The new Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro (US$100) is an ultra portable, quality USB camera for Mac users. Many Mac users have often complained about so many companies who make Web cams for PCs but don’t include them. Logitech has included Mac users with this new QuickCam for Notebooks.
It comes with:
- CCD VGA Sensor – 640 x 480 resolution
- Lightweight 30″ cable
- Built in microphone
- Snapshot button
- Manual focus by turning the silver ring around the lens
- Tilt adjustment for east subject framing
- Bonus carrying case with cable managment
- Email video and photos easily
- Create web albums
- Create animated films
- Up to 30fps
- focus range – 6″ to infinity
One thing that is nice about the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro is that it is easy to set up and use. No bugs to deal with, it is a solid software package for the Mac that includes the option to capture still images and videos instantly. With video there is built-in compression that allows you to send videos via email although the audio was a little distorted. The picture is quite clear for a consumer Web cam.
Let me point out that Logitech has made this QuickCam for Notebooks available for Mac users who are still using 9.1 and 9.0.4. I tested it using Mac OS 9.2.2 and it worked fine. Logitech reported to me in saying that they will have in the near future drivers for Mac OS 10.2 Jaguar. In a conversation with Logitech they expressed interest in making new produts for Mac users. All the new products will be released for Mac OS X users. No longer developing products for Classic Mac users. Logitech had mentioned that they have a good working relationship with Apple. But wouldn’t say on what.
One of the things that was a dissapointment was the advertisment saying that this QuickCam for Notebooks could be video enabled for AOL IM (AIM) and MSN Messenger with Logitech ‘IM VIDEO Companion”. Which is only available for PC users. They suggested that I use the new Yahoo IM for video conferencing which is another story.
There was an alternative road that was available to test this Web cam. I went to iVisit which is a free download for Classic Mac users. The software is easy to use and very stable. There is a slight delay in the audio but overall for free software most Mac users do find this one of the best around. It is not available for Mac OS X users yet.
ispQ by nanocom.com is another alternative for Mac OS X users as well as Classic. A very stable video conferencing software where you have the ability to message a user with the use of your cam. Get a profile on them and have permission to video chat with them in private. A community that is getting bigger by the day. One thing that happens is the server has problems and you might experience problems getting on. There is a free trial basis to use all of the options. Again the Logitech camera provided a little lag time in audio but overall quality was good.
For a consumer Web cam, Logitech has put out a well made QuickCam for Notebook users. At US$100 dollars it can be seen a very economical choice for those needing the ability to see and talk to each other with a Mac. Although there needs to be more development in this area for Mac users, we can take a delight in knowing that there are companies like Logitech who are hard at work for Mac users. More info on the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro can be found at http://www.logitech.com/.
Web Cams viewers for OS X:
- BTV
- SquidCam by SquidSoft
- iSpQ VideoChat X 5.0.6 – Internet video chatting/conference software
OS X Driver: iOXperts Download the trial version for free. Buy it for $14.95 during the beta periold. (The price goes up to $19.95 when they release.)
