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May 3, 2007 7:00 AM PDT

The 12-in-1 uber-gadget

by Mike Yamamoto
(Credit: Calibryze)

While the converging technologies of phones and music players continue to command attention, we should all be reminded that these aren't the only forms of consumer electronics that are morphing together. In fact, there's one new handheld that puts them all to shame in the all-in-one category.

How so, you ask? The "Brica ViewArt 1000" is an uber-device with a 2.5-inch display that "combines a still camera, camcorder, MP3 player, FM radio, voice recorder, e-book viewer, Webcam and a DVR," according to Technabob. So there.

But only 512MB internal memory for something that's billed as a "12-in-1" gadget? That's like building a Ferrari with a 2-gallon tank. Call us cynical, but for some reason we wouldn't expect stellar performance on its many fronts for a price of $265.

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Good for entry level or a gift.
by not4no1 May 3, 2007 7:55 AM PDT
I read through the specs & it does a lot, but with a very basic "entry level" design.

This would be ideal for someone who isn't looking for the most fully featured device, but one who wants to finally jump into the tech era.

This would be a great gift for my Mom (mother's day is soon). She likes tech, but doesn't use every feature a device offers & won't carry a bunch of devices with her. This will give her the perfect amount of features without over whelming her.
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Good for entry level or a gift.
by not4no1 May 3, 2007 7:55 AM PDT
I read through the specs & it does a lot, but with a very basic "entry level" design.

This would be ideal for someone who isn't looking for the most fully featured device, but one who wants to finally jump into the tech era.

This would be a great gift for my Mom (mother's day is soon). She likes tech, but doesn't use every feature a device offers & won't carry a bunch of devices with her. This will give her the perfect amount of features without over whelming her.
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Under-Gadget
by twright3 May 7, 2007 3:00 PM PDT
Where's the GPS receiver? It's nothing without GPS!
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Under-Gadget
by twright3 May 7, 2007 3:00 PM PDT
Where's the GPS receiver? It's nothing without GPS!
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