Having a projector small enough to throw in a bag can prove to be very useful, but many of the smaller projection gadgets out there still require a power source and a connection to a PC in order to function. Either that, or they are too big to shove in a pocket. Canon aims to remove all those limitations with the launch of the Mini Projector M-i1.
As Nikkei Technology reports, the M-i1 measures just 105-by-105-by-22mm and weighs 235 grams, making it easy to slide into most bags or even a pocket. The small size belies how capable this tiny project is, though. It can project screen sizes from 14-inches through to 87-inches at 1080p resolution with a brightness of 701 lumens. A built-in 3 watt monoaural speaker takes care of audio output.
Projection is possible for up to two hours without hooking up to a power source thanks to the inclusion of an internal battery.
In fact, the M-i1 doesn't require any cables in order to function. Running on Android, the projector includes 4GB of internal memory to store what you'd like to project, but it also includes a USB 2.0 port for adding more video/images/documents/presentations to view. Built-in wireless and Bluetooth also allows you to stream from a smartphone or laptop without wires, or hook up to local Wi-Fi to browse the Internet.
One final useful feature the M-i1 offers is its ability to double as a mobile charging station for your smartphone if you don't plan on using the internal battery for wires-free projection.
At roughly $270, the Canon Mini Projector M-i1 certainly isn't cheap, but it's surely going to be tempting for anyone who'd rather leave their laptop and cables at home when giving a presentation.
For now, the M-i1 only looks to be available on the Canon Online Shop in Japan, but hopefully it will make its way to other territories in the not too distant future.