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While 3M provided no information on the MP180's operating system, it would appear that the device runs Windows CE on an ARM processor, as have previous offerings such as the Solidmicro SD-HK800, Lancerlink MPJ-104WCE, Sunview Mobile PMP, and Epoq EPP-CEP1. It's said the projector's internal CPU lets it render content in a variety of different formats -- DOC, PPT, XLS, TXT, PDF, BMP, JPG, MP4, MP3, PAL, NTSC, H.264, AMR, and AAC -- without being connected to an external device.
According to 3M, the MP180 allows users to present PowerPoint files, videos, photos or documents with one-touch capability. A touch screen makes operation tactile, while Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth compatibility enable Internet browsing and file transfer from laptops or smartphones. The MP180 also features an integrated MP3 player, 4 gigabytes of internal memory, a microSD card slot and a USB port.
The simultaneously announced MP160 employes the same projection engine, with same brightness, resolution and portability as the MP180, at a lower price point. However, it has to be driven by an external PC using the supplied VGA and composite video cables, according to 3M.
Both the MP160 and MP180 feature stereo speakers and an audio output, so users can connect headphones or external speakers. In addition, both have an integrated flip stand, tripod and a variety of input cables. Available optional accessories include an adapter cable for Apple products, a car charger and a presentation binder. Optional accessories for all 3M pocket projectors are sold separately, a company release noted.
Mark Colin, vice president of 3M's mobile interactive solutions division, stated, "The 3M MP160 and MP180 truly offer something for everyone. The MP180's unmatched versatility and extensive feature set are perfect for the mobile road warrior, while the MP160 is an ideal accessory for those who don't need a lot of extra features and prefer a straight pass-through device. And, with two hours battery life, people can rest assured that they will be able to get through just about any presentation without needing to recharge."
3M also announced it acquired Attenti Holdings from an investor group led by Francisco Partners, for a purchase price of $230 million in cash. Based in Tel Aviv, Attenti is a supplier of remote people monitoring technologies used for a variety of offender monitoring applications, such as people awaiting trial or on probation, and to assist eldercare facilities in monitoring and enhancing the safety of patients.
Attenti employs approximately 340 people at its operational locations in Tel Aviv; Tampa, Fla.; Naperville, Ill.; and Milwaukee, as well as in Plovdiv, Bulgaria and Sydney. Sales for 2010 are expected to be approximately $100 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
"This acquisition will position our track and trace business as a leader in the high growth electronic offender monitoring market and add Global Positioning System [GPS] and active radio frequency [RF] technology and capability to our portfolio," said Rory Yanchek, general manager of 3M's track and trace solutions division. "The addition of Attenti's location tracking capability enhances the value we can deliver to our customers around the world."
Further information
The MP160 and MP180 are now available for preorder from shop3M.com andamazon.com. Orders will begin shipping in early October, the companysaid. The MP180 has an estimated price of $399, and MP160 has anestimated price of $349.
More information on the 3M MP180 as well as the MP160 may be found on the company's website, here.
Nathan Eddy is a writer for our sister site eWEEK.
