Miniature Gadgets - Not Quite James Bond
(Page 2 of 4 )
Obviously, if this were a movie, the pen would be able to record broadcast quality video at 30 frames per second. Sadly, this is the real world, so users will have to settle for 0.3 megapixel resolution video in an AVI format, along with audio that can be captured from a distance of up to five meters with the built-in “super-sensitive” microphone.
The pen is available in 2GB and 4GB versions, each of which is equipped with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will provide up to two hours recording time on a full charge. Charging is via the built-in USB port, which also allows the pen to be connected to a PC – or an espionage-friendly mini-laptop – for transferring the footage.
The Spypen’s USB data rates are nothing startling at 900k/700k per second for read and write respectively, but to find so much technology packed into a device that measures 15 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm and weighs just 30g is fairly astonishing.
In absolute terms, it has to be said that the spypen’s performance is little more than adequate. It should surprise no one to hear that far better results will be obtained with a regular digital video recorder. Because it has virtually no weight, it will respond to even the slightest hand movements to produce blurred and shaky footage, so it must be held incredibly still in order to achieve anything like a stable image.
However, such criticism seems slightly unfair and to miss the point of such a device. Whenever possible it’s best to use it not held in the hand at all, but lying down on a solid surface. Or you can just leave it in your pocket and capture the soundtrack. Of course, the beauty of such a device is that it is so inconspicuous that the owner doesn’t really need to be present at all while it does its work. You can just leave it unobtrusively on a table (or nightstand!) and come back later to collect the evidence.
It goes without saying that we would never advocate using the Spypen for any kind of illegal purpose. But if you have a legitimate use for the smallest video capture device on the market, you can pick up the 2GB version for around $80 and the 4GB for around $100.
Next: Optoma Pico Pocket projector >>
More Peripherals Articles
More By Bruce Coker
