But Norman doesn't foresee a day when
consumers will be satisfied with one device that can
do it all. Instead, he says, convergence will become
just one more option in the plethora of electronic
devices, just as more-mature consumer markets
include multipurpose products--bleach, detergent,
and deodorizer in one!--as well as specialized ones.
"Consumers will have more choices, and more
control," Norman says. "And that is a good
thing."
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ACTION AND STILLS
A
digital camcorder and still camera combo that does
justice to both, the Samsung SC-D5000 DuoCam
($1,400) takes decent digital video and 4-megapixel
stills, big enough for 11-by-13-inch enlargements.
It's bulky--nearly the size of a milk
carton--but changes function smoothly when you flip
its two lenses. One trade-off: The still camera
takes longer than most to save each photo.
FOUR IN HAND
A fine handheld computer and
cellphone in one, palmOne's Treo 600 ($600
before a Sprint rebate) is little bigger than a
standard phone. It cleverly merges the two
functions; tapping an entry in the address book
dials the number. The tiny keyboard works
surprisingly well, and guess what? You also get a
camera and an MP3 player. Convenience has a steep
price-about twice the cost of the phone and computer
separately.
AN ENTERTAINMENT CHANNEL
Ship digital photos, music, and videos from the home
office to the living room by linking your personal
computer to your TV and stereo with the Prismiq
MediaPlayer ($250). It comes ready for a wired
network; add another $60 for a wireless card to send
images through the ether. The MediaPlayer can even
send DVD-quality videos wirelessly, but don't
expect them to penetrate more than a wall or two.
