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| PhotoPro PRO Sat 2nd Aug 2008 07:50
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I have been doing way too much research wanting to make a decision on a portable storage device like an itouch ipod or the Creative Zen mp3 players. The market is flooded with many possible choices - but I haven't been able to hold a working demo of any in my hands. I want to be able to show prospective customers photos - that is really the only purpose for it.
I am looking for storage of 60-160GB with a view screen of 3-4.5" (7.6-11.4cm). I would like a touch screen, but that isn't a deal breaker. I don't really want to be locked into proprietary software (I know the Ipods used to be). If I could manage to pare the number and size of photos down to fit on a 32GB player (like the new version of the Ipod Itouch) that might be a solution - depends on the photo viewing capabilities.
It would be nice if it had wifi connect-ablility - in other words, if I were near a wireless network I could "surf the web". I want at least 24 bit but prefer 32 bit (16million) color. Obviously I want to show the photos in the best possible way in great detail. I want as high ppi as possible - again for detail.
The ability to zoom in our out on a photo would be nice. I prefer a graphic interface (icons) to text but again - a small point. Most important thing about the interface is that I can very quickly go to a group of photos to pick from - then choose one and have it fill the screen - appearing seamless, efficient and professional to a prospective client.
It can do any of the mp3 device functions, I really don't care about them or their quality but I don't want to exclude a device just because it's main function is audio or video.
I am looking for a budget of between $300-425 USD.
I met a couple of professional photographers a couple of weeks ago and we shot firework photos together and one of them had a device (I think it was the itouch). The next day I thought it was one of the most clever selling items I could invest in - carry it everywhere and be able to show it to anyone.
I am open to any direction or suggestions - particularly anyone using a device for this purpose or that does/has owned a current model of a device and is familiar enough to know how to seamlessly use it.
edit [I am also lookinng for the perfect all in one - all the above + cell + syncing with Outlook + GPS with maps + hot spot wireless web access (not cellular web - I don't want to pay the extra money for that monthly unless I have no choice).
I have a "Family Plan" on our cell service with T-Mobile right now - nothing added to to calling - not even texting... the least expensive family plan in the US (and we are "grand-fathered" to the original price of 7 years ago - very cool). I would consider switching to another carrier if I can have 95% of what I described above and the total monthly cost is less $85 USD/month.
A big thank you to those that have contributed already and any others that do.] /edit
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| Captivelight PRO Sat 2nd Aug 2008 08:34
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I use an Archos 605 ....
Plays my MP3's
Plays Video MP4 films etc ... in fact can act as a whole Video Player/Recorder with add ons
Has a functional diary/organiser/address book
Shows Jpegs ... but no zoom
Has the ability to be transformed into a satnav
Looks good/feels good and solid
EXCELLENT screen ... touch screen interface
WIFI connection
Fits in to my pocket
Well worth a look at.
BUT!!!!! Be prepared that the price you pay for the unit is a bit misleading as you need various add ons for all functions to work, ie software add ons for wifi/surfing...etc... so best to factor those in as a whole package when looking at price. Also you need a mains charger and a car charger as the supplied usb charger cable takes an eternity to charge it!
Might also be worth looking at the bigger version, the 705, which has a bigger screen so is less pocket friendly.
The screen quality on mine is superb.... and I'm quite happy to use it to show prospective clients images as examples of my work. Various hard drive sizes available from 4gb flash card menu to I think 160GB. Mine is 40GB, which is more than enough for me.
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| Lensvision Sat 2nd Aug 2008 12:32
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The big new thing around here are small laptops, 10 inch screen. They could do the job and you can put Photoshop on it too.
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| virginiabrill Sat 2nd Aug 2008 14:48
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Shoot....I've seen a person who carried around one of those digital picture frames in his camera backpack (yeah he had one of those backpacks you find in PopPhoto mag. full of goodies....lucky dog) Then he'd take photos of people and show them what the 4" X 6" would look like. Most MP3 players won't directly take a CF card, but these things will...
This one is waaaay awesome; take a look.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/exclusives/94a5/
It's got almost all the features you wanted (except it is a picture frame rather than an MP3 player--bigger screen) I don't think you can use the WiFi to surf the web, but it receives photos via the WiFi in addition to taking a CF card. Probably not exactly what you're looking for, but none the less, pretty cool item and would definitely allow potential customers to see the photos.
Anyways, it's just an idea. As for the MP3 players, I loved my Creative Zens. They work very well and smoothly.
Stay away from Phillips--I had a 30G MP3 played and it drained the battery and the software was very buggy and slow/laggy.
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| PhotoPro PRO Sun 3rd Aug 2008 06:06
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Originally posted by Captivelight:
I use an Archos 605
Thanks Miles - this one is already one of my top picks - I have read comments about the add-ons but thanks for the heads-up. I actually like this approach - I would probably never want to use it as a dvr - but I'm glad I can change my mind later - without paying for it now.
Originally posted by virginiabrill:
As for the MP3 players, I loved my Creative Zens.
I like some of the things I've read about them. Would you load a full-size detailed and colorful (a bunch of gradated colors) photo onto yours and let me know how it looks? I'm curious to see how detailed and how well it renders the photo.
Originally posted by virginiabrill:
This one is waaaay awesome; take a look.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/interests/exclusives/94a5/
I agree - this is a pretty cool device, but doesn't really do what I want.
Originally posted by Lensvision:
The big new thing around here are small laptops, 10 inch screen.
This sounds like a very clever idea. It won't achieve what I want which is an instant on look at a photo or an entire category of photos in a device I can stick in my pocket. (Besides - just upgraded work laptop - not that much budget leftover either..:-))
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| virginiabrill Sun 3rd Aug 2008 12:46
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Originally posted by PhotoPro:
I like some of the things I've read about them. Would you load a full-size detailed and colorful (a bunch of gradated colors) photo onto yours and let me know how it looks? I'm curious to see how detailed and how well it renders the photo.
They are long gone--When I upgraded to the awful Phillips, I gave the Creatives to my sinblings. You couldn't put photos on these ones either, but the programs that were on them were very smooth.
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| PhotoPro PRO Sun 3rd Aug 2008 17:57
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Originally posted by virginiabrill:
They are long gone
bummer........
Another thing I hadn't mentioned is I am open to cell phones that will accomplish the same things.
Also - edit [If it can synce with Outlook I would be ecstatic.] I would even buy a great phone without the carriers service for the other uses.
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| Seraphael PRO Thu 7th Aug 2008 19:45
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I use a 160Gb Vosonic VP8360. I think it's great!!
http://www.vosonic.com/index.php?PA=product&id=59
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| biggles PRO Fri 8th Aug 2008 12:35
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I use an Epson P2000, it's old now but very good-nice screen. There are more up to date versions now of course. When I was buying I looked at the Jobo Giga Pro View but couldn't afford it...
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| PhotoPro PRO Sat 9th Aug 2008 01:18
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some great suggestions so far - thanks guys!!
I haven't made a decision yet (and foolishly stumble upon additional choices practically daily)
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| kevinandseri Mon 11th Aug 2008 08:09
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We have a Packard Bell mini PC 7" screen, wifi, bluetooth, 30 gb hdd and 1 gb ram on Windows XP and upto 3 hrs battery life, Cost us £500 but I think they are getting somewhat cheaper nowadays.
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| LisaSam67 PRO Mon 11th Aug 2008 14:48
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Blackberry Bill lol
You would have to place the memory chip in your laptop to transfer pics to it but I have many folders on this thing and when viewing pictures I can zoom in to full size if needed and the screen shows good detail.
Of course if you activate the phone and net you have a mini laptop basically in your pocket ;-)
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| Sparxie Tue 12th Aug 2008 10:09
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Hi..well I would instantly say Ipod touch personally...because I love Apple and have one myself. They look great and are touchscreen. And the photo viewer on them is pretty smart! You can zoom in and out of pictures, and the ipod is sensitive to the way it is held up. For example of you are viewing a picture in portrait and were to turn the ipod landscape, then the image would rotate too.However, I'm recently having problems with mine, so I don't know if they are really worth the investment...they are certainly not cheap, buit I think the newest version would be well in your budget. It's up to you! :) But what I would say is don't be fooled by the looks!!
hope you find what you're looking for!
:D
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