Finally, a Pocket PC with Integrated Camera: ViewSonic Announces V36

[Crystal Eitle]

ViewSonic has announced the release of the V36, a Pocket PC with an integrated 640x480 pixel camera. It will run on Windows Mobile 2003 with a 300 mHz XScale processor and an SDIO slot. It features a 3.5" transreflective screen and a removable lithium-ion battery. The MSRP is $329, and it looks like it's slated for an August release.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20030623-Viewsonic-V36-front.jpg"><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/V36_leftherosmall.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />"The V36 uses Intel’s XScale™ 300 MHz processor for quick performance and includes 32MB of ROM and 64MB of SDRAM (36.45 user accessible) to power its 3.5 inch full-color 320x240 resolution transflective screen. At approximately one-half an inch thick and a lightweight 4.8 ounces, the product extends ViewSonic’s award-winning form factor. In addition to providing an unlimited PDA experience, the V36 also offers multimedia capabilities with an integrated 300K digital camera that allows users to take photos at resolutions up to 640x480. Wireless functionality is available through the purchase of ViewSonic’s new 802.11b Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO) card. Just larger than the size of an average thumbnail, the card weighs a mere .15 ounces and will add wireless functionality to the ViewSonic Pocket PC V36 and will sell for an MSRP of $129."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20030623-Viewsonic-V36-back.jpg"><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/V36_back2small.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><b>Update by Janak:</b> I thought you guys might want to see the hi-res versions of these pictures, especially the camera on the back, so you can now click on 'em. :)

[carphead]

Bingo! That's what I'm looking for!

I have a camera in my phone (7650), Laptop (Sony) and a digital camera. I'm a bit of a picture freak :roll: I was seriously considering jumping to Sony or Palm if a PPC didn't come with a camera soon. 8O

[Pat Logsdon]

This looks GREAT! However, if any device needed two SD slots, this is it - one for storage, one for SD Bluetooth, SD WiFi, etc.

It can't cost that much more, or take up much more space...

Glad to see this sort of thing emerging for the Pocket PC! Way to go Viewsonic! 8)

[PPCRules]

Now, doesn't that make the slip/sliding mechanism of the Zire 71* look a bit dorky?

* what I would still call a Palm unit finally worth having

[pro_worm]

I don't know - in terms of design, functionality, and overall sleekness, the Zire 71 owns.
Too bad its a Palm. :mrgreen: Sucker. :devilboy:

Now does anyone know if that wi-fi card will be flush with the device? Does a flush wi-fi (SD or CF) exist?

[Gremmie]

Wow, this alone is cheaper than the nexicam

[powder2000]

A direct contendor and reason not to buy a Zire 71 IMHO.

[jkabaseball]

i can't find the wifi sd card!! i want one, NOW!!! :devilboy: i've waited a long time for ppc "moible" so no more waiting. anyone have a link? can't find it

[entropy1980]

i can't find the wifi sd card!! i want one, NOW!!! :devilboy: i've waited a long time for ppc "moible" so no more waiting. anyone have a link? can't find it Here ya go....

http://www.pdaavenue.com/news/Images/viewsonic802_11b_SDIO.bmp

[gorkon280]

I'll take my 4 mp Kodak Digicam. Already got Wifi to eat my batts. Besides the Kodak's battery lasts longer! :)

[mangochutneyman]

Now, doesn't that make the slip/sliding mechanism of the Zire 71* look a bit dorky?

* what I would still call a Palm unit finally worth having

It may be dorky, but it does serve a purpose. I've had many mobiles with cameras and the number one problem I've encountered is scratched lenses. It is a much more common problem than you think, and in this sense the sliding mech on the Z71 is pretty useful. I'm glad to finally see a camera on a PPC, but I still would be hesitant to buy this b/c of a lack of protection for the camera...

[jkabaseball]

where did you get that card?

[meroupow]

Here ya go....

I am also wondering how do you get it to work.

I have the v35 and I have been waiting for Viewsonic to release the drivers for sdio now!

Here is there response:
Thank you for your inquiry.

SDIO driver's for the V35 is currently under development and should be
available in several months. There will be a cost associated with the
upgrade to allow SDIO support which will be determined when the solution is
available.


My bluetooth phone is waiting. He'd like to speak with my v35.

Is there a way to use an sdio bluetooth card without these drivers or use other drivers?

[Abba Zabba]

I think I'll just keep using my Nokia 3650. Same size photos and all I have to do is xfer via BT or IR :roll:

[FredMurphy]

I'm not knocking a built-in camera for those that will use one but it's not a selling point for me. My phone (a Sony Ericsson T610 :D) goes everywhere with me and has a built-in camera if I unexpectedly spot something worth taking a photo of. Bluetooth to my PDA can be useful if needed.

Whether my PDA or a proper digital camera goes with me entirely depends on where I'll be and what I expect to be doing.

I know other people are much more into the converged devices and would love a phone / camera / PDA combo. Just not for me.

Fred

[Stephen Beesley]

Yeh the camera and the new SD wifi card sound great idea - just a pity it doesn't have two card slots so that you could be using the wifi card and still access a whole pile of pictures on a second card

Goldtee

[Perk]

I don't know - in terms of design, functionality, and overall sleekness, the Zire 71 owns.
Too bad its a Palm. :mrgreen: Sucker. :devilboy:

Now does anyone know if that wi-fi card will be flush with the device? Does a flush wi-fi (SD or CF) exist?

Looking at the SD card opening in the back of the unit, it appears that the card will be flush. (Note the finger notch)

:D

My Wife's 3635 just had a screen accident and this unit looks perfect for her. She always complained bout the size and weight.

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF IT CAMOES WITH A CASE OR SCREEN COVER?