Coby 1.5-Inch Digital Photo Keychain (White) Reviews

• Nice Photo Viewer

  
  By A2K2LS0606F6R4 on 2007-09-27
  I just received this LCD Photo Chain from Electronic Express and I was able to install the software and quickly update a handful of pictures in less then 15 minutes. The Picture Viewer program was fairly easy to use. Just pick a bunch of pictures on your drives, add them to your collection and then upload the collection to the key chain. Adding more pictures to collection later on was no problem. There is a counter on the program that will only allow you to store 62 pictures max.
  As far as picture quality goes for the tiny LCD screen, I have to say that I am fairly impressed. It was relatively bright and colors were vibrant! The 128x128 pixel resolution was sufficient for viewing and it didn't seem that grainy as compared to other LCD keychains. The best comparison of the picture quality would be to a cell phone screen with 1 megapixel images.
  The make of the LCD viewer is sufficient for me but I am not sure how well it would survive key scratches and ocassional drops to the ground since the plastic feels little cheap. The buttons to power on, slideshow mode and forward & backward were intuitive.
  All in all, this makes a great gift for someone who loves gadgets and is somewhat tech savvy if they are going to upload images themselves. You definitely need a connection to a computer in order to charge its internal battery. I've enjoyed showing this to the guys at the office and its a sure winner as a stocking stuffer for Christmas.
  
  
  

• It won't work at first, but KEEP TRYING

  
  By A26EHT8HIUVO0A on 2007-12-13
  Lots of people will tell you this won't work on XP or Vista or other operating systems. I had so much trouble at first I was going to send it back. I even called tech support and the operator said, "I'm probably not supposed to say this but these are not very working very well."
  
  BUT, I kept trying, and lo and behold--it DID work! First load the software. Then plug it in and select "USB upload." You have to literally keep plugging and unplugging the device until you get that little miracle beep that signifies that your computer found new hardware. Until you hear that, keep plugging and unplugging! The software will NOT work unless it is plugged in and found. But load it anyway, and wait for the lovely beep.
  
  After that it works very easily. And it's beautiful!
  
  

• No longer works with Windows XP or below

  
  By A2QB10AY2JFSP0 on 2007-11-07
  I bought three of these for gifts and planned to preload them with family photos. I have Windows XP. The CD that you load only offered Vista or the program for a Mac. I called Coby and they said that it shouldn't be the case as it advertised that it works with Windows XP. They had me open two of them to check. They then suggested that I return them. I am hoping that Amazon will let me send them back even though they are opened. I can only assume that Coby is switching to Vista only for the PC but hasn't revised any of the instructions or promotional material. How disappointing!
  
  

• had to send back

  
  By A289AT2KSL1F4N on 2007-11-10
  I purchased two of these, but the software was not compatible with Windows XP (my operating system), even though the description says it is. I tried running it on two different computers and three different usb ports and the drive would not format. I called the manufacturer (Coby) and they said return it to Amazon.
  
  

• easy to use, fun to have!

  
  By A33HWIBMNBXIE2 on 2007-10-05
  What a fun way to carry your photos!
  I received my keychain just a few days ago and couldn't wait to play with it! It took just seconds to load the software, plug in the camera and start loading pictures. The software is simple to use and allows easy cropping & rotating. The screen is small - just about 1x1.12 inches - about the size of a large thumbnail image but the quality is surprisingly good.
  Sure, it's not something you would use to archive your family history but it is a fun "memory keeper" for holding reminders of good times, friends and family.
  The screen surface could get scratched easily with standard use (hey! it's a keychain!) so I took a strip of clear package sealing tape and put it over the screen for protection. This easy solution works great on most electronics and doesn't interfer with the image.
  
  
• Love this Gadget
  By A5NC9AB0GZYUO on 2007-08-03
  I have very much enjoyed this littl eeasy to use but the only thing that stand up to the 5 star test was the screen. It does tend to scratch easily. I had hoped since it's a keychain that they had found a way to minimize the ineviteble scratch factor. Otherwise, I simply love it!
  
  
• Installed and running on Windows XP
  By A2FZMKZW3L8Q9N on 2007-12-09
  I purchased the Coby DP-151 PhotoViewer, even though I read the reviews claiming the software didn't run on Windows XP, because I found the other reviews quite favorable, and I could always install the software on my wife's Mac.
  However, after experimenting on my XP laptop, I found the instructions were missing a few steps. Here's what I did to get the software working:
  
  1. Plug the PhotoViewer into a USB port to fully charge the battery.
  2. Install the software from the CD.
  3. When the PhotoViewer is fully charged, disconnect it from the USB port
  4. Re-start the computer.
  5. Plug the PhotoView into a USB port. The screen on the PhotoViewer prompts for either USB charge or USB update. Select USB update.
  6. Run the program installed in step 2. It should now work.
  
  I found it fairly easy to select, size and download photos to the PhotoViewer, and am quite impressed with the quality of the display for such a reasonably priced item.
  
  I hope this information is helpful for other XP owners.
  
  
  
• Technical Difficulties Resolved
  By A320618D48GYHE on 2007-12-03
  I purchased this as a gift for my mother. Although the picture quality isn't great it's about what you would expect for the screen size and price. Overall I'm pleased with that aspect of the product.
  
  I had a hard time making this work on my (Vista) computer but the key was to 1) install the software 2) plug in the key chain via the USB and 3) select update FROM THE KEY CHAIN SCREEN. That opens the PhotoViewer program so that you can add photos to the key chain. If you try to open the program directly from the desktop or from the start menu you get an error message. This should be more clearly explained but it did solve my problems.
  
  
• Excellent quality
  By A3LPH7MTYCB4BY on 2007-08-06
  Pros: Fantastic quality...almost as good as a camera LCD. The LCD screen is large enough to actually see the pictures clearly. The price..20 bucks is great! Heavy duty clasp on the chain makes me feel safe that I won't lose it.
  
  Cons: A little thick at .5", screen scratches quite easily(kind of expected though)the manual is awful and you cannot rotate a picture in the software without cropping (not a big deal either, just rotate in a different program)
  
  First of all, let me give the dimensions of this little bugger. I was skeptical of buying at first because I couldn't find accurate dimensions, but when I got the device I was pleasantly surprised. It is approximately 2" wide, 1.5" tall and .5" deep. A little thick compared to other models but it makes up for it in quality.
  
  The quality of the photos are first-rate for such a small screen...I was thoroughly impressed. They are comparable to a digital camera LCD (this device is actually better than my mom's camera LCD!)
  
  One downfall, the manual is awful- I didn't even bother reading it. Just plug it in and use your instincts with the software. I was a little confused at first because all of my pictures were cropped to fit the screen...I soon found out that I needed to check the box that says "whole image". Then I could see and add the entire image.
  
  Surprisingly, when you crop the photos using the software provided they turn out as clear on the display as the original image. This impressed me as the other photo keychain I have loses quality drastically when the image is cropped.
  
  ***One tip..if you want your photos rotated and not cropped, use a different program first. That is one downfall of the software. In order to rotate a picture you must also crop it. Not a big deal though, just use different software to rotate first.
  
  I would recommend this device to anyone. Makes an excellent gift for grandparents!
  
  
• Windows software is broken
  By A1RBVVC3FPJZ2A on 2007-11-18
  Although this product seemed to work (the device comes with two pics that properly displayed) the included software didn't work. I tried it on a Windows XP, 2000 and Vista system and it wouldn't start on any of them. I went to their site and downloaded a newer version of the software. This time, at least, the software started up. However, once again, on all three Windows operating systems, it refused to recognize the device. A huge waste of time! I called their tech support and told them it didn't work. They said, "Hmmm, well it should..." What I don't understand is how they can sell a $20 item that almost certainly will entail a $25 tech support call. They're losing money on each sale!
  
  
• Never worked
  By A2IXC1FIYHO40R on 2007-11-12
  Sadly, you can't rate somthing ZERO (or I would've!) I was really looking forward to getting this item as a gift for my mom. I thought it would be great for her to carry around digital photos of the kids, grandkids, etc. Unfortunately, the unit NEVER WORKED. I tried to install the software provided (I followed the manual step-by-step) and my computer would not recognize the device. I went to Coby's website (as indicated in the troubleshooter protion of the owner's manual) but found no FAQs regarding this type of device. I did, however, find a software download for this model number, so downloaded that and installed it. My computer will STILL not recognize the device so I called tech support. A very unenthusiastic woman talked down to me for a few minutes before finally telling me that they "have a lot of customers calling with this complaint" and I should just return it and try a new one. She was basically NO help to me (and a bit rude with the patronizing tone). I'm returning it and don't think I'll bother with a new one. I'll find some other clever gift for mom. Thanks for nothing, Coby.
  
  
• Don't waste your money or time
  By A3FC83TTJ1U5WB on 2007-12-02
  I bought this as a gift for my grandmother and planned on setting it up for her before giving it to her. I read some reviews, which were mixed. Seemed like PC users were having the most trouble. Since I use a Mac I thought I would give it a try (only $20, what do I have to lose...). First problem: I couldn't install the software on my macbook because the disk is 8cm vs. the standard 12cm and cannot be installed in a macbook. I moved to our other mac and was able to install the software. I hooked up the keychain and charged it for the recommended four hours. Then I set the time and checked out all the functions -- simple and looked easy enough for my grandmother to figure out. So far so good. I set the device to update and opened the software, after carefully reading all the instructions I picked out the photos and tried to upload them. Each time I pressed the upload button the software quit. I tried a different USB port, same thing. After several tries I packaged it back up and am taking it back tomorrow. What a frustrating waste of time!!
  
  
• 50% satisfied
  By A19MYCD3QZ476N on 2007-11-13
  I read about not seeing the pictures clearly... they were right. For under $20 it's OK, though: you can have disposable fun, or give it as a gift, and that's OK. It's fun, it's original. But keep in mind: You won't get good pictures.
  
  
• Not Compatible with OSX!
  By AKN9TI0IIPAFA on 2007-11-08
  The Amazon website said it supports OSX, so I bought it and it didn't work. I go to the Coby website and it only says that it is Windows supported. Now I have call Coby to verify and will have to probably do a return, UGH!!! -Eric
  
  
• Nice little portable photo album
  By AUSK4MAUSIJ1Y on 2007-11-11
  For its size, this photo keychain is well worth the price. The pictures are clear and the device says it can hold up to 60 pictures. (I currently have 30 on mine.)Some of the reviewers had problems with the CD, but I have Windows XP and had no problems.
  My daughter recently got married and I have a two-year-old grandson, so with this device I'm able to carry around many pictures to show them off. I originally bought 4 and gave two away as gifts. I'm planning on ordering more for stocking stuffers.
  
  
• All it takes is a little patience...
  By A2Z47P2ETODWHH on 2007-12-10
  I'll admit that I was so frustrated with this product at one point that I almost sent it back. But in the end it was worth it...
  
  The software cd that was included would not load on my IMB/ Windows XP laptop. The computer wouldn't even recognize that there was a disk in the drive. I had to go to cobyusa.com, where I was able to download the necessary drivers and program. The first THREE downloads were not successful, despite following the instructions carefully. Finally on the fourth try, the software was installed correctly and I was able to load my pictures onto the keychain.
  
  It was quite a hassle getting this thing to work, but I'm glad I didn't give up! The screen is surprisingly clear and the design is very user friendly. I think it's a really neat little gadget for the price. I bought this to give as a gift, but I want one for myself now!
  
  
• didn't work
  By A1E2JGPQSYJOUR on 2007-11-29
  I bought this on another site. It crashed my computer. Do not use it if you have Windows XP !! Also it wouldn't turn off. This was disappointing since this was going to be the perfect gift for the grandparents. What a dud!
  
  
• Does not work with Mac
  By A3UZYR9G9GHMKV on 2007-12-07
  The software that comes with this item does not work on my Mac Book Pro. It crashes when you try to update the pictures on the device. I contacted Coby with the problem, but they failed to respond. Avoid this if you are a Mac user.
  
  
• Cheap and very cheap
  By A3M1PLEYNDEYO8 on 2008-02-02
  Bought this for my wife for Christmas and she thought it was cute and liked it. Now, only a month later, the blasted thing won't shut off and will not upload any new pictures. Sur it will let you delete as many as you want that are already stored on it... and though there should be room in the end... no dice... spend the extra bucks.. get something nicer.
  
  
• LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!
  By A1AELGTX3D3XR0 on 2007-11-13
  I got one of these the other day and figured I'd have a heck of a time trying to figure it out...but I didn't. I plugged it into the laptop on the way home, and by the time I pulled into my driveway I was showing off photos!
  
  I didn't expect the screen to be backlit at the price that I paid, so when I turned it on I was surprised! The images look clear and are in color. Wish the battery lasted longer, though. I'd really just love to leave this unit running constantly as an eye-catcher.
  
  I know about screen scratches, so what I did was went to the dollar store (a while back) and bought some packaging tape. This is wide and clear. I cut a square of it and carefully laid it over the screen. Bingo! If it gets scratched, I just replace the tape!
  
  What I like about this is that you can save different sets of photos. Christmas time, you can have Christmas photos, and so on. And it shows jpeg, bmp, and gif.
  
  I got this because I was tired of powering up my laptop to show photos. This way, I just have to dig my keys out of my briefcase and push a button to turn on this nifty little gadget.
  
  I was tickled. Everybody in the world should get one of these! :o)
  
  
• love it
  By ACB4QUXRSSDO9 on 2007-11-10
  I felt bad that I never had any pictures of my kids with me since we switched to digital cameras. Now I have lots! I feel like a better mom. Downloading was easy, viewing is easy. The screen is small, but the clarity is pretty good
  
  
• IT SUCKS
  By A30AYOOYCVU6CT on 2007-12-10
  DO NOT BUY THIS
  this does not work i have tied it on 2 pc's 1 with vista and 1 with xp does not work
  i have tried on a mac does not work this is nothing but a waste of your money.
  
  
• Software doesn't work
  By A2ZVI2Y876JUDE on 2007-12-02
  Hardware-wise, it seems to be a nifty little device with a bright, crisp screen. The Mac software installs and runs (on both PowerPC and Intel Macs) but as soon as you try to transfer pictures to the device the software crashes. The Windows software installs but when I try to run it, it either can't find the device or locks Windows up solid, to the point that Ctrl-Alt-Del won't recover it and the only option is to power off. Sure hope I can get a refund!
  
  
• Mom likes it!
  By A2DPNJXPKN0G6G on 2007-09-29
  I bought this for my mom, who loves pictures. She is not very computer savy but she loves it. She said it was real easy to install and use.
  
  
• GREAT PICTURES, EASY TO USE
  By A280OZI067MIQN on 2007-12-26
  After reading the reviews I was not sure but decided to go for it. Got this for my husband for Christmas. It is easy to upload the pictures and the IMAGE QUALITY IS VERY GOOD. I was pleasantly surprised at how great the images are and 60 photo's - WOW - my husband loves it - all the pics of his family in one little key chain. TIP: to install the software on Window's Vista, use the instructions on Page 11 rather than Page 6 - it is important that you do not have the keychain plugged into the computer when you inStall, after installing, plug it in and then select USB UPdate from the keychain itself to begin the process. Took me awhile to figure this out because the instructions on pg 6 are not as clear. I am going to get one for each set of grandparents and upload the pics for them. Very happy.
  
  
• Great Item
  By A20WXQAFLW2EZP on 2007-09-23
  I bought this item as a gift and I had to test it first, Let me tell you that I was surprised at how easy it was to download the pictures that I wanted. And the pictures look really good. I'm buying one for myself soon.
  
  
• Flimsy chain, but great little device if the price is right
  By A151VOY9CU5CYT on 2007-11-25
  Only negative comment is the flimsy chain part of the keychain, especially the loop that goes into the recessed slot in the device. But the loop, and, in fact, the chain part can likely be replaced. The device has a 1.5" CSTN LCD Color Screen and sports 16 MB of Flash Memory that will store up to 62 photos. Photo files of the JPEG, GIF, and BMP variety can be displayed. It can be synced up to PC's (98SE, 2000,XP, or VISTA) and OsX Macs.
  
  On all other counts, the device is what it is. At a time when there is generalized China-bashing, I can only applaud all other aspects of this pocket-sized slide-show device. The Coby DP-151 is superior to other similar products like the one at RS that sells for almost twice what I paid via Amaazon's vendor. Tigersoft was not at all helpful to me when I attempted to shop with them for this device. It is not a toy for the kids and will not tolerate much pounding with a hammer and forceful drops onto a tiled floor. The software that comes bundled with the device is exactly the same as what is sold with the more expensive RS device, although the RS device has a very impressive "keyholder" component.
  
  I do not know about battery life, as the onboard Lithium-polymer rechargeable gets it's juice via USB. I suspect that the battery may have a tendency to discharge when unused for days or weeks, but it quickly recharges. The screen is amazingly bright and clear, and the slide-show function is seamless. In my hands, the software appears to also be seamless and very efficient in the way it autosizes the files that are pulled into the software while the DP-151 is docked via USB. The software also has a workable CROP function. Detailed graphics look crisp and sharp, but remember that a small device such as this one may require the use of your glasses.
  
  If one ignores the flimsy double-loop that attaches the chain to the device, the DP-151 could qualify as the most worthwhile 2007 gift article for under $20 (if you are able to purchase it for that).
  
  
  
  
• Loved it!
  By A10MEGC966QTDE on 2007-11-03
  This was a quirky little anniversary gift for my hubby and he LOVED it! It's NOT cheap! It's very well made and the pictures are crystal clear! Would definitely buy it again and again!
  
  
• DO NOT BUY THIS IF YOU HAVE WINDOWS XP!!!!
  By AEA91K1MWYYZL on 2007-11-28
  I was so excited to purchase two of these for my parents, who are going to be first time grandparents soon. While the devices themselves seem to work OK in that they show the 2 sample pics, the software DOES NOT WORK WITH WINDOWS XP. I wish I had read the "fine print" of all the customer reviews, because this seems to be a common problem.
  
  While the 6Ave policy is to issue replacements only, I actually found a nice person in customer service (Ray) who agreed to give me a refund--I told him that I had tried both, and had read about this being an issue with others, so I didn't want replacements because it wasn't likely they'd work either.
  
  It's unfortunate because this seems to be a good product. I see that not everyone has had this problem, so just be aware. It's embarassing for gifts you give not to work so just a word to the wise.
  
  Perhaps soon Coby can get the software fixed so that it's compatible with Windows XP.
  
  
• Great gadget for the price
  By A23GVWMW2RJ6U4 on 2007-12-01
  I bought three of these devices for the Grandparents, so far I am happy.
  
  I have a 3 year old computer with XP.
  
  Advice to people on how to install:
  1. Install the software from the disk. Do not open program at this time.
  2. Plug cable into both the device and computer
  3. The keychain turns on automatically.
  4. Choose USB charge for a couple hours.
  5. Unplug from computer and turn off by pressing middle button to call up menu and then pushing middle button again.
  6. Plug cable into both the device and computer and wait for device to power up.
  7. Choose USB update by pressing left button and the middle button
  4. Wait for your computer to recognize the device. Several messages could appear. Be patient if you have a slower computer.
  5. Open software program.
  
  As for the picture quality, it is only 1.5 inches. This is small, only slightly bigger then my cell phone. However I think the quality is better than my cell phone (a Nokia that is 16 mnths old).
  
  For the price and the reason I bought these (to give my parents pictures of the grandbaby to carry all the time), I am very happy. I plan on preinstalling a bunch of pictures. Hopefully they will follow the instructions above and be able to add more pictures as the little one grows up.
  
  

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