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Rating : 7 / 10 |
The Laser Mobile Mini Webcam is a compact USB webcam which can be used with your laptop or your PC. It sits on a clamp to hold tight to your laptop screen or clamp it to the base to use for the PC.
The webcam also comes with a tripod and with a built-in microphone and snapshot button, this is one of the more convenient webcams to carry around with you.
Bringing 1.3 mega pixel quality to your video conferences, this skype supported webcam will bring to life all of your conversations with sharp image quality.
System Requirements:
- Intel Pentium III 700 Mhz or equivalent
- Windows 98SE, 2000, Me, XP, Vista*
- Available USB Port
- CD-ROM drive
- 64MB RAM (or minimum OS requirement, whichever is higher)
- 200MB free hard drive space
- 16-bit colour display adapter
- Windows compatible sound card & speakers (full duplex sound card recommended)
*Requires software update for Windows Vista
Specifications:
- Built-in microphone
- 24 Bit True Colour
- Up to 30 Frames per second
- 1.3 megapixel sensor
- Easy-Touch Snapshot Button
- Store Digital Videos in AVI and WMV File Formats
- Store Digital Photos in JPEG and BMP File Formats
Dimensions: 190mm(H) x 80mm(L) x 140mm(W)
The Laser Mobile Mini Webcam is light, very light. But this is also its downfall as the USB cord is stiff, trying to keep the camera facing a direction without turning back can be a small obstacle. However, once that's all set up, a simple connection to the USB and microphone port and you're set to go.
One minor issue I have is that the webcam isn't interchangable between USB ports without needing to re-install the drivers. Although you won't need the CD again because it's already on your computer, it is nevertheless a slight pain.
Video quality of the Laser webcam is a mixed bag. To an extent for a normal video chat, it does well. You can be clearly seen and, although there is image noise, it doesn't affect the end result; it works. But if you're looking for something that runs on a smooth 25+ frames, this webcam will struggle. Due to the position of my desk and length of cable, I am unable to test under optimal settings; light source behind the webcam with enough illumination to see the subject clearly.
However, from various tests, and based on the quality provided under common conditions, I would say that this webcam won't reach smooth frame rates long enough to get what you want done.
But other than requiring optimal settings to smooth rates, there are odd settings also that can produce smooth rates which sometimes don't produce the same result the next time.
It isn't too bad overall.
Like any conferencing, you'd want audio also. Why stop at just video? The built-in microphone is commendable. Sitting up to 1 metre away, the microphone is able to pick up my voice quite clearly. However, surrounding sounds are also picked up as there is noise-cancellation. But the fact that it can be used at such a distance and provide clear recording is definitely worthy.
Using the tripod is great as it elevates my webcam to provide more eye-level, although not completely depending on the use, providing a more 1 to 1 atmosphere during conversations. The stand also uses the same size screw which you will find in digital cameras, so it is a 2 for 1 deal.
The webcam can elevate its view up and down, but if it's not enough, you can elevate it further with the tripod also.
Although the stand is quite versitile, the feet use normal plastic rather than any sort of rubber to provide more ground and friction, making the webcam prone to tilting over slipping around.
Overall, for a small webcam, it provides great value. The 1.3 megapixel provides a good enough video clarity so that you can enjoy your chat, and everything else comes together all in one package. If you're looking for a simple webcam just to spice up your instant messaging a little bit, the Laser Mobile Mini Webcam may just do the trick for you.
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