Accessories Interesting

I needed to buy a webcam to do videoconferencing with relatives in Italy. I decided to buy a Microsoft product because I could be sure it would be the most conventional, mainstream webcam available. I decided to get this model because it appears to be the top-of-the-line for Microsoft, with a 2 Megapixel video resolution (as well as a 7+ Megapixel still camera built-in).

This particular model is designed to attach to the top of a laptop. It does not fit securely on the top of a flat panel display, but with a little tape it is quite usable. I am very impressed by the quality of the picture, and the ease of use of the hardware and software. What most impressed me however was the noise cancellation done by the software, so that the camera's microphone does not create feedback from the PC's speakers (something that telephones do that most of us just take for granted).

It worked like a charm for our internet videoconference with my in-laws in Italy. Really great. I have already ordered a second one to give as a gift.

Note: this model is really designed to use with a laptop. I had to use tape to attach it to the top of my flat panel display and I had to use a USB extension cord to reach the PC under my desk.