“Axis Communications sent Linux Journal one of their 2100
network cameras for review. I was lucky enough to spend a week
playing with the thing, and I am very impressed. The camera is
running Linux (version 2.0.33) and is powered by Axis’ own
chip–the Etrax-100.“
“Axis bills the 2100 as a “plug and watch digital camera with
direct network attach”. Accurate enough. It truly does have an
“appliance” feel. A PC is not needed–the camera operates
stand-alone, requiring only a LAN or modem connection. It has a
built-in web server, which allows you to view images through a
browser and throw those images directly out on the Internet (or
not). So, you can interact with friends, jazz up your web page,
create small movies, monitor your home/office or, ahem, start a
business.”
“The camera weighs, excluding mini-tripod and power supply, a
mere half of a pound. There is a feeling of fragility to the
thing–one of the few “bad things” about the camera. Axis does have
an industrial strength camera in the works, but no release date has
been set. I actually knocked the camera down at one point (please
don’t tell the folks at Axis!). It fell about two feet and landed
on the floor. The images on the screen froze. After two hours and a
$500 transfer from savings to checking, I pushed the camera’s reset
button, which reboots the camera. Everything was fine after that. A
heavier, more durable version will certainly be needed, especially
for brutes like me.”