CAMERA OFFERS THREE-IN-ONE SOLUTION
Multifunction peripherals for a computer isn't a new
concept. Many companies offer peripherals that combine a printer, fax
machine, scanner and copier housed in a single device. But just about
every one of these multifunction units I've seen is based around paper
which makes sense since printers, faxes, scanners and copiers all use or
relate to paper in one way or another. But recently I stumbled onto
another multifunction peripheral that doesn't use paper at all. And if I
had to find a common factor between its different functions, I would have
to say it's data in the form of images and sound.
| First and foremost, the Scream Cam DCE-310M is
a digital camera. With 8 megabytes of removable Compact Flash memory
and a built-in automatic flash, the Scream Cam can capture up to 100
VGA resolution images. With today's megapixel camera capacities,
this isn't very impressive as far as image resolution goes but like
its paper multifunction counterpart, these devices tend to offer a
lesser quality in deference to their multiple abilities. Secondly,
the Scream Cam can also function as a video web cam. Using the
included stand, you can position the Scream Cam at most any angle to
take 15 frames-per-second video images that can be sent over the
Internet. Again, dedicated full motion video web cams typically
offer 30 frames-per-second but we're talking a
jack-of-all-trades-expert-at-no-one-thing ability here. Finally, the
Scream Cam functions as a portable MP3 player. Sampling is up to 180
kbps which is more than ample to capture and playback near CD
quality sound. The LCD display shows the name of the song, artist
and other MP3 information. Additional functions that let you control
and display include Play, Stop, Delete, Volume, Select, Track
number, Bass, Treble, Balance and battery status. |
 |
The Scream Cam connects to your computer via the USB
interface and is compatible with Windows based PCs. Available in metal or
transparent green, purple or blue, the Scream Cam sells for $169.
www.sampoamericas.com
MP3 for your car
| If you're looking for the ultimate MP3 stereo
player for your car, then the Rio Car has your name all over it.
Available in four capacities starting at 10, 20 and 30 gigabytes,
the 60 gigabyte unit lets you store a whopping 1020 hours of high
quality MP3 music or around 15,000 titles! The unit even lets you
sort your songs into different library collections making it easier
to find what you're looking for. The Rio Car is designed to replace
your current radio in the dashboard. You'd think that Rio would have
also added an AM/FM tuner but this first generation omits the radio
ability. But Rio representatives assure that an add-on FM tuner for
all of these units is just around the corner. But if you can't wait
and have no need for traditional radio, then this baby's for you.
And just in case you're wondering, you don't need a really long
cable to get the tunes from your computer into the Rio Car because
it mounts inside your dash via a car mount, allowing the Player to
be pulled out for the easy downloading of your favorite digital
audio music from your PC. Additional features include a 20 band
equalizer and a pocket sized infrared remote control so that
passengers anywhere in the car can select their favorite tunes.
Depending on the capacity, the units range from $1299 to $2199. |
 |
www.riohome.com |
