Note: Gateway
is currently offering an instant
$50 rebate. Use coupon code: 6GBJUKEBOX at
checkout. This offer is not valid when purchased
with a PC (as of 6/25/2005).
Read by: 8545 Visitors
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Review by Ron Risman - June 2005
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Conclusion
The Gateway MP3 Photo Jukebox really surprised me. Upon opening the box I really didn't think this unit would have what it takes for me to recommend it, at least as an accessory
for digital photographers, but after spending a few weeks toting it around and really using it out in the field, I have a different opinion. For consumers who want a high quality
MP3 player with photo storage and transfer ability, I highly recommend this product. With the average file size of a 6-megapixel JPEG image around 2.5MB,
you'd be able to store upwards of 2500 images. Even with half of the 6GB filled up with music, you could still fit approx. 1000 of these hi-res images.
Also, if you don't like working while on vacation, you'll now have an excuse to leave the notebook computer at home. Bring the Gateway MP3 Photo Jukebox with you,
and you can transfer your filled memory cards during or at the end of the day - without a PC. Then, reformat and re-use the camera's memory card.
For photographers who are out in the field taking hundreds
of high resolution pictures, this isn't the accessory for you. The 6GB
hard drive will prove to be too small for those who consistently shoot
in RAW or RAW+JPEG mode. With RAW file sizes of 12-16 megabytes, you would
only be able to store 350-500 images (RAW+JPEG / RAW) before the drive
was full - and that is assuming you have no music stored on it. While the average
consumer will find 500 images to be plenty - professional photographers
might shoot that in a day.
Features I liked:
- Lightweight and small design
- Easy to access "button lock" switch
- Color screen is bright even in direct sunlight
- Removable Li-Ion rechargeable battery
- Digital Camera Photo Transfer ability (cable included)
- You can even transfer images using a flash card reader
- Easy-to-use navigation makes finding music or photo's quick
- Inexpensive for a portable photo storage device
Features I'd like to see improved, upgraded or added:
- Larger and Higher Resolution Screen (at least 2.0" with 320x240 resolution.
- Increase hard drive to at least 10GB.
- Make the volume control a continuous adjustment. Currently you have to keep pressing the up or down button for each volume increment up or down.
- Improved battery life. Some hard drive based MP3 players now achieve
16 hours per charge.
- A headphone jack that isn't so deeply recessed into the unit. Worked fine with all my devices except for my Macally "iPod" miniature speaker.
- Pan and Zoom support during photo playback
- Faster processor to speed up navigation when viewing images above 2-megapixels. Pretty much all pictures taken today are above 2-megapixels.
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