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The flyers are falling out of the newspapers I read, and nearly every radio commercial reminds me that this Sunday is Father's Day. All of them suggest some new digital toy that dads are hot for-including big-screen-LCD TVs for the car, MP3 players built into golf clubs, electronic pruning shears with memory, and satellite radios complete with a ready-to-launch satellite. So it shouldn't have been a complete surprise when I found the local hardware store selling the perfect $9.95 gift for Father's Day: A digital camera!
But the sight almost caused me to drop the ant spray I intended to purchase. With a bit of morbid curiosity, I picked up one of the M-Pix brand cameras piled so neatly on the counter in a bubble-wrap container. Didn't take long to notice: No LCD monitor on the back (next year's model?) and I had to purchase a magnifying glass (also for sale on the counter) to read the specs on the package. I had to know what kind of digital camera you can expect for $9.95--a new low price point as far as I know (and maybe a new low for the industry?)
The girl behind the counter didn't have a clue, but I soon discovered the M-Pix captures VGA resolution (640x480 pixels) and can store dozens of images in its built-in 2MB storage (no card slot). There wasn't much info on the lens, but the package included some AA batteries, a little mini tripod and computer connector (USB? I couldn't tell).
Did I mention it only costs $9.95 and it was on sale in a hardware store? Reality check: 10 years ago, a similar-spec camera would have sold for at least $600 and have made a wonderful Father's Day present. But this year, I think I'd rather get that new digital tie that changes color and predicts weather based on barometric pressure. Any takers on the M-Pix?
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