BenQ’s first DLP projector to feature the company’s energy-saving “Smart Eco Mode” technology debuted last month and we were duly impressed. Dubbed the MX850UST, BenQ’s projector, when in the eco mode, uses 50 percent less energy than the average UHP projector, thus extending lamp life and, according to BenQ, less maintenance for schools.

The MX850UST combines this Smart Eco Mode technology with a spec’d 13,000:1 contrast ratio, brightness of 2500 ANSI Lumens, a native XGA resolution of 1024×768, a 0.45 short-throw ratio (81 inches at 2.43 feet) and gets lamp life of 3,500/5,000 hours (normal/eco mode). The MX850UST has the ability to create a SmartBoard’ish-like interactive digital whiteboard. Unlike traditional whiteboard concepts featuring one projector and a smaller screen, BenQ’s solution integrates three projectors into one seamless display.

The projector will be available at the end of this month, according to BenQ, but isn’t on the website yet. When it is, it will be here: http://www.benq.us/product/projector/6/49