InFocus LP435z

(also marketed as Kodak DP1100 and Boxlight CD-550m)

The 1000 ANSI lumen InFocus LP435z was the most popular XGA portable in 1999. However, it is almost a year old now, and the newest machines are offering better price/performance.

The 435z is spec'd at 7.4 lbs, but an external Cable Wizard is required for connectivity. So add about a pound for this feature and you have one of the heavier units among the twenty. And at 421 cu.in., plus extra space for the Cable Wizard, the product is among the largest of the twenty XGAs as well. It is limited to XGA only, so it is unable to accept an SXGA signal as most of the other products in this class can.

The 435z's 270-watt lamp, unique among the twenty smallest XGAs, creates much more heat dissipation than the other products in the group which have either 120-watt or 150-watt lamps. Accordingly fan noise is more of an issue with this model as well. The 435z's short lamp life of 1000 hours will be a concern for those with high usage requirements.

This product has had supply shortages due to the DLP problem, and these shortages continue at this time.

Those considering the 435z or any of its private label equivalents will want to compare it to the Mitsubishi X70 which is 200 lumens brighter, almost 100 cu.in. smaller, and is lighter by about 1.5 lbs. Both have 1:1.3 manual zooms. However the X70 will take an SXGA signal. Its 150-watt lamp puts out much less heat with double the lamp life. Fan noise is reduced. And it comes with a 3-year warranty with overnight replacement service included.

The Mitsubishi X70 will have an anticipated Internet price of about $5,200. Current Internet prices of the 435z are averaging around $5,200. Thus the Internet price of the 435z will need to drop by at least 15% if it is to remain a viable competitor in the current market.