Delkin Devices, a manufacturer of digital photography memory products and accessories, has introduced the eFilm PicturePAD, a new Mac compatible portable storage device for digital photos. It supports Mac OS 9.x and above, including Mac OS X.
About the size and weight of a Palm device, it’s designed for the traveling digital photographer and features a built-in color LCD screen for viewing photos and a high capacity hard drive for storing them. Insert a flash memory card, and you get access a number of features for viewing, showing, storing and organizing digital images. The unit, which comes with its own carrying case, works independently of a personal computer, but can connect to one via a USB port.
The PicturePAD’s functions include the ability to transfer and organize digital photos, as well as the viewing them on either the unit itself or a TV. The LCD screen allows for instant image viewing instantly, as well as presenting the operating menu for the unit, according to Delkin President and CEO Martin Wood. You can create your own custom slideshows, perform viewing functions such as zoom, pan, rotate, and pause as well as traditional file editing operations like copy, cut, paste and delete. To optimize the display on the LCD screen, the built-in video jack allows the unit to connect directly to a TV or video monitor. Both international TV standards (PAL and NTSC) are supported.
The included rechargeable Lithium Ion 3.7V 1400mAh battery can power the unit for over 30 file transfers (based on a 64MB CF Card) and provide up to an hour of LCD viewing with a full charge. A 110/220 AC power adapter automatically recharges the PicturePAD when the unit is plugged in. Delkin will also offer back-up batteries and a full line of accessories. The unit’s hardware and software is designed to accommodate a number of new standards and peripherals such as a Printer Accessory, and connection devices for FireWire, USB 2.0, Ethernet and MP3 music players, Wood said.
The Printer Accessory enables the unit to connect directly to a printer without the need of a computer. The accessory snaps atop the PicturePAD and integrates with the printer menu in the operating system where you’ll be able to select the printer model, type of paper, print size and print resolution. Currently the Printer Accessory is compatible with the Epson Stylus Photo, and HP Deskjet and PhotoSmart Series of printers, but Delkin says they will regularly update the printer support list.
In order to keep the PicturePAD pocketsize and portable, the unit has just a single built-in CompactFlash slot for CF and IBM Microdrive flash memory cards, so adapters are available for SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard/Secure Digital, and MemoryStick formats, Wood said. Packaged software contains all necessary drivers and includes Adobe Photoshop Elements. Along with the remote control with battery, carrying bag, rechargeable battery for the unit, AC adapter, and Elements. The PicturePAD comes with USB and Video RCA cables and a multi-language users manual with a quick start guide.
The PicturePAD will be sold at consumer photography and electronic stores, as well as at Delkin’s Web site. At first, the devices hard drive will be available in capacities of 20GB and 30GB, but additional sizes will follow. The manufacturers suggested retail price for the 20GB model is US $549.