ViewSonic launches their new VG27 series of widescreen LCD monitors today targeting business, government, and education markets. Consisting of the 20 inch VG2027wm and the 24 inch VG2427wm, the new monitors feature a 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 300 nits of brightness, HD resolutions, a slim bezel design, DVI/VGA connection, and a 2 port USB hub.

The new VG27 series are also eco-friendly as both monitors are Energy Star certified and offer an ECO mode which can save up to 40 % in energy consumption.

Other specs include:

• Height and tilt adjustments
• 360 degree swivel base
• Built-in stereo speakers with support for SRS Premium Sound technology

The VG2027wm specs include:

• 1600 x 900 resolution
• 170 degree horizontal viewing angle and 160 degree vertical viewing angle
• 5ms response time
• 50,000 hour light source

The VG2427wm specs include:

• 1920 x 1080 resolution
• 170 degree horizontal viewing angle and 160 degree vertical viewing angle
• 5ms response time
• 50,000 hour light source

Technorati Tags: ViewSonic, ViewSonig VG2027wm, ViewSonic VG2427wm

ViewSonic expands their digital photo frame product lineup today with the introduction of the new TrueView family of digital photo frames. The new frames include the 10.4 inch VFD1020, 8 inch VFD820, and 7 inch VFD720 – all of which feature a 4:3 aspect ratio display which ideally matches digital pictures taken today.  The 8 and 7 inch frames feature 800 x 600 resolution while the 10.4 inch comes with a 1024 x 768 resolution display (it should be noted that a 7 inch display with an 800 x 600 resolution is indeed pretty unique in this space).

Other features of the VFD class of frames include:

• 2GB of internal memory
• Compatible with CF/MMC/MS memory cards
• USB 2.0 port
• Calendar and clock functions
• Slideshow feature with various display speeds and transition effects

The new TrueView digital photo frames will be available this quarter with the 10.4 inch going for $129.99, the 8 inch for $89.99, and the 7 inch going for $79.99.

Here’s a picture of the 7 inch model:

The 8 inch model:

and the 10.4 inch model:

ViewSonic also introduced two other digital photo frames today – the 7 inch VFA710W-10 and the 9 inch VFD920w-12 ebony frames. The VFA710w-10 and the VFD920w-12 will be available in Q2 2009 at estimated prices of $54.99 and $99.99.

Technorati Tags: ViewSonic, Digital Photo Frames, VFD1020, VFD820, VFD720

What say you ViewSonic? Are you really entering the smartphone space?  Seriously.. are you really doing this? Do you really know what you’re getting yourself into? It’s not like we don’t have enough competitors in this space already you know.

Are you still not deterred ViewSonic? OK then.. I guess your answer is a Yes. Yes you are indeed entering the 3G Smartphone space.

Yes folks – that’s right. The company best known for computer displays announced plans today to expand their product line into the 3G smartphone industry thereby making their “3” – 300′” product line a reality.”

According to ViewSonic, this move “falls in line with the convergence of televisions, computers and mobile phones” – believing that their “heritage in display technology” will play an important role in the development of smartphone handsets.

Hmm.. display tech is certainly very cool but if there’s anything that Apple’s demonstrated, it’s more about the overall look and feel and user interface that matters. Oh yes – third party apps are also very very important. It’s hard to imagine ViewSonic spending time and effort building their own platform so the guessing game is now about what OS they’ll end up using for their handset.

The company does have experience building Windows Mobile-based PDAs but if memory serves us correct, that particular market never took off for the company. Another distinct possibility would be for ViewSonic to adopt Android. Now that would be interesting.  Whatever the case – best of luck to ya ViewSonic – you’re going to need it for this market.

In the meantime, ViewSonic didn’t offer much details in their smartphone initiative other than the company plans on launching their first handset in China, followed by Europe and then the Americas.

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Technorati Tags: ViewSonic 3G smartphone

ViewSonic announced two new displays today – the CD4230 ultra-thin bezel commercial display and the VTMS2431 LCD HDTV with multimedia support. Both panels will join ViewSonic’s digital signage family and will be on display at the Digital Signage Expo. Here’s what you need to know about each model:

ViewSonic CD4230:

• Measures 13.77m thin
• 42 inch commercial display
• 500 nits of brightness
• 1500:1 contrast ratio
• RS-232 daisy chain capable
• DVI and VGA port
• VESA mount compatible with carrying handles

ViewSonic VTMS2431:

• ViewSonic’s first LCD HDTV with internal media player
• 24 inch display
• 1080p resolution
• Integrated ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner
• USB port
• RS-232 port allows users to control it remotely

Now as far as availability is concerned, both panels will be coming out in the second quarter with the CD4230 priced at around $1999 and the VTMS2431 priced at $449.

Technorati Tags: ViewSonic, CD4230, VTMS2431

I’ve never truly been wow’d by 3D displays but ViewSonic has something cool up their sleeves with their new FuHzion 120Hz display – the 22 inch VX2265wm. With a 120Hz frame rate and a 3ms video response time, the VX2265wm delivers a great flicker-free experience – whether you’re playing games or watching video in 2D or 3D. Couple the system with the NVIDIA 3D Vision Kit and you’ll certainly be amazed by what this monitor can deliver – even if the game isn’t necessarily 3D enabled.

I usually get slightly nauseous when viewing 3D displays but this new ViewSonic display is certainly something special. Other specs to the VX2265wm include:

• 1680 x 1050 resolution
• Dual link DVI-D and analog VGA inputs
• OnView controls
• SRS WOW HD sound
• High quality stereo speakers
• Windows Vista certified
• 1000:1 contrast ratio
• 300 cd/m2 brightness
• price of around $349

Oh yes – ViewSonic also has a 3D capable projector called the PJD6220-3D. You can use the same 3D glasses with this bad boy too. The projector will go for around $1799.

Technorati Tags: ViewSonic, FuHzion, VX2265wm, PJD6220-3D

Think ViewSonic is all about displays? Well guess what folks – they’re entering the nettop/netbook space with a new “cloud computing initiative”. The company announced three new products today – a new netbook called the VieBook and two nettop systems – the all-in-one VPC100 ViePC, and the attachable PC called the LinkPC. First up, we have the new VieBook:

Specs for the VieBook are similar to other 10 inch netbooks. We have a system with:

• 10.2 inch display
• Intel Atom processor running at 1.6GHz
• 1GB of RAM
• 160GB HDD
• 10/100 Ethernet
• 802.11 b/g WiFi
• Bluetooth
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• 4 in 1 card reader
• Windows XP Home Edition OS
• Three battery life

The VieBook will have an MSRP of $429 and is expected in February of this year. Stay tuned for live shots but in the meantime, enjoy these press release stills.

We did however get a chance to see first hand the new VPC100 ViePC all-in-one PC – and folks – this is one sweet looking system.

For $549, you get an 18.5 inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB HDD, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, 1.3 megapixel webcam, DVD+/-RW drive (built into the side), integrated stereo speakers, 3 in 1 card reader, and Windows XP Home Edition. I have to say – this seems like a pretty sweet deal for anyone looking for a second or third computer in the household. Plus – install Windows 7 on this baby and you’ve got yourself a decent performing modern system. The ViePC is due out in February and again – it’s $549!!

Finally, if you feel like converting your existing LCD display into an all-in-one PC, then the new LinkPC is for you. This small PC box attaches to the back of any VESA compatible monitor – turning the monitor into a cost effective, space saving system.

The LinkPC features an Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a 160GB HDD, Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, VGA output, serial port, four USB 2.0 ports, and Windows XP Home.

Price wise – it’s going to be sold for $399 and should be available in March. I have the perfect display for this bad boy too!

Technorati Tags: ViewSonic, VieBook, ViePC, LinkPC

The ViewSonic VT2430 24 inch LCD HDTV is the first 24 inch widescreen HDTV set to feature full 1080p resolutions. (Of course why anyone needs 1080p resolutions for a 24 inch HDTV set is beyond me – unless you’re planning to use the VT2430 also as a computer monitor). The VT2430 features the following:

• 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• 250 nits of brightness
• Integrated ATSC/NTSC/QAM TV tuner
• HDMI 1.3 (with HDCP), VGA, Component, S-Video, Composite, and TV/cable input
• 1920 x 1080 resolution
• 16:9 aspect ratio

The VT2430 has an MSRP of $399.

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ViewSonic also introduces a new mobile projector today called the PJ359w. Featuring a resolution of 1280 x 800 (WXGA), the PJ359w is an ideal projector for widescreen content. The feature set includes:

• Measures 10.8″ x 2.3″ x 8.1″ and weighs 3.9 lbs
• Brightness of 2000 lumens
• Short-throw lens enables you to project a large image from short distances in small rooms – a 50 inch screen size is possible from 5.2 feet
• Built-in automatic vertical keystone correction
• HDMI 1.3 support
• 500:1 contrast ratio
• RGB, Composite, S-Video, 3.5 mm audio jack, and USB inputs
• Quick setup and direct off feature
• Sliding filter cover and simple lamp replacement

The PJ359w has a 3 year limited warranty, 1 year on lamp and is available for $1299.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: ViewSonic, PJ359w, mobile projector