CeBIT 2000: Digital Cameras Link Up To PDAs

Kodak_s PalmPix is a dedicated snap-on camera for Palm III and related devices. Casio has launched its high resolution 3.3 megapixel QV-3000EX model, but the marketing message is IrDA connectivity. In particular, the QV-3000EX has been tailored to work with Windows CE devices, like its Cassiopeia range. Kodak's PalmPix is a 640x480 pixels low-resolution camera. It is designed to be a physical extension of its host Palm computer. It's also inexpensive, at approximately US$200. Casio's QV-3000EX is a conventional looking stand-alone camera. It also boasts a cutting-edge 3.3 megapixels resolution. Its US$850 price tag is certainly not at the economy end of the scale. Communication with a Windows CE machine is via the wireless IrTran-P protocol. The product also supports USB. Casio suggests QV-3000EX users will copy pictures to their Cassiopeia for e-mail and Web-site updates. The Kodak PalmPix will be suitable for the same tasks. As resolution is limited in the first place, images are small enough to preserve precious Palm III memory. Unless you have one of the newly announced color Palm IIIc models, your view will be limited to drab grey scale quality.