Projector Review: Epson EB-440W – An Ideal Education Projector

June 16, 2015 · Epson, reviews

Released exclusively in the United Kingdom and Europe in 2010, the Epson EB-440W was designed with the classroom in mind. The projector features plenty of plug-and-play features that are useful for teachers like an ultra short-throw range, built-in audio, 2-in-1 USB connectivity, and a lamp that’s bright enough for moderately lit classrooms. That list alone makes it ideal for the classroom. Yet, the biggest drawback is that, as a now five-year-old projector, the EB-440W doesn’t feature the most cutting-edge tools like wireless networking and cloud connectivity. Plus, the EB-440W is a WGXA resolution projector (1280x800) and displays images in the 16:10 format, which is a wider screen than standard XGA or SXGA resolutions. This can add a bit more on to the price, and it’s often not a necessary classroom feature. But bottom line, the projector is built for education settings, and these days, through resellers, you can find a great deal on the now out-of-production Epson EB-440W. [caption id="attachment_1135" align="aligncenter" width="2362"]

Epson EB-440W Projector[/caption]

EB-440W Features and Specs

One thing that sets the projector apart is its ultra-short throw ratio. The EB-440W can cast a 70-inch image from just 16 cm away from the screen. Thus, the projector can be positioned behind the presenter to prevent obstructions and shadows from being cast. Projectors with long throw ratios must be mounted in the rear of the room, which can cause shadow casting, and can become a distraction in classrooms. Other useful classroom features include:

Bright Image and Average Lamp Life: The EB-440W achieves a 2,200-lumen output, which is decently bright in small-to-midsized classrooms. Because of its brightness, the projector can maintain a bright, contrasted image, even when competing with ambient light. The projector is equipped with a durable bulb – Part No. V13H010L57 – with a 2,500-hour lamp life. In eco-mode, lamp longevity jumps to 3,500 hours. Today, that’s about average for 3LCD projectors.
Built-In Sound, USB Connectivity: The EB440W is equipped with a 2-in-1 USB port, which is capable of displaying a laptop’s mouse and image data at the same time. It’s by far the most user-friendly way to plug-and-play a laptop, rather than having to use multiple in-put cables. That’s important in education settings, where presenters need fast on/off functionality. Plus, the system is built with a 10-watt speaker; that’s loud enough to overpower classroom noise, and it contributes to the EB-440W’s plug-and-play ease of use.
Great Portability, Easy Set-Up: Another great feature: The EB-440W is super light, just 7.5 kilograms, and there is a bunch of installation flexibility. Since it’s an UST projector, it can be placed near the screen with a ceiling or wall mount, and it’s equipped with vertical and horizontal keystone correction to adjust the image to fit. [caption id="attachment_1138" align="aligncenter" width="469"] EpsonEB-440W Inputs[/caption]

Is the Epson EB-440W Worth Purchasing?

These days, projectors are equipped with a laundry list of 2.0 features: 3D capabilities, HD Video in-put, wireless networking and interactivity. With the EB-440W, which is now out of production, you don’t get those features, primarily because it’s an older model. Fortunately, those features aren’t regularly needed for fast classroom presentations, and it does display a range of video up to 1080i. That might be good enough. So the bottom line, if you can find the EB-440W from a reputable reseller at an unbeatable price – go for it. Even if it’s used, the replacement lamp cost is reasonable, and it won’t set you back too much. But if some of the updated technology features and warranty coverage are what you want, then a newer model will be better suited for you.