The quality of the screen is still pretty good, but it feels more like you're watching an old CRT display, rather than a shiny new plasma. Because of the sheer size of what you're viewing, you very quickly start to notice issues with quality in the encoding. Anyone who has ever watched a DVD rip on a data projector, will know what we're talking about.
The Nana Mouskouri revival starts here
As an optional extra, you can buy a rubber eye shield, that blocks out all external light for that fully immersed experience. Without this, it's quite possible to have a notebook on your lap and peer down and type, so you can happily watch a film and use instant messaging clients at the same time.
Looking up isn't quite as easy, which can be annoying if, say, you're on a train and you want to check what station is coming up next – you have no choice but to dislodge the glasses, which can be annoying if you have found that comfort sweet spot.
The earbuds can be removed
Using these at the gym was made impractical, partly due to this accentuated movement, but also due to them slowly moving down your nose during exercise. We also wouldn't advise their use for driving, walking or operating heavy machinery.
Verdict
It's easy to brush these off as a gimmick, but for £130 they offer a lot of value that any commuter or flat-sharer will enjoy. The low resolution isn't as detrimental as you might think, but you can always spring for one of the better models if you want a higher one. The distortion and composite-only input is disappointing, but the Vuzix AV230 XL set is well worthy of consideration for your Christmas stocking.
Vuzix iWear AV230 XL video glasses
COMMENTS
@AC: Do these
"To be blunt, can I use them for internet porn?"
As in to get to the point?
Mine's the one with the Razzle mag in the pocket..
Pedant
"Today, we're looking at - literally"
Do we assume that you do not - literally - look at the other review devices...?
(Sorry - it's going to be one of those days)
Agree with Danny
Had mine (the widescreen(!) £150 version) for a few days but they are going back tomorrow. The build quality is actually very good and I can put up with the low res screens BUT the optics do cause a big problem for me ... I get to see one screen perfectly but then the other one is dreadful (it appears to have a width of vision of about 5 degrees from centre on!) ... could be my eyes being not exactly the same width apart as the original designers 8-).
Yes you can use them with or without glasses ... I had to keep my glasses on because the built in focal adjust does not go far enough for me.
If they could up the resolution somewhat ... 1024 x 768 would be great ... and get the optics sorted out I would easily buy one again. Until then I'll just hold my iPod touch 10 inches away from my head instead (I can feel a headband attachment for the touch coming on 8-)
@Rob: VR Headset + Wiimote
Got one at home. eMagin z800 + Wiimote + Voice commands. Wii balance board for movement, one serious GlovePIE script for sticking it all together- playing Oblivion takes on a new feel when you feel like you're really hoverboarding through Cyrodiil! It's almost as good a game as the graphics would suggest. Though I imagine I seem a little odd to the neighbors...
Check out MTBS3D.com for all your stereoscopy needs!
VR headsets are also great for making yourself motion sick with jerry-rigged AR systems.
Do these
Work for normal computer use? Could I use it instead of a monitor?
To be blunt, can I use them for internet porn?
