched a new range of stylish and affordable home projectors designed to enhance the entertainment experience for families across the region. The EF-21 and EF-22 projectors boast a modern aesthetic and are equipped with advanced 3LCD technology for vibrant, high-quality images.
Frank Oliveira, Consumer Sales Manager, Epson Middle East said, “These projectors are favoured by many over conventional televisions because viewers can change the screen size as they want, and watch their favourite content in amazing quality on any clear wall or ceiling, making them ideal for movie and serial fans. Drawing upon the superb Epson know-how built into each projector — as seen at the official regional launch at the GITEX 2024 event —these mighty machines allow families to experience high-quality visuals anywhere in their home, all housed in a great-looking and durable device they can enjoy all year round.”
Key features of the new projectors include:
- 3LCD Technology: Delivers bright, vivid images with accurate colour reproduction.
- Long-Lasting Light Source: Offers up to 10 years of maintenance-free viewing in eco mode.
- Compact and Stylish Design: Available in a range of colours to complement any home decor.
- Easy Setup: Features automatic focus, keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance for hassle-free installation.
- Integrated Google TV: Provides access to a wide range of streaming content and smart home features.
- Powerful Audio: Equipped with two 5W speakers for a rich and immersive audio experience.
The EF-21 is available in warm white, smoke ice green, and rose pink, priced at AED 2,999. The EF-22 comes in metallic black or metallic blue and includes an adjustable stand, priced at AED 3,699. Both models offer screen sizes up to 150 inches and are designed for easy home installation and use.
CES
LG Unveils Versatile 3-in-1 Device with HD Projector, Ambient Lighting, and Bluetooth Speaker

In the lead-up to CES 2025, LG has unveiled its latest innovation set to debut at the renowned tech conference. Introducing the LG PF600U, a multifunctional “lifestyle companion” that combines a high-definition projector, Bluetooth speaker, and home lighting features into a single device.
Designed to create the perfect ambience, whether projecting a cosy film, visual display, or setting the mood with lighting and music, this concept model is inspired by the traditional floor lamp design. A singular leg supports the sleek, circular device, blending style with functionality.
The projector boasts FHD resolution, 300 ANSI lumen projection, and OTT streaming via LG webOS, while passive radiators ensure immersive sound quality for Bluetooth-enabled speakers.
With nine colours and five brightness levels, the LED mood lighting offers a variety of settings, complemented by a 110-degree tilting head for flexibility.
Alongside the PF600U, LG introduced the CineBeam S, the brand’s smallest 4K UST projector. Although it lacks the multifunctionality of the PF600U, the CineBeam S features 4K UHD resolution and 500 ANSI lumens of brightness for vivid visuals. Its ultra-short throw capability allows it to project images ranging from 40 to 100 inches with minimal wall clearance.
LG’s new “lifestyle projectors” will be showcased at CES 2025, kicking off next week in Las Vegas. While these devices remain concept models, further updates on a potential release are anticipated soon.
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