Features:
- Digital camera for Palm m100 handheld--snap the PalmPix to the bottom of handheld
- 640 x 480 resolution
- 2x digital zoom
- Images stored in JPEG, BMP, or PICT format--Mac and PC compatible
- Transfer images to your desktop PC or laptop using HotSync cradle
Description:
For spur-of-the-moment snapshots, it doesn't get much easier than the PalmPix digital camera for the Palm m100 handheld. Just snap the camera--the size and weight of a small candy bar--into the sync port at the bottom of your handheld. Tap the PalmPix icon with your stylus, then press the menu button. The camera's preview function is immediately activated, capturing images as you pan around the room. When you see the picture you want, press the menu button again to take the photo and save it onto the Palm. At this point, you can view a list of the photos stored in the Palm, along with the time and date they were shot, and you can give each photo a unique name. You can also change the settings for higher (640 x 480 pixels) or lower resolution (320 x 240 pixels). The top resolution of pixels is far higher than similar digital-camera modules for handhelds, and it shows in the good clarity and depth. We did find that lighting was a bit of an issue--the PalmPix lacks a flash and ordinary indoor lighting often results in muddy images. We also found that using the PalmPix in glaring sunlight outside or near a window made the high-resolution images come out with too much contrast. Making sure our subject was close to a good source of indoor lighting seemed to be the best solution. The camera can also be awkward to position. The PalmPix lens is on the bottom left of the handheld's underside, and we found ourselves flipping the m100 around quite a bit at first trying figure out the correct orientation. Once we got the hang of it, though, the PalmPix was a fun way to take pictures at a party or meeting. And transferring it to our desktop PC was simple. Within the PalmPix application, we marked the photos we wanted to upload, then simply performed a HotSync. The PalmPix software allows you to view your pictures on your desktop PC in color (images will be seen in grayscale on the Palm m100), as well as edit, enhance, e-mail to friends, and add things like special effects, text, and borders. Another nifty feature for narcissistic types like ourselves was the self-timer, which gave us 10 seconds to primp before a beep announces that the photo is about to be taken. Overall, the PalmPix is a great toy for Palm m100 users--fun for perking up a slow day at the office, e-mailing snapshots to your friends, or capturing charts and graphs for later viewing. --L.E. Klein Pros:
- Good image capture, especially in high-resolution mode
- Light and easy to install
- Smooth interface with Palm and desktop PC
Cons:
- Bright sunlight can give high-resolution images too much contrast
- No flash for darker indoor situations
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