Review: Logitech flashes credit card-sized camera

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By Frank Thorsberg
Special to PCWorld.com

(IDG) -- The Pocket Digital is small enough to fit into your wallet and it might even be mistaken for a credit card, but this newest gadget from Logitech won't buy you anything but memories because it's a camera.

One of the leading makers of computer mice is stretching its selection of peripherals again. Making its debut this week, and scheduled for release in mid-May, is this diminutive camera with a small price for a digicam: $129.95.

The Pocket Digital measures just one-half inch thick, and it is only 2.25 inches wide and 3.5 inches long. However, Logitech representatives say the device will still hold as many as 52 images at up to 1.3-megapixel resolution.

The unit is powered by an onboard lithium polymer battery that is automatically recharged during every download through the included USB cable. You can also connect the camera to your PC through USB.

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Think Small

"This is really miniaturization at its best," says Dave O'Brien, a Logitech product marketing manager.

Logitech maintains this is the first credit card-sized camera available in the U.S., as well as being Logitech's first standalone digital camera.

"This is an all-in-one, self-contained digital camera solution, not like the surveillance or spy cam type that you've probably seen on the Web," O'Brien says.

The Pocket Digital is intended for people who want to capture spontaneous moments, but don't want to carry a bulky camera, according to O'Brien. Logitech is promoting it as the ideal second camera, he says.

"It's the one that can go anywhere with you and the one that can generate a lot of conversation wherever you go," O'Brien says. "It's not only what's in the camera, but what it is. It's not an intrusive camera getting in the way. It really blends in."

Usual Extras

The brushed aluminum camera also comes with the basic image-management bundle of software. Included are MGI Photosuite 4 SE for image-editing and e-mailing capabilities, and Autobrite image processing technology. The package supports single-click downloads for image transfer to a PC or laptop.

Although Logitech was originally known for its computer mouse business, the company also designs, manufactures and markets a range of personal interface products.

Among its product selection are Internet video cameras, keyboards (including portable keyboards for handheld devices), audio and telephony gear, interactive gaming devices and 3-D controllers.