Images of another CES past from cameras and high-tech TVs
A final look at some gizmos that grabbed my attention during the recent 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, including camera-equipped goggles, a sleek, tiny video camera and a two-sided computer monitor.
• Liquid Image
Anyone who's used a waterproof camera while snorkeling or playing in the pool knows it's harder than it looks to get the image you want. The folks at Liquid Image have changed the game, combining a camera and a swim mask into a single unit, making it easy to shoot stills or videos under water.
The unit is powered by two AAA batteries and has a micro secure digital card slot and universal serial bus port for moving files to your computer. The best part: the 3.1 megapixel unit costs just $79 and a 5 megapixel unit costs $99. The camera mask will be available at various retail outlets later this month.
The mask is rated for use at depths to 15 feet, so don't plan to shoot images of the Titanic on the ocean floor. It doesn't have an external light, so you'll need to be in well-lighted water to get good pictures.
See the Liquid Image Web site for sample images and video clips.
• Sanyo Xacti E1
This camera can take 6 megapixel stills and video at 30 frames per second just about anywhere. A four gigabyte SD card will hold about five hours of video or several thousand still images.
The camera has a 5X optical zoom lens, an image stabilizer and a 2.5-inch viewing screen -- all fitting easily into the palm of your hand. Don't dive too far into the deep, as Sanyo rates it to a depth of only 5 feet, making this a perfect companion for rafting or rainy vacations.
Sample images and video clips can be seen at the Sanyo Web site. The camera retails for about $400 and is available at many retailers.
• E-Detail Multi Web Pad
It's a computer monitor that lets you share your view, with a large display facing one direction and a smaller display facing the opposite direction. It's a back-to-back display for face-to-face presentations.
The tablet features instant-on screens, a built-in webcam and either duo or clone mode, letting you either mirror the displays or show two different presentations. The main screen is available in 12- and 14-inch sizes with a 7-inch secondary screen on both models.
Prices start at about $1,200.
• CES odds-'n-ends
"My TV is smarter than yours," gets my vote as the most eye-catching T-shirt. It speaks volumes about the state of our electronic world.
Televisions continue to grow -- and shrink -- at alarming rates, with a 150-inch high-definition screen making its debut this year, along with pocketable video on the majority of mobile phones available today
If only there were something to watch.
Share your Internet story with me at agibes@reviewjournal.com.
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