5-in-1 Store 'n' Go
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As part of its Store n Go family of products, Verbatim has released 5-in-1 Store n Go. This device, as you might expect from its title, offers to combine five functions within a single device. Not only is this device multi-functional but it is also small enough to fit in a pocket without causing any unsightly bulge.
Using USB connectivity, this mini unit set out to provide the means of recording your voice and short video clips, take still pictures, act as a web cam plus record up to 128MB of data. Of course if you use the device for any of the first three functions that will eat up the storage space but that is the price you pay for multi-function capability.
As already mentioned the 5-in-1 Store n Go unit is small. It measures 65 x 22 x 14mm (L x W x D) which is about the size of a lighter or lipstick. Coloured predominantly silver, the unit has blue side panels which have a rubbery feel to them and the few controls are also coloured blue. A detachable cap fits over the USB connector.
You will need to power the internal rechargeable battery before use. This is carried out automatically whenever the device is connected to the computer. Verbatim has included two USB extension leads in the pack. One is silver in colour and is the standard type use to give greater flexibility in positioned the device and also to get round the problem that could be caused by other devices that are rather bulky and take up more than their fair share of space.
The second lead, described as flexy, is for use when the 5-in-1 takes on the role of a web cam. You can bend this lead into various fairly rigid shapes so that the device can be held in an upright position. Even so the 5-in-1 is only really suitable for using as a web cam with a notebook as the flexy lead gives just 40cm of extension. The quality of image produced is reasonable for a device of this sort but dont expect high definition images or anything even approaching it. This is basic web cam functionality without any bells and whistles.
You can capture short video clips or still images when the device is not attached to the computer. When taking still images you can select from high or low resolution with the latter giving you the opportunity to take up to 3000 images. Video mode operates at 640 x 480 at 30fps. The 128MB of storage can hold up to 12 minutes of video. Voice recording works at 8 kHz, giving you 110 minutes capacity.
Switching between the various modes is carried out using the appropriately named Mode button to cycle through the options. A 6 x 8mm LCD display shows a two-letter code to indicate the chosen mode. The switching process does take a little getting used to but perseverance usually wins. Just above the LCD display is a small viewfinder for lining up images which can be captured using a Snap button. This button is also used to start/stop video and audio recordings. Checking the results can only be carried out when the device is connected to a computer.
Verbatim does deserve some praise for attempting to add increased functionality to the basic USB storage concept. However the 5-in-1 Store n Go does not really excel in any of its modes. I feel users will be unwilling to switch from dedicated devices for this devices jack-of-all-trades approach. Appropriate software comes on a mini CD. The price of the 5-in-1 Store n Go has been priced reasonably at £49.99.
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