http://www.labnol.org/gadgets/phones/creative-ways-of-using-digital-camera-mobile-phones/2030/
Some creative and productive uses of camera mobile phones (and digital cameras):
Computer Screen Capture
- You can use the Mobile Phone cameras for capturing screenshots of
error messages that popup while you are reinstalling a copy of Windows
or modifying some BIOS settings. In situations like the dreaded Blue
Screen, Print-Screen key is useless but any phone-cam will get the job
done.
Remember Dates - Some time back, I had gone to a
nursery school for submitting the admission form of my son. I don’t
remember the exact date now but luckily, I had snapped a picture of the
school and so that date is automatically stored with the image.
Cable Connections
- Before removing the cables from your home theatre system, gaming
console or the computer, it is a good idea to capture the connections
with your phone camera. Then you won’t have problems plugging the
cables again in the right ports as the pictures will show you “what
goes where”.
Use Mobile Phone as a Web Camera - There are some
free utilities that will convert your mobile phone camera into a web
cam for your computer. You can use the web camera via a USB cable or
wirelessly through Bluetooth.
Car Parking
- Most shopping malls here have huge underground parking but there
aren’t any signboards so it gets tough to locate the car. So when you
park the car, just look towards the escalator (or the exit door) and
take a picture or record some video. This will save lot of effort (and
time) when you return with all those heavy shopping bags.
Scan Printed Documents - Mobile phone camera can
work as scanners for capturing clippings of text from newspapers,
library books and printed magazines. Just photograph the page and use a
service like Qipit or ScanR that extract the text out of pictures taken
with a mobile phone. (See “Use Mobile Phone as a Scanner“)
Replace Paper and Pen - Your wife has prepared a
long list of items that you are supposed to pick from the grocery
story. Why tear down that paper from the diary or put extra pressure on
your memory - just click. You can also use the camera phone for
capturing information written on whiteboards, subway maps and notice
boards.
Google Maps and Directions - You are traveling and
need the driving directions from Google Maps onto your mobile phone. If
your phone has no Internet or you are not too sure how to transfer data
from computer to the phone, just open Google Maps, press F11 for full
screen and click with your phone.
Rent A Car - If you are taking a car on rent,
capture all the areas with dents and scratches so that you don’t run
into a dispute when returning the car to the agent. Thanks CraftyGirl.
Security Weapon
- Before you board a taxi in some unknown place, take a picture of the
license plate and driver details that are generally written near the
passenger seat. Email the picture to your spouse or friend as a
security measure.
Shopping Alone - If you are in a store shopping
without your spouse, get his/her opinion on the stuff you are about to
purchase by emailing pictures though your phone. A word of caution here
- some shop owners may consider your action as “digital shoplifting”
and this may lead to an embarrassing situation.
As a Mirror - When you are about to reach the
party, take a self-picture with your mobile phone to make sure that
that makeup and hair style is in perfect condition.
