Epson PowerLite 96W

Epson PowerLite 96W Multimedia Projector

The Epson PowerLite 96W Multimedia Projector ($899 direct) is a classroom projector loaded with bells and whistles, providing a wealth of connectivity choices. Teachers can hook it to a LAN (it has an Ethernet port and supports an optional Wi-Fi module), run presentations off a USB thumb drive, control it and other networked projectors via a Web browser, and more. The 96W's image quality, for both data and video, was so-so in our testing, but its versatility should make it a welcome addition to many classrooms. The PowerLite 96W's light source, based on the 3LCD technology developed by Epson, is rated at 2,700 lumens. The projector provides WXGA (800 by 600 pixel) native resolution, at a 16:10 aspect ratio. It has a similar feature set to the Editors' Choice NEC NP-M260W ($850 street, 4 stars), a WXGA projector rated at 2,600 lumens. The two-tone (white and gray) PowerLite 96W measures 4.2 by 13.6 by 10.3 inches (HWD), including feet, and weighs 7.2 pounds. It's large enough that you won't want to carry it around much, and it lacks a carrying case. It's best used on a table or cart, or mounted on a ceiling (it has holes to fit a ceiling mount), which Epson sells separately.