Aiptek Inc.
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Advanced Intelligent Personal Technologies (AIPTEK) is a firm that produces digital equipment. It was founded in 1997 when it began producing a line of graphical tablets, which are used to transfer drawings to a computer. AIPTEK is based in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Today, AIPTEK produces many lines of digital cameras, digital video cameras and many other digital products that can do multiple tasks.
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[edit] Cameras
AIPTEK is known for producing various cameras that can perform a multitude of tasks. They are often labeled "5-in-one" or "6-in-one" cameras with features including (but not limited to): still photography, video recording, mp3 playback, voice annotation, memory card reader / portable storage, web camming and Digital Video Recording (with Audio Video in support) and video playback.
Although multi-functional, the cameras are usually lacking in quality (Sort of a "Jack of All Trades, King of none," scenario), most notably with the lenses that they use. Their Zoom DV camera is the first to offer Optical Zoom functionality (rather than exclusively supporting Digital Zoom).
Although the quality of the cameras themselves, and the photos they produce, are low for professional grade cameras they are considered to be very effective for the low cost of the products. The video quality, for example, on the digital camcorders they offer is far superior to the average video quality you get from still cameras costing many times what an AIPTEK camera costs.
AIPTEK also produces and/or sells digital cameras that are of a more professional grade. Some of these include waterproof cameras, the Optio A10 and more. These cameras cost a considerable amount more than their more budget models, but suggest higher quality devices and images taken with the cameras themselves.
[edit] Night Vision
AIPTEK offers budget night vision equipment. They items are, however, limited in some of the more advanced features of other night vision products, much like the budget cameras that AIPTEK offers.
[edit] Pen Cams
AIPTEK is believed to have pioneered the Pen Cam style cameras. These such devices can now be found in large department and electronic stores, however they are not produced by AIPTEK.
[edit] Support of Internet Communication
AIPTEK strongly supports communication over the internet, claiming that the quality of life can be advanced through individuals writing, seeing and talking on the internet as freely as they do in the outside world. [1]
Much of the reason behind their release of the various products on their website is the advancement of such communication, as well as their desire to make it economical as possible. [1]
They have been granted more than 100 international patents [dubious — see talk page] and have declared their desire to move forward as a corporate leader in the field of communication. [1]
[edit] Interpolation Controversy
AIPTEK often advertises their newer cameras to support up to 8 megapixel images. This has caused some debate due to the fact that, although technically true, it is due to interpolation of images taken with the camera. The actual image sensor resolution of their budget cameras is 2-3 megapixels.
[edit] Free Gifts
AIPTEK often sells their cameras with a multitude of free gifts, ranging from extra lithium ion batteries to miniature plush teddybears.
Some of the free items they have included in the past (and present) are: digital watches, headphones, wireless remote controls for the cameras, miniature plush teddybears and more.
