Key-Chain Wonder

By Anita Hamilton Sunday, May 02, 2004
    • The Philips Keyring Camcorder isn't the first key-chain-size device to pack 128 MB of memory. And it isn't the first miniature MP3 player. But it is the first USB gadget sold in the U.S. with a video camera, still camera and MP3 player all inside a single unit about the size of a breakfast sausage. There's even a tiny LCD screen on the back for viewing images.

    To shoot a video, flip the silver dial on the outside of the camera lens to movie mode, look through the viewfinder and press a button on top to start recording. To play MP3s, plug in the headphones and flip the dial to music mode. The Keyring Camcorder shoots stills at resolutions of up to 2 megapixels and can store nearly 30 min. of video.

    To recharge the batteries or move files to your computer, just plug the device into any USB port. Available in June for $250, it's missing only a flash. Still, it's a keeper.