http://www.info.apple.com/qtake/press.html (Einblicke ins Internet, 10/1995)For Immediate Release
Improved Product Offers More Functionality at Industry-Leading Price
CUPERTINO, California-April 17, 1995-Strengthening its commitment to offer complete imaging solutions for image capture, manipulation and output, Apple Computer, Inc. today announced immediate availability of the QuickTake(TM) 150 digital color camera for Macintosh(R), Power Macintosh(TM) and Windows computers. The QuickTake 150 is an enhanced version of Apple's award-winning QuickTake 100 digital color camera - a lightweight, portable device for use in business, home offices, education, publishing and on-line services. The QuickTake 150 offers several new features that enhance performance, quality and convenience without an increase in price.
Significant enhancements in the camera include improved image quality and resolution, twice the storage, and a no-fuss "What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get" (WYSIWYG) close-up capability. The QuickTake 150 offers a choice between high- and standard-quality settings. Image quality has been enhanced with new image processing, and infrared lens and sensor coatings. Using improved compression technology, base resolution has been increased to 640 by 480 pixels for all images, offering superior resolution on the standard setting. The camera can store 32 standard-quality or 16 high-quality 24-bit color images images, or a combination of both. A snap-on, close up lens system lets users capture high-quality images from just 10 to 14 inches away for easy snapshots of small images or details needed for publishing or specialized business applications. The new lens also features a flash diffuser for shooting closeup work without washing out the subject, and viewfinder optimization ensures that photographer and camera are seeing the same thing (parallax error correction).
"The original QuickTake digital camera made it easy and affordable for people to bring images into their computers - for the first time - without film development or scanning," said Dave Stallard, senior director of value added displays and image capture devices. "The QuickTake 150 offers twice the functionality of the QuickTake 100 without an increase in price. The QuickTake 150 is a good example of Apple's commitment to providing superior technology at every step of the imaging process."
The QuickTake 150 offers unlimited possibilities for adding impact to newsletters, design projects, presentations, reports, or any type of print or on-line communication. Software improvements ensure greater integration into the Macintosh and Windows operating system, making the camera even easier to use. In a single step taking as little as two seconds images are easily loaded into the computer, and are immediately available for image enhancement and manipulation through a vast selection of software products. The Macintosh version of the camera now comes with PhotoFlash(TM) 2.0 and QuickTake Image Access software to automate downloading and image management and provide extensive image editing and cataloging capabilities. Bundled with the Windows version of the camera is QuickTake 1.5 software which provides slide table preview, basic image editing and enhancement, and file conversion. Also bundled with the Windows version is the PhotoNow! TWAIN driver, which lets Windows users easily access more than 100 popular TWAIN-compliant Windows programs, such as Microsoft Publisher, CorelDRAW, Adobe Photoshop, and WordPerfect from Novell. TWAIN is the industry standard for accessing information on the Windows platform. Both the Macintosh and Windows versions of the camera include customized filters to color correct images taken in fluorescent light, and to lighten and darken images.
"No other vendor has yet been able to match the price performance of Apple's QuickTake digital camera," said Susan Moyse, industry analyst with BIS Strategic Decisions, digital photography service. "Apple continues to set the standard for full-featured, low cost, digital photography. This announcement proves Apple's commitment to the imaging market and its position as a leader propelling the industry forward."
Pricing & Availability
Both the QuickTake 150 for Macintosh and the QuickTake 150 for Windows are priced at $749 (U.S. Apple(R) price) and include all the necessary software, cables, and batteries to begin use immediately. The two product offerings are differentiated by the software, user guides and cable included. The Macintosh version of the camera includes software for both Power Macintosh and 68K-based Macintosh computers. For further information, customers in the United States should call the Apple Referral Center at 1-800-538-9696. More information and downloadable sample images can also be found on Apple's World Wide Web site at http://www.apple.com. Customers outside the United States should contact their local Apple office for information.
Cross Platform Capability
Users that wish to use the QuickTake 150 for both Macintosh and Windows computers can do so by purchasing either the QuickTake 150 for Macintosh or the QuickTake 150 for Windows, then purchasing the alternate connection kit for the other machine for $99 (U.S. Apple price). Both connection kits include user guides, software, and a serial cable for connecting the camera to the alternate computer.
Software Developers Kit
Starting in May, Apple plans to offer a software developers kit through the Apple Programmer's and Developer's Association (APDA). Priced at just $49.95, the kit gives software developers all the information needed to develop QuickTake-savvy Macintosh, Power Macintosh and Windows applications. Developers in the U.S. are invited to call (800) 282-2732 for more information.
Additional Accessories
Also available are several accessories for the camera, including a travel case, battery booster pack, AC adaptor and Macintosh and Windows connection kits. The travel case features a leather camera grip providing a video-like camera handle with additional abrasion and shock resistance. Also included is a protective carrying case that can be worn around the waist or carried over the shoulder. The battery booster pack is an external battery source providing power for thousands of pictures. It includes eight easily replaceable AA lithium batteries. The booster pack is about the size of a three by five inch card and can be placed in a pocket or worn on a belt with the integrated belt clip. Users wishing to power the QuickTake 150 with AC power can use the original PowerBook AC adaptor or the QuickTake AC adaptor. The travel case ($79 U.S. Apple price), battery booster pack ($49 U.S. Apple price) and QuickTake 100 AC adaptor ($65 U.S. Apple price) are immediately available.
Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries.
For more information about PhotoNow!, contact PictureWorks at (800) 326-5700.
The version that went over the wire contained an inaccuracy in the paragraph under the heading: Pricing & Availability. A correction went over the wire on April 19, 1995 at 3:43 PM, PDT. The release below has been corrected to reflect the change.