September 13th, 2005
Zippo Lighter with Hidden Stealth Camera
By Vic DaSilva
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews
For your next “Cloak and Dagger” mission, this Zippo-style case contains a digital camera capable of holding over 300 images will come in handy. The l’espion S uses ST Micro technology to capture detailed images with small file sizes. With the use of LiteSync technology it allows you to take clear images in fluorescent lighting without using a flash, celeb’s watch out. With surveillance mode on, you can automatically capture images at preset intervals up to 90 minutes apart over nineteen days. Other useful features, capture video clips with sound and voice recording function (note to self). This message will self-destruct, good luck and be careful. Price:$79.99 Source: ThinkGeek via The Uberreview
Alice Adds: Just don’t take it to the airport - they won’t let you fly with lighters.
John Corliss says:
Alice, you didn’t say whether or not the unit still functions as a lighter. I kinda doubt that it does though. And if it doesn’t, then it should be easy enough to demonstrate to airport security that it’s not a lighter and to take it through.
September 14th, 2005 at 5:56 am
Lockergnome's Tech News Watch says:
Zippo Lighter with Hidden Stealth Camera
By Vic DaSilva, Contributing Writer, RealTechNews For your next “Cloak and Dagger” mission, this Zippo-style case contains a digital camera capable of holding over 300 images will come in handy. The l’espion S uses ST Micro technology to capture det…
September 14th, 2005 at 6:23 am
Alice says:
Good point - I don’t see any lighter mechanism, but based on the travel security I have seen, that camera ain’t getting through looking like a lighter. If anything it will probably trigger an isstant cavity search!
September 14th, 2005 at 6:56 am
Mikey says:
Nope, sorry folks, it’s not a lighter anymore, just a camera “insert” that replaces the inside. You can convert it back into a real zippo by re-inserting the internal lighter part.
A note: Zippo recently won an international lawsuit against el-cheapo zippo lookalikes (trademark design counterfeit) and you may find it difficult to place the camera in anything other than a real Zippo case. Yes, Zippo is really strict about fake copies of their portable fire-in-a-box, and I’m glad to see it.
Which means, of course, you gotta go to the store and buy a Zippo….
September 14th, 2005 at 7:43 am
Al Gonzalez says:
FYI - Zippo lighters can be placed in checked baggage if in an approved container.
Info at http://www.zippo.com/otterBox/zippootterbox.aspx
September 14th, 2005 at 8:11 am
Alice says:
I would imagine they are walking a thin line with the Zippo look trademark-wise. But too bad it isn’t a lighter too. Then again, as an ex smoker, Zippo should sell camera inserts for the people who quit but love the classic Zippo look.
September 15th, 2005 at 6:26 am
Mikey says:
I hadn’t thought of that, Alice. Perhaps Zippo -should- seek out new ideas that fit with the size/shape of their most famous product. I can see it now, a cellphone the size of a Zippo. Hey, the Zippo marketing people ARE trying, they do have a flashlight that looks like a Zippo. Maybe they should get together with the Swiss Army folks or the Motorola Razor people and give us all something entirely new and strange….
Nah, it would be a little too weird….
September 17th, 2005 at 6:22 am