External Webcam for Vista 64

[butch]

Hello to everyone, I have an HP Pavilion dv7-1245dx notebook with Vista 64 Home Premium, 4 gb, AMD Turion x2, and a built in HP Webcam. I would like to have an external mount Webcam that mounts above the notebook on a shelf, or at least at a better angle than what is offered with the notebook now.

Can anyone tell me which manufacturer's Webcam would work well with my notebook, and not be an extremely complicated issue to install and use? Maybe another member has had the same desire as myself that likes the notebook but doesn't care for the stock camera.

I have read some other post's here where members had issues with their systems crashing, or not accepting their additional cameras when they installed them. I don't really need anything too expensive, just needs to be something with a good image and user friendly. I have looked at some of the Logitech models for around $50.00 to $100.00 or so, but I would like some solid advice FIRST..... and...I doesn't have to be Logitech....please tell me what you think, Thanks for all help, butch

 

[hariharan]

I would suggest a Logitech and not a Creative Webcam.

If Apple still sold iSight then I would anytime purchase an iSight

 

[butch]

Do you have any suggestions or recomendations as far as to which model(s) of Logitech, for Skype conversations and such with my system??

 

[hariharan]

One question Can you afford a Microsoft HD webcam.

If yes then purchase that because it will become future proof.

check this link out.
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema

 

[butch]

Yes, I saw that particular Microsoft HD Life Cam on the Walmart website for $53.00 or so. I also was looking at a Logitech Pro 9000 on the same website for $89.00. The Microsoft HD actually looks to be more "well built", and has a couple of better features, and I am wondering if the Microsoft Webcam wouldn't be more trouble free, as far as installation and operation since Windows is Microsoft?? Am I on the right track?? thanks butch

 

[v877051]

I second the idea of the MS HD Cam. For what it's worth, I was running a Microsoft "LifeCam" VX3000 (or 1,000? Sorry, it's late...) and it was simply too difficult to situate on top of my monitor. Some of these things can operate fine, but the devices themselves can either be too sensitive to light (as was the case w/ the VX1000,) too flimsy/floppy/light (again, the case here,) or, in some cases, push ridiculous software onto the enduser, not unlike part of a typical "Recovery Disk." Just to expand on the Microsoft HD, the features are WELL WORTH IT. I didn't mind the price at all once I got it hooked up; a justified cost if you really want a camera.

Lately, the MS HD does a lot of the work for you! (light adjustments, etc., no clumsy calibrations or whatever those silly tests are that the cheaper VX1000-type ones make you do.) I almost forgot: You'll consisitently get digitially-signed drivers for the MS HD one. The VX or whatever it was kept getting "generic" driver pop-ups, which became a nuisance. I was reminded, constantly, that it was out-of-date. If I'm not mistaken, opting-in for MS Update vs. WindowsUpdate is required to get the updates for the MS HD.

I hope this helps! ...just adding to a prev. post.

 

[butch]

v877051, Not a problem at all chiming in on the thread, I don't know if I mentioned it or not but my intentions are for using an external Webcam for Skype online lessons, and I was told by my instructor that Logitech was the way to go. I read some reviews on Logitech's Pro 9000 and some of the consumers were not satisfied with the fact that their computer systems didn't communicate with the external cam very well.

That, is what I do not want to have to constantly deal with. I want something that performs well, with a sharp image, good sound, and that my system can handle with no issues. butch

 

[hariharan]

Then Go for Ms HD webcam.

As I said it might cost you more, but in the end it is worth it.

 

[butch]

Done