Philips really goes out of their way to show you how much they don't care
Written: Jul 18 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Low cost, decent image quality, built in microhpone
Cons: The IRS has better customer service; You won't believe how bad the web site is.
The Bottom Line: The camera falls over if you sneeze and Philips customer service and web site design are provided by former KGB agents. Not worth it at any price.
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| jayfennewald's Full Review: Philips PC Camera |
I bought my Philips Web Cam on impulse. It was cheaper than the Logitech model and Netmeeting is all the rage if you telecommute so I added it to my basket and have paid for that "savings" ever since.
The cute, duck like feet don't attach to the camera. They're just a rubber mold you sit the camera on. The USB cord is not particularly long, and is heavier than the camera.
Basic physics: Gravity will yank that sucker off of your monitor or any place you put it if the cord isn't taped or clamped or otherwise supported. I resorted to some Post-it adhesive strips someone gave me, but a glue gun or tripod (optional and not cheap) is really what you need.
That aside, I managed to get it to work reasonably well and only resorted to cussing fits when I had to move it or it was knocked it down by a cat or slight breeze.
Now, to be clear here, I didn't use it very much at all. If I'd been a daily user, I think I would have smashed it into little pieces within the first week.
I'm writing now because I needed new drivers for Windows Me. I finally went to the Philips web site the other day and discovered a new low in online support.
I won't go into the details, because frankly, I'm trying to block the memory. Let's just say that I probably traveled to more than a dozen different Philips sites around the world and that the search engine is probably used to study human psychology or maybe as a form of torture.
After a few hours (or maybe days, I can't be sure) of frustration I realized I would have been better off just going to the local office supply store and buying a new camera from someone else.
I actually took time to email their "web master." Probably wears lots of leather and has a whip. I did receive an email telling me the site was being redesigned.
That of course is a bogus excuse. New sites are designed and tested before they get opened up to the general public and the problems with Philips web site merely reflect Philips attitude towards customers in general.
So, pass by that bargain bin and pick a product from a company that at least tries to provide support.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
jayfennewald
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Member: Jay Fennewald
Location: Long Beach, CA USA
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I'm a technical writer and help developer for various software companies in southern California.
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