TechSavvy: BenQ gets it right

Payton H. Wilmott, Gleaner Writer

IT'S a new year and I can't start it off by reviewing any lame products to bore my readers. So, let us start the year right with the BenQ DV S11 - that is a camera/camcorder/projector and maybe a coffee machine is stashed away somewhere in it too!

The BenQ DV S11 is a palm-size device that has the ability to video record in full high definition (HD) (1080P) and takes pictures as well. But the most outstanding feature of this device is its ability to project images and videos that are already stored on its memory. It also has a touch screen display to navigate through menus and a built-in flash for taking photos or video recording in the dark.

Ok, what's the catch?

My grandmother always said "anything too good to be true ... ". That is all I got because she always fell asleep after saying that. There was a point in that statement ... just cannot link it right now. Anyway, the BenQ DV S11 has a couple of shortcomings that are obvious as soon as you begin using it. I made a list of the BenQ DV S11 disappointments. They are as follows:

The battery level goes down quickly when using the projector on the device.

The flash on the device is ghastly (If you held up a white piece of paper in the dark it would be brighter than the flash on this piece of equipment.)

Then why would I buy it?

Do not get me wrong, the BenQ DV S11 is far from being a total disappointment, in my view. It gives you all the essentials you need to have a portable media centre in one compact package.

It is one of the few portable devices that can video record in full HD resolution, but it is the only device I know of that has the ability to project the HD video as well. The projected image or video viewing area is as big as a 32-inch flat-screen television viewing area. The projected image is incredibly detailed and bright for a portable device. Also, the BenQ DV S11 comes with a HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port and USB (Universal Serial Bus) which is all you need to connect this bad boy to a HD display.

Final thoughts

The BenQ DV S11 is a great device for work or play but the price tag could be a deterrent, which I forgot to mention was around $34,000. If the price does not scare you, then I would recommend getting this unique device because you will never find another with all these features.

The product mentioned in this article was provided courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories. Telephone: 906-1067, 906-1068, and 754-5048.