Other Image-Viewing Technologies On The Market
iPod photo: Although we did not have the opportunity to test drive one, the iPod photo offers similar features, but in a much smaller package. Described as "the size of a deck of playing cards," it weighs 6 oz, and is available in both a 40GB and 60GB model--$499 and $599 respectively. Its LCD sports only a fraction of the colors and offers considerably less resolution than the Epson. However, unlike the P-2000 it allows users to listen up to 15 hours of continuous music. The iPod photo has no card slots, but you can import your photos from the iPhoto (Mac) or Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 (PC) using FireWire or USB 2.0. iTunes 4.7.1 will automatically synchronize your photos--and you can display the finished products to your friends and clients via a television or projector.

If you want to download images directly from your media card, the Belkin iPod Media Reader (MSRP $99.95) supports CompactFlash (Type I and II), Smart Media, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, or MultiMedia Card. Contact: www.apple.com.

PicturePerfect Photo Viewer 5.14: The PicturePerfect Photo Viewer 5.14 by Applian Technologies ($19.95) offers similar capabilities provided you already have a 297Kb RAM, Pocket PC device (Compaq iPaq, 1500, or Aero with Pocket PC upgrade; HP Jornada 540/545/548; Casio E-115, E-125, EM500). Other than providing a medium to instantly view images from a CompactFlash card, it also allows the user to create albums, as well as slide shows with special effects and MP3 or WMA soundtracks. Contact: www.pocketgear.com.

Digital Photo Viewer: The SanDisk Digital Photo Viewer (MSRP $79) does not provide an LCD or the ability to view images instantly, but allows users to view digital camera images on a television screen or projector. It supports CompactFlash, Smart Media, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick. Using a remote, the device allows users to execute basic procedures, such as delete, rotate, and zoom in, as well as create a digital slide show. Contact: www.sandisk.com.

MEGA View 566: The MEGA View 566 portable multimedia player by X2 ($450) is compatible with Secure Digital and MultiMedia memory cards and also supports Motion JPEG, MPEG-4, DivX and WMV video, as well as plays MP3/WMA music. The player features a 20GB hard drive, high-resolution 3.5" TFT LCD screen and a Photo Album and Slide Show feature. The unit can also be plugged into a television or projector. Contact: www.x2usa.com.

RoadStor PRO: RoadStor PRO by MicroSolutions (MSRP $349) is a portable media player that functions as a six-in-one flash memory card reader, including Secure Digital, Smart Media, MultiMedia Card, Memory Stick, Compact Flash Type I and Type II cards, and Microdrives. Along with the digital photo viewer, the unit also features a DVD/CD burner, DVD player, and MP3 player. It can be used as a stand-alone device, be connected to a television, or function as a PC or Mac accessory. Contact: www.micro-solutions.com.

Technical Specifications
40GB Hard Disk Drive: Supports JPEG, select raw, MPEG-4, Motion JPEG, MP3, AAC
Card Slots: One slot for CompactFlash (Type I and II) and Microdrive (3.3v); one slot for Secure Digital and MultiMedia Card. (Supports Memory Stick, Smart Media, and xD Picture Card only with an optional third-party adapter.)
LCD: 3.8", Epson VGA TFT LCD; 640x480 pixels; 262,144 colors; 212 ppi
Power Sources: Lithium ion battery with AC adapter
USB: One USB 2.0 (Mass Storage Class) interface
Street Price: $499
Contact: www.epson.com