Solid value for the money
Written: Jun 14 '03 (Updated Jun 15 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Dual functionality at a low price point ($139)
Cons: Like many dual-function products, there are tradeoffs
The Bottom Line: I recommend it as a versatile performer for the price
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| nycskeptic's Full Review: Logitech QuickCam Traveler Web Cam |
I've used the Logitech Quickam Traveler for about a year and a half. I use it principally as a Webcam, though in a pinch I've taken it along for the ride as a snapshot camera.
Installation was so easy it was a non-issue. I originally hooked up with my Win98-equipped Compaq DeskPro, then migrated it to my new XP-based Gateway 500S in October, with absolutely no snags (even though I expected them). Simply plug in the USB cable to a spare port, let Windows find and initialize the new software, run the CD, and you're set.
The unit comes with Image Studio, a handy application for browsing the pics you take offline, as well as those the Webcam can shoot at designated intervals (i.e. for surveillance). It's intuitive, with virtually no learning curve. Previous Logitech cam owners will feel especially at ease with it.
As a Webcam, the Traveler improves upon the ubiquitous Logitech "eye" design, with a MUCH more adjustable pivoting stand. Previous Quickcam "eye" users know that while very cool looking, this unit was prone to slippage when the user would try to make a slight positioning adjustment. The Traveler offers improved--though not perfectly smooth--adjustability.
Focusing is also improved over "the eye." The latter had/has a clunky adjustment around the circumference of the lens. Here, there is a sliding bar below the lens, with marking for close and distant subjects. It's better, but I've still had trouble discerning the true difference in calibration when sliding this bar back and forth during use.
Picture quality is about a 7 on a 1-10 scale. I think it's way better than most others' cam images I see online, yet there are those that are much more clear, too. I've tried myriad types of lighting (incandescent, halogen, daylight), positioning, and color/exposure controls. But hey, "7" is still pretty good!
To use the unit as a digital camera, you simply detach it from its USB cable, and flick a switch on its side--ready to go. Quality? This is no megapixel powerhouse, but it's not meant to be. I've found it to be really useful when I want to show a remote friend or relative a pic of the cats or the new shelf I built. The pluses of these low resolution pics is that they can get lots of info into easily uploaded/downloaded email attachments.
When you're ready to return the camera to Webcam duty, simply flick the switch, and plug it back it. The PC welcomes it back without any hassles.
The built-in mic is a nice plus.
This is also a durable unit, as it's operated without a hitch now for well over 18 months, which have included a few hard falls onto my hardwood floors.
Overall, a good quality, mid-to-upper-midrange Webcam for the price, with a cool bonus.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
nycskeptic
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Reviews written: 2
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