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PRODUCT REVIEW
Eyemodule turns your Visor into a digital camera
By Craig M. Bobchin
The new eyemodule digital camera is one of the most anticipated Springboards ever for the Handspring Visor, and anyone wanting to be the new cool geek on the block is sure to want to grab it up and start snapping digital photos. However, while it's easy to install and fun to play with, the eyemodule is not without its flaws.
The hardware
The camera itself is just slightly longer than the normal Springboard. It adds about 15mm to the total length of the Visor with no additional thickness. It's likely that you won't notice any additional weight from the eyemodule either.
"The eyemodule is a true plug and play Springboard."
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Figure A shows a picture of the eyemodule connected to the Visor. In the inset, you can see the eyemodule itself. You'll notice a fixed focus lens with a button next to it. The button controls the shutter. Simply press it when you're ready to snap your picture.
FIGURE A
 
The eyemodule adds very little extra weight or bulk to the Visor. Roll over picture for a larger image.
Using the eyemodule
The eyemodule is a true plug and play Springboard. When you first plug the camera into the Visor, it loads all the software necessary to run the module. This includes the viewing software. In fact, the eyemodule program is launched when the eyemodule is inserted. Once the eyemodule program starts, you'll see whatever the camera lens is pointed at on the Visor's screen. As you move the Visor, you'll see the image on the screen change.
The on-screen image is of decent quality, but in low light situations it may be hard to make out. At the same time you see the image, you will see the menu choices that control how you operate the camera. At the top right of the screen you'll find a series of dots. These determine what type of image you are taking. Three dots represent the 320x240 pixel color image, two dots represent the 320x240 pixel black and white image, and one dot represents the 160x120 pixel black and white image. By tapping with the stylus on these dots, you can change the resolution.
Memory requirements
Based on information found on the eyemodule Web site at http://www.eyemodule.com/splash.htm, you can expect the following capacity from your Visor. If your Visor Deluxe handheld has 5MB of free memory, it will be able to hold:
- Over 500 small black and white images at 9K each;
- Over 125 large black and white images at 37K each;
- Over 25 large color images at 187K each.
The eyemodule software, which is 48K in size, is figured into the above estimates. If you have the 8MB Flash module, you can move those pictures into the flash RAM and then free up your base RAM to take more photos.
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