08-06-2002, 07:26 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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The Pretec 1.3 megapixel camera review
One of the reasons why I haven't finished the review is that I was unable to get satisfactory results from the camera, and the results were so poor I was suspicious of something being faulty. I've since learned from HandHeld Canada that Pretec is holding off on shipping the cameras in order to work out some last minute issues. I've contacted them for clarification as of last week, but haven't heard back yet. I'm going to wait until I get a clear idea of what is going on before proceeding with the review. Thanks for your patience!
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08-06-2002, 07:56 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 338
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Problems, eh?
This doesn't really surprise me. In an earlier post on this subject I had made the mention that manufacturers are trying to make things that can make our Pocket PCs "jack of all trades... master of none" and the early signs of problems with this camera seem to point to that issue.
I'm certainly glad they (Pretec) are going to "address" the issues before shipping the product (which is a breath of fresh air - instead of the usual approach of sell it and then patch it.) I can't imagine that the results people will get will make it a worthwhile investment. (I'll wait for Jason's review to cast my final opinion...)
Another example of this new "slam every gadget together and call it awesome" is the new Sony dv camcorder that has bluetooth! OK... bluetooth is cool, but on a mini-dv camera? All you can use the bluetooth for on that device is to link to a dial-up modem to transmit still shots (from what I've read.)
This isn't a rant about adding technology to things... but c'mon... are the marketing people pushing engineers to add bluetooth to something just so they can charge extra and use the bluetooth logo on the box? Is Pretec making this camera just so they can say "megapixel camera and Pocket PC" in the same advertising brochure?
If the manufacturers would build solid, reliable, and *usable* products, we'd all be better off, including the manufacturers!
OK... enough of my rant. I want to see Jason's review, maybe I'm being overly cynical right now :?
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08-06-2002, 08:06 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Bob Anderson
Another example of this new "slam every gadget together and call it awesome" is the new Sony dv camcorder that has bluetooth! OK... bluetooth is cool, but on a mini-dv camera? All you can use the bluetooth for on that device is to link to a dial-up modem to transmit still shots (from what I've read.)
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Yeah, the IP-55 MicroMV. I spent all Sunday swearing at the damn thing, only to find out after hours of frustration that it's not SUPPOSED to be Firewire compliant. It only talks to the crappy MovieShaker software they include, which has an AVI export limit of 9 minutes (2 gigs). :2gunfire: This camera is going to get flamed in my book... :twisted:
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08-06-2002, 08:15 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 382
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Bob Anderson
Is Pretec making this camera just so they can say "megapixel camera and Pocket PC" in the same advertising brochure?
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That doesn't quite make sense. So far there are no CF cameras for Pocket PC that potentially take megapixel quality images. Cramming more megapixels, wouldn't necessarily be a slight of marketing's hand, but rather designers pushing the hardware to it's limit.
If there are problems with the camera, it's more likely to be because the development track was too aggresive.
I do agree with your sentiments about adding bluetooth to a video camera though. With transfer rates measured in kilobytes, how would anyone imagine that you could do any sort of data transfer from that device?
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08-06-2002, 08:24 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 8
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I contacted them via e-mail last Thursday and they said it would be at least a month before it's available. :cry:
As far as whether it's feasible to create a good, functional mega-pixel camera for the Pocket PC... why not? We have the means, the technology, and the market. What's surprising is that there aren't more out there already, or more using the latest non-CCD technology...
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08-06-2002, 08:25 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 139
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Just as long as they have it all worked out for my wedding next year, I'll be happy. No disposable cameras on every table for me, no sir!
__________________
Wes SalmonSoftware Test EngineerMicrosoft Mobile and Embedded Devices
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08-06-2002, 08:42 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 468
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I like my HP camera with my Jornada, and I'm all for higher resolution, but you know what would really be nice??
A flash.
Nothing fancy, just let me take photos inside when the lighting isn't real good.
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08-06-2002, 08:48 PM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 8
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PRETEC
I have a PRETEC 1.3 Mega pixel unit bought via Mobile Planet, I can tell you that I am not impressed with the camera. Just to give an example my previous camera for PDA was a CASIO JK 710c module an at 350,000 pixeks the CASIO beats the Images produced by a PRETEC.
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08-06-2002, 08:55 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Re: PRETEC
Quote:
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Originally Posted by veroi
I have a PRETEC 1.3 Mega pixel unit bought via Mobile Planet...
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Are you SURE it's the 1.3 and not the 0.3? I was told that the review unit I had was the first one ever released to the public...? :?
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08-06-2002, 09:14 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 300
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Bob Anderson
Problems, eh?
Another example of this new "slam every gadget together and call it awesome" is the new Sony dv camcorder that has bluetooth! OK... bluetooth is cool, but on a mini-dv camera? All you can use the bluetooth for on that device is to link to a dial-up modem to transmit still shots (from what I've read.)
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So you can't directly connect to your computer say using a 3COM USB adapter? If the only option is to link to a dial-up modem, then that's pretty limiting I agree. I am not sure about this camera, but if you can transfer media via bluetooth on to your computer, I think it's a great feature (hopefully at a MUCH faster rate than iPaq has shown).
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Linear Mode
