Intel Pocket PC Camera
© 2000 Intel Corporation
NOTE: This product was discontinued in November 2001. The following review appeared in the November 2000 issue of CSR. Looking for a great children's camera? So far, this is the best choice on the market. It is small, durable and makes a loud "click" when you push the button, so kids feel like they've taken a picture. The camera is also designed to work as a web cam, when plugged into the computer with a USB cord (included). In this capacity, it can be used to play one of the virtual reality games on the computer. When unplugged from the computer, the camera can take over 128 fairly clear pictures (640 by 480 pixels-- the same as the Jam Cam 4). These pictures are between 50 to 80 KB each, and are stored in .jpg format. They are very easy to send as an attachment to an e-mail message, as all browsers can read this format easily. The camera can also be set to take short, low resolution .avi videos that you can play from your computer's browser, where they appear in a small box without sound. Time-lapse photography is also doable. Missing is a flash and the ability to view pictures on the camera itself. We tested the camera in low light conditions, and found it to work surprisingly well, which compensates for the lack of a flash. Weaknesses include a clumsy navigation system in the software, which makes it hard to know where you put the pictures on your hard disk. You'll also want to watch the hardware requirements, which ask for Windows 98 or better and 250 MB of free hard disk space. The camera is powered on four AAA batteries, which will give you thousands of pictures. Cheaper cameras are out there, but you're getting a solid deal, here. This one is both powerful and easy to use-- great for kids and teens.
$150, Win 98, ME, Smart Toy
Teaches: creativity, photography