Logitech 961241-0403 QuickCam for Notebooks

by Logitech

Product Details

Supplementary Guide [191kb PDF]

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Data Sheet [64kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006HMPE
• Item model number: 961241-0403
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 2, 2002

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks is a compact and portable USB camera designed specifically for laptop PC users. Add video to instant messenger services such as Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, and AOL Instant Messenger. Capture still photos and videos instantly. Conduct video conferences from anywhere using Microsoft NetMeeting. The USB connection allows for easy setup and the included software makes the camera easy to use while away from home.

Video resolution and size can be adjusted up to 640 x 480 pixels (software-interpolated). Still image format is JPEG and video data format is AVI. Video frame rates go up to 30 frames per second; the lens has a fixed focus. You will need to purchase a microphone separately to talk over the Internet.

The Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks is compatible with computers that run Windows 98, 2000, Me, or XP and have a USB input. The Webcam comes with a two-year limited hardware warranty.

From the Manufacturer

A compact and portable USB camera designed specifically for notebook PC users. Add video to instant messenger services such as Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). Capture still photos and videos instantly. Conduct videoconferences from anywhere using Microsoft NetMeeting.

The USB connection allows for easy set up and the included software makes the camera easy to use while away from home. The compact and portable camera also features a built-in notebook computer mount folds up to protect lens. Subject framing is easy with 360-degree rotation and tilt adjustment. Plus you get up to 640 x 480 pixel resolution.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Loved the design. Only if they used a better imaging chip., January 31, 2003

By 

YSC "ciac" (Mamaroneck, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Logitech 961241-0403 QuickCam for Notebooks (Personal Computers)

I bought this camera to use on a Thinkpad. I have always been fascinated with the design since the original came out on the iREZ Critter cameras made for Macintosh laptops a few years ago. Those cameras died because of very poor image quality. After using this camera, I wonder if Logitech just acquired the origianl iREZ and did nothing to improve it. Shame on them for putting out such a camera with such low image quality, especially at the price.

Likes:
I loved the stylish design, but I'm also aware that this is completely subjective. The leg clips on the laptop or flat panel displays nicely. Though it is not as steady as some clamp-based notebook camera mounts, it is more compact and "integrated" as it can be turned over as a lens cover. The camera responds quickly to light changes to adjust exposure settings. It also has decent contrast handling (in spite of the poor images) and high shutter speed. It is very small and light, with a short USB cord true to its purpose as a notebook camera. Very decent construction quality, though the joint where the leg connects to the camera may be a weak link for a travel camera subjective to frequent handling or abuse.

Dislikes:
Very poor image quality. It is comparable to the worst of the logitech line, or the Quickcam Express (which uses very dated technology), despite its 640x480 rating. The image is full of noise produced with high gain, yet more significantly, the resolving power of the imager or the lens is abysmal (yes I adjusted the focus ad nauseam). The color is also terrible, with very poor saturation and hue no matter how I adjusted it. The image in short, is grainy, pixelated, blurry and with a grey-ish hue on everything. Even a cheaper Xirlink camera I tried did much better than this.

Conclusion:
Logitech tend to use "gain" function rather than prolonging the shutter speed for low light situations. This contributes to the noise of the images througout its camera line. The reason Logitech do this, I suspect, is so that the camera can "freeze frame" the moving subjects nicely even when under low light situations. The higher end Quickcam Pro 4000 has an adjustment for both gain and shutter, and this theory proved its own validity. Such control is not available for this travel camera, however, and grainy image is the norm. This factor was casted aside, since with better software controls the noise may be reduced and not be a "fault" of the camera's hardware itself. However, the image resolution as well as the color is quite terrible, even with all the controls played, looking more like a cheap 320x240 camera. These faults can be primarily attribued to an inferior CCD. Despite the favorable review on CNET among other sources, it is easily out-performed by a cheaper Xirlink made IBM Net Camera we also tried for comparison due to its comparable size and notebook clamping capability. The difference in image was phenomenal, so much that it truly put the little cute spider camera to shame. I sincerely do not want to reject the camera, but for this kind of price and image quality, even its innovatively designed and high quality plastic body cannot save it for becoming a very poor value indeed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Small handy for laptop users, September 21, 2002

By 

Peitron - See all my reviews

This review is from: Logitech 961241-0403 QuickCam for Notebooks (Personal Computers)

I've had no problems with my camara. The picture quality is that of many Logitechs, so don't expect movie quality, but it's more than enough for my needs. It's very small, easy to install and hook up to your notebook to keep in touch. I've had no problems with the plastic base, as other users, and I suspect you really shouldn't have a problem with it as long as you don't abuse it. Remember, this is a product for a notebook user on the road, so don't expect the heavy duty quality of a desktop camara either.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent value for the price, May 14, 2005

By 

G. Balmes (westport, washington United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Logitech 961241-0403 QuickCam for Notebooks (Personal Computers)

My unit has been great for what I use it for; online chatting (does not have mic) A great gift for parents to give to kids to stay in touch while away at college. Sure there are better units out there; but for the price and features you can't go wrong.
The Logitech QuickCam For Notebooks is a compact portable USB camera designed specifically for notebook PC users. Add video to instant Messenger Services such as Yahoo & MSN Messenger and AOL (AIM). Capture still photos and videos instantly. Conduct video conferences from anywhere using Microsoft NetMeeting. The USB connection allows for easy plug and play set up. Comes with camers and softwear

Features
* Attach the camera to your notebook using integrated mount that
as a lens cap.
* Rotate camera 360 degrees for better angles
* Get started quickly with the simple softwear and plug-and-play
USB connector.
* Broadcast live video over the web or instant messenger programs
* Take up to 640x480 pixels, softwear interpolated
* Capture video up to 30 frames per second.

Systems Requirements

* Pentium II 400, Celeron, AMD Anthlon (which I have)processor
Higher.
* Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, ME (I use) or XP
* CD-ROM drive
* Available USB port

I use the following criteria in my ratings

1. Quality of product
2. Ease of use
3. Features
4. Value for money spent