As Internet connections have matured to faster and faster broadband pipelines, webcam manufacturers have been keeping pace with higher resolutions and improved optics to take advantage of the larger bandwidth. And more than just communicating over chat and VoIP, webcams are increasingly used to broadcast Truman Show-esque live video feeds of one's every move (such as at Justin.tv) as well as high-quality mini-movies uploaded to sharing sites. And that's where the Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 really shines, with its 2-megapixel image sensor, smooth-tracking autofocus, high-end Carl Zeiss optics, and HD video capabilities (with the capability of recording video at 960 by 720 pixels).
The combination of Logitech's RightLight technology and 2-megapixel Carl Zeiss optics produce improved clarity and lighting (Pro 9000 on the left, MacBook integrated camera on right--both captured in the same lighting conditions).
Add a variety of special effects from filters (above) to facial accessories (below).
First, a little about Logitech's touted technological and optical advantages. Designed by Carl Zeiss (known for high-end film and digital camera lenses), the Pro 9000's optics use a five-element lens arranged into four optical elements. As a result, the lens focuses the light onto the sensor with maximum detail and minimal aberrations. The 2-megapixel lens also offers an autofocus mechanism that automatically adjusts as your face moves about. It also incorporates Logitech's RightLight and RightSound technologies, which improves the webcam's image quality under difficult lighting conditions and provides noise cancellation, respectively.
We found the autofocus feature to be much smoother than another similarly specced webcam from Creative that we previously reviewed (which felt stuttery to our video chat partners), and the RightLight feature was able to render an image of our face in both highly backlit and low-light situations--something that other webcams we've tested have completely failed at. And the combination of RightLight, Carl Zeiss optics, and the two-megapixel sensor helped to enrich both the clarity and the color of our images.
While it's true that broadband Internet has gained speed, unfortunately none of the major chat or VoIP programs are can stream the high-definition video (960 by 720 pixels) that the Pro 9000 can capture. Thus, this feature is really only usable for recording video to your hard drive and either uploading to a video sharing service like YouTube or for inclusion into a movie project to be burned to disc. The Pro 9000 also enables you to take still images at larger than its native 2-megapixel sensor via software interpolation (up to an 8-megapixel resolution). Note, however, that shooting at a higher resolution causes a lengthier shutter lag.
The Pro 9000 offers easy plug-and-play operability on either a Windows PC or a Mac--just slide in the USB 2.0 plug, select the camera from your chosen video chatting program (it works seamlessly with Skype, Yahoo!, Windows Live, SightSpeed, and iChat), and you're good to go. While the Pro 9000 works brilliantly right out of the box, you'll only be able to take advantage of software add-ons such using the included QuickCam software (which is for Windows users only).
The QuickCam Control Panel is where you can select from a host of special effect add-ons that range from a selection of avatars (such as a dinosaur or cat) to facial accessories (including a crown and Borg hardware), and a variety of filter effects. The avatars didn't seem especially responsive unless we were overly hyperactive, but the limited face add-ons and filters were more successful (with our favorite being the rotoscope animation effect).
The double-hinged clip on the back of the lightweight Pro 9000 can be articulated to fit both the thinnest notebook screens to thicker LCD TV/monitors. A rubberized is placed right below the camera housing to help prevent slippage, and the camera itself can smoothly tilt up and down about 90 degrees. The Pro 9000 has a single microphone on its right side, and while the left side has a control button that automatically opens the Logitech QuickCam software. And in the middle is a Logitech logo, which is given a red glowing halo when the camera is recording. It uses a single USB connection that does not require external power.
With its arsenal of optical advancements combined with an invitingly affordable price tag and easy portability, the QuickCam Pro 9000 is a great alternative to the standard VGA/1.3-megapixel cams built into notebooks. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
Pros:
2-megapixel sensor helps to improve both clarity and color
Automatic autofocus smoothly readjusts as you move around the screen
Double-hinged clip easily fit on a variety of laptop and monitor surfaces
Cons:
While capable of capturing HD-quality video, you can only utilize this for video saved to hard drive
Product Description: Enjoy image-perfect detail and clarity plus motorized tracking. Ultra-wide field of view and intelligent face tracking keeps you right in the middle of the action. Get more detail and clarity from Logitech's glass lens designed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss, the global leader in camera optics. Your images stay razor sharp, even in closeups. HD video and images have never looked so real at 960 by 720 pixels. A true 2-Megapixel sensor, with up to 8-megapixel photos. RightLight 2 Technology adjusts intelligently to produce the best possible images in dim or poorly backlight settings. Integrated microphone with RightSound Technology lets you enjoy crystal clear conversations, free from annoying background noise. Autofocus system Ultra-high resolution 2-megapixel sensor with RightLight 2 Technology Color depth - 24-bit true color Video capture - Up to 1600 by 1200 pixels (HD quality, Video 960x720 pixels) Frame rate - Up to 30 frames per second Still-image capture - 8-Megapixels with software enhancement Built-in microphone with RightSound Technology System Requirements - Windows XP, Pentium 4 or compatible processor 1.4 GHz, 128 MB RAM, 200 MB free space, 16-bit color display adapter, Windows-compatible sound card and speakers (full-duplex sound card recommended), USB port and CD-ROM drive / Also works with Windows Vista
Product Description: Attractive Style / Ultra-Portable Design with the world's smallest storable USB Receiver / Laser Precision / Hyper-fast scrolling / 5 programmable buttons Longer battery life - Get up to 6 months of use or longer with the convenient on/off switch Ultra-portable mouse design - So slim, it slips easily into your notebook bag Attractive style - Complements your active lifestyle with an ultra-slim, sleek design Storable receiver - Store the Nano-receiver inside the mouse when you need to free up a USB port Hyper-fast scrolling - Fly through long documents at hyper speed with the nearly frictionless scroll wheel, or shift instantly to precise scrolling Forward/backward buttons - Effortlessly navigate the Internet with Forward and Back buttons Five programmable buttons - Customize the mouse controls to fit your needs with included SetPoint software (or, for Mac users with Logitech Control Center software) Laser precision - Experience smoother cursor control on virtually any surface System Requirements - Windows XP, Windows Vista, USB port, CD-ROM drive, Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, and Internet connection required for download of Logitech Control Center software
Product Description: Enjoy image-perfect detail and clarity plus motorized tracking. Ultra-wide field of view and intelligent face tracking keeps you right in the middle of the action. Get more detail and clarity from Logitech's glass lens designed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss, the global leader in camera optics. Your images stay razor sharp, even in closeups. HD video and images have never looked so real at 960 by 720 pixels. A true 2-Megapixel sensor, with up to 8-megapixel photos. RightLight 2 Technology adjusts intelligently to produce the best possible images in dim or poorly backlight settings. Integrated microphone with RightSound Technology lets you enjoy crystal clear conversations, free from annoying background noise. A 12" desktop stand puts your webcam at eye level when you're not on the go. Color depth - 24-bit true color Video capture - Up to 1600 by 1200 pixels (HD quality, Video 960x720 pixels) Frame rate - Up to 30 frames per second Still-image capture - 8-Megapixels with software enhancement Built-in microphone with RightSound Technology System Requirements - Windows XP, Pentium 4 or compatible processor 1.4 GHz, 128 MB RAM, 200 MB free space, 16-bit color display adapter, Windows-compatible sound card and speakers (full-duplex sound card recommended), USB port and CD-ROM drive
Product Description: Built for comfort, the Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks features an ergonomic design with soft rubber grips. A convenient mini-receiver snaps into the mouse for easy transport.PRODUCT FEATURES:Ergonomic design with soft rubber grips: Increases your comfort with non-slip rubber side panels that also add control. A ridged wheel provides a better grip for scrolling;Enjoy up to 6 months of battery life (and longer with automatic on/off). Battery power indicator eliminates surprises;The mini-receiver snaps into the mouse, turning it off;The 1000 dpi optical sensor makes the Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse two and a half times more responsive than standard optical mice;Side-to-Side Scrolling plus Zoom: Perfect for viewing digital photos and spreadsheets. Instantly zoom in and out; scroll horizontally or vertically.
Product Description: You'll never run out of space for all your important files with this advanced and seamlessly integrated MacBook with 160GB of hard drive space. Multitasking is faster than before with 2GB of memory and the latest Intel Core Duo processor. Its specialized trackpad has two-finger scrolling, which makes moving around your screen faster and easier. You'll have complete freedom from endless wires with the AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless. Bonjour lets you easily share files with others on your network. Connect a printer to the AirPort and you're ready to print from anywhere in your home. Sync up your Bluetooth-enabled phone with the built-in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR technology. The high-res 13.3" widescreen TFT LCD screen gives you sharp-looking text and graphics. Use the built-in iSight camera to video chat or even create your own movie. 3MB of shared L2 cache and a newly enhanced SSE4 vector engine makes this MacBook a top performer.
13.3 Glossy WXGA (1280 x 800) Display Built-in iSight Camera and internal omnidirectional microphone Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory 8X Slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD+-R DL/DVD+-RW/CD-RW) Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking (802.11a/b/g/n) Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet 2 USB 2.0, 1 Headphone out; 1 Microphone-in, mini-DVI output port, 1 FireWire 400, 1 MagSafe power port Dimensions - Approx. 12.78 (W) x 1.08 (H) x 8.92 (D) Weight - Approx. 5 lbs
Amazon.com Product Description: Stylishly and intelligently designed for your on-the-go digital lifestyle, Apple's MacBook is the perfect confluence of affordability, innovation, and powerful computing. This latest iteration of the MacBook line (model MB403LL/A) gets a boost of speed from Intel's latest 45-nanometer Penryn series processors, which also helps to reduce power requirements and save on battery life. You'll enjoy quick and nimble multitasking thanks to the 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, and this MacBook also features a 160 GB hard drive and 2 GB of installed RAM (which can be upgraded to 4 GB). The 13.3-inch glossy widescreen display provides the perfect combination of pixels and portability, and the integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi LAN enables computing freedom from wires and compatibility with older 802.11b/g routers as well as the faster throughput of Apple's Airport Extreme.
Measuring 1.08 inches thin and weighing only 5.0 pounds, the MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk (or in any backpack or briefcase).
Measuring a mere 1.08 inches thin and weighing in at only 5.0 pounds, the MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk (or in any backpack or briefcase). A durable polycarbonate shell in white keeps it ready for the rough and tumble of everyday life. It also offers a unique keyboard design that sits flush against the bed for a sleeker, lower profile. Other standard Apple "extras" includes a built-in iSight video camera and Apple's magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter, which safely disconnects when under strain.
It's pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system, which enables easy backup of your most important data via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter. It also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications--including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes--and the newest version of the fast-loading Safari web browser. Other hardware features include an 8x combo Superdrive (for burning dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs), built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), a FireWire 400 port, DVI video output, and Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144 MB of shared memory.
Apple Innovations
The magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter breaks cleanly away, without damage to either the cord or the MacBook, if you trip over the cord.
With two-finger scrolling, the trackpad becomes a fast track to wherever you want to go.
One of Apple's most celebrated innovations is the MagSafe power adapter connector with offers a magnetic connection instead of a physical one. So, if you happen to trip over a power cord, you won't send MacBook flying off a table or desk--the cord simply disconnects, without damage to either the cord or the system. As an added nicety, this means less wear on the connectors.
Cleverly integrated above your MacBook display is an iSight camera, providing easy video chat capability when using iChat. You can also snap photos in Photo Booth to send via e-mail, as well as record videos and then edit them in iMovie before uploading them to web sites.
The trackpad can tell if you've got one finger on the pedal, or two. With two, you can easily scroll around your documents or open contextual menus. When you need right-click functionality, simply open "Keyboard and Mouse" in System Preferences and enable the secondary click preference. Opening and closing your MacBook is also a pleasure, thanks to a magnetic latch that catches without a catch. And because it's a magnet, there are no moving parts to snag, jam, or break.
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 processor, which has a 2.40 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With a substantial 3 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle.
Hard Drive and Memory The 160 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 2 GB of PC5300 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1024 MB) have an industry-leading 667 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 4 GB.
Wireless Connectivity The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.
Display and Graphics Whether you're working on a Keynote presentation or watching a movie before you catch a flight, every document, video, and photo on your MacBook will look sharp on the glossy 13.3-inch widescreen display. With pixel-perfect 1280-by-800 resolution, it's great for viewing and working with media. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which provides 144 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory. It features Intel Clear Video Technology, which delivers outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.
Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight Artfully placed in the display bezel is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.
Other Features
8x slot-loading SuperDrive with the following write speeds: 8x DVD±R; 4x DVD±R DL (double layer); 4x DVD±RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
Mini-DVI port for video output (VGA adapter and mini-DVI to DVI adapter sold separately)
Built-in stereo speakers and omnidirectional microphone
Combined optical digital audio input/audio line in
Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out
Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port
Built-in full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement), and embedded numeric keypad
Solid-state scrolling trackpad for precise cursor control; supports two-finger scrolling, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities
Kensington cable lock slot
Meets ENERGY STAR requirements
Measures 12.78 x 8.92 x 1.08 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5 pounds
Connect to your network, a desktop monitor and all your peripherals with two USB 2.0, one FireWire, one DVI video output, and one Gigabit Ethernet.
Preloaded with Leopard, you'll enjoy enhanced productivity and a clutter-free desktop (thanks to the redesigned 3-D Dock with Stacks).
Preloaded with Leopard and iLife '08 The biggest Mac OS X upgrade ever, the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system features over 300 new features, including:
Time Machine, an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac
A redesigned Finder that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs
Quick Look, a new way to instantly see files without opening an application
Spaces, an intuitive new feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them
A brand new desktop with Stacks, a new way to easily access files from the Dock
Major enhancements to Mail and iChat
Leopard's new desktop includes the redesigned 3-D Dock with Stacks, a new way to organize files for quick and easy access with just one click. Leopard automatically places web, e-mail and other downloads in a Downloads stack to maintain a clutter-free desktop, and you can instantly fan the contents of this and other Stacks into an elegant arc right from the Dock. The updated Finder includes Cover Flow and a new sidebar with a dramatically simplified way to search for, browse and copy content from any PC or Mac on a local network.
Time Machine lets you easily back up all of the data on your Mac, find lost files and even restore all of the software on their Mac. With just a one-click setup, Time Machine automatically keeps an up-to-date copy of everything on the Mac. In the event a file is lost, you can search back through time to find deleted files, applications, photos and other digital media and then instantly restore the file.
The MacBook also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications that make it easy to live the digital life. Use iPhoto to share entire high-res photo albums with anyone who's got an e-mail address. Record your own songs and podcasts with GarageBand. Break into indie filmmaking with iMovie and iDVD. Then take all the stuff you made on your MacBook and share it on the web in one click with iWeb.
Included Software Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools); iLife '08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand); Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive; iWork '08 (30-day trial)
What's in the Box MacBook, 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord, lithium-polymer battery, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation
Product Description: Logitech V470 Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks with Bluetooth Technology allows people to connect directly to Bluetooth-enabled MacBook computers or Windows-based notebook PCs - without an external receiver. The V470 mouse features Bluetooth 1.2 wireless technology and laser tracking. And with its Side-to-Side Scrolling Plus Zoom, people can instantly zoom in and out, or scroll horizontally or vertically with ease.
Product Description: Compact, shock-resistant, mobile optical mouse The Logitech Notebook Optical Mouse Plus is the simplest, most durable notebook mouse available. Just plug it in and start working. The all-terrain optical sensor provides smooth tracking and maximum surface coverage in virtually any environment. When you're ready to move, Logitech's patent-pending, integrated cord-wrap feature enables you to wind the cord neatly into the mouse for easy packing. No tangles, no unraveling, no unreliable moving parts. Its shock-resistant bodywork withstands bumps on the road, while the smooth, rounded shape provides the perfect balance of comfort and mobility
Product Description: Play, relax, and entertain on the go with shock-proof design. At 7" and weighing only 2lbs, you can take the Eee PC anywhere. Bumps and shocks are no longer issues. With a dependable solid-state disk, you get unparalleled shock-protection and reliability. Power-efficient design provides longer operating time when on the go. With a rapid start-up time, the Eee PC is always ready to get into action. No technical manual required with the specially designed, user-friendly and intuitive graphic interface. You're always connected with built-in WiFi 802.11 b/g that automatically detects and connects to the Internet at any hotspot. The Eee PC includes the documents and the e-mails software, and a suite of other productivity software to help keep you on track. Upload photos and videos and share them instantly on Flickr or YouTube without waiting till you get home. Enjoy music and videos with extensive support for a wide range of digital multimedia. Log on to Skype or other network, and you can connect with friends anywhere, anytime. Clear up wire clutter with the built-in speakers, and microphone. Since it's so easy to use and durable this makes a perfect gift for children and adults. 512MB memory 4GB flash drive Clear up wire clutter with the built-in speakers, and microphone Over 40 built-in applications for learn, work and play - includes document and the e-mail software, a suite of other productivity software to help keep you on track; Upload photos and videos and share them instantly on Flickr or YouTube without waiting till you get home; Enjoy music and videos with extensive support for a wide range of digital multimedia; Log on to Skype or other network, and you can connect with friends anywhere, anytime Linux based operating system using GPL software No technical manual required with the specially designed, user-friendly and intuitive graphic interface Up to 2.8 hours performance per charge with built-
Amazon.com Product Description: Get the power of a full-sized laptop in the ultra-compact ASUS Eee PC 4G, which offers a full QWERTY keyboard, 7-inch screen, and preinstalled Linux operating system. (This laptop is also compatible with the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.) You'll be able to stay connected to email and the Internet easily thanks to the Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g). Because it uses flash memory instead of a hard drive (with 4 GB of storage), the Eee PC is optimal for weathering rough handling and sharing space in overstuffed bags.
With a rapid start-up time, the Eee PC is always ready to get into action.
For the professional, the Eee PC comes with a powerful selection of software to maximize personal productivity--over 40 built-in applications. The Open Office suite of software enables the user to open, edit and create documents, presentations, spreadsheets and databases that are compatible with Microsoft Office. For journalists, photographers and other professionals who need to use a computer in the field to create, to communicate and to collaborate with other colleagues, the Eee PC's combination of power, extreme portability and rugged build makes it the ideal computing solution.
It's also a great choice for young students, with a built-in Dictionary that's great for homework, and it includes two modes of intuitive graphic user interface design to accommodate both experienced and inexperienced PC users. The Eee PC also handles your digital images, movies, and music as well as Internet radio.
No technical manual required with the specially designed, user-friendly, and intuitive graphic interface.
Compact and highly portable at just 32 ounces, the Eee PC 4G has a 7-inch wide color TFT LCD with an 800 x 480-pixel resolution (WXGA). Under the hood is a 900 MHz Intel Mobile CPU with integrated Intel graphics processor, 512 MB of RAM (not expandable), and 4 GB of solid-state flash memory. With the dependable solid-state disk, you get unparalleled shock-protection and reliability. In addition to its wireless LAN, it also offers wired Fast Ethernet connectivity. The Eee PC includes software for Web browsing (Firefox), email, OpenOffice 2.0 for creating and editing word processing documents and spreadsheets, and a suite of other productivity software to help keep you on track.
You get three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA output for connecting to external monitors, headphone and microphone jacks, and a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot. The Eee PC measures 8.9 x 6.5 x 1.4 inches, and it weighs 32 ounces. The 4-cell, 5200 mAh battery provides up to 3.5 hours of battery life (depending on usage). It's backed by a 1 year warranty for parts and labor.
