Labtec Notebook Webcam Notebook web camera

well, I thought I would read a few reviews about the webcam I currently have, and shock horror, there werent any. So just for you lucky people, Ive decided to give you a sneak preview.

Well firstly, this webcam is designed for laptops/notepads. Normal webcams just sit on top of the computer monitor, which isnt possible when using a laptop. Therefore, this webcam clips onto the top or side of the screen-half of the laptop. This works ...
...between them. The two plastic sides pull apart to enable the cam to be slid over the edge of the laptop, the springs then pull the plastic sides tight so that the cam does not slide or fall off.
These 'feet' have a soft rubber coating on the inside to protect your laptop from scratches, however over time, the movement of this rubber against the laptop can cause wearing of paint.

The webcam, firstly requires 'labtec' programming ... more

well, I thought I would read a few reviews about the webcam I currently have, and shock horror, there werent any. So just for you lucky people, Ive decided to give you a sneak preview.

Well firstly, this webcam is designed for laptops/notepads. Normal webcams just sit on top of the computer monitor, which isnt possible when using a laptop. Therefore, this webcam clips onto the top or side of the screen-half of the laptop. This works because the clip is two sections of plastic, with springs between them. The two plastic sides pull apart to enable the cam to be slid over the edge of the laptop, the springs then pull the plastic sides tight so that the cam does not slide or fall off.
These 'feet' have a soft rubber coating on the inside to protect your laptop from scratches, however over time, the movement of this rubber against the laptop can cause wearing of paint.

The webcam, firstly requires 'labtec' programming to be installed. The disc accompanies the webcam in the box is very easy to install. Instructions appeared on screen, and the process roughly 5 minutes to complete. Once the programme is installed, the camera is ready to use, and attaches to the laptop via a USB port.

The webcam can be used to take pictures, videos, internet messaging, or voice messaging. To capture pictures and videos, the small webcam icon in the task bar needs to be left clicked once. A small window of options will open. Quick capture then needs to be clicked on. This will open arectangular window in the middle of the screen. The top section of the window will show the view of the camera. The bottom section enables you to access the options. There are two large buttons on the bottom half of the window , one of which is pressed once to start recording, and a second time to stop the recording. The other allows a picture to be taken. These are clearly labelled. Also, a button on the side of the camera itself allows pictures to be captured.

Options for the camera include:
A low light setting which is helpful indoors or in the evening. Pictures that may otherwise be black can be seen in full colour.
A brightness setting which changes how bright the colours are shown in the picture.
A contrast setting which changes the contrast between colours
A saturation setting qhich changes the levels of light saturation from the surrounding, and effects the representation of colours.
A colour boost can also be used along with the low light setting when it is slightly darker, and colours are not as visible.

For internet messaging, the webcam needs to be opened through the programme i.e Yahoo or MSN. During this time, the camera can not be used in 'quick capture' for pictures, however, the options can still be changed during this time. Unfortunately, this camera can only work with yahoo, windows or msn messenger, and video emails. I found this to be quite annoying as it didnt specify on the packaging or on the online details at argos. The capture rate is also relatively fast and will only stick once every 5- 10 minutes or so. When the camera does stick it is usually only for a few seconds.

Voice messaging also needs to be accessed through programmes such as msn messenger, and is completely controlled through that programme i.e you dont need to press a button on the camera. However, you do need to check the settings before using it. The camera needs to be selected as the device to be used. I found the microphone to be very handy as it is built into the camera and so takes up no extra room.

Handy features:
Images can be mirrored so that picture can be viewed the right way round, upside down, or reflected sideways. This feature can be used for video messaging, photos and videos.

The side of the camera is coated in rubber. This is the 'focusing wheel' it can be turned to focus the camera in and out although mine was stiff at first and I was a little worried about breaking it whilst trying to turn it.

Problems:
Although the clip of the camera will physically allow the camera to be attached to the side of the laptop, the picture can not be rotated by 90 degrees. Therefore it is almost useless at this angle.

The clip on the camera also seems a little flimsy for want of a better word. It is made of plastic and could easily be broken.

Overall, I would say that this camera is useful, and was by far the cheapest camera (I could find) available to laptop owners. This camera costs just £20 compared to an average of £40 for the competition. The camera also comes with a foam drawstring bag with 'Labtec' on it for the camera to be kept in. It is a very user friendly, reliable camera!!

Thanks for reading
Hannah 

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