works out of box in ubuntu 8.04 | Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX

As seen on Star Trek | Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX

electronics:


	• Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX Logitech Logitech average customer review:based on 96 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Competent web cam -- good for Windows XP, basic use for the Mac

I bought this web cam to use primarily with Skype, and, for that, it's perfect, especially for the price; however, it works different on Windows machines and Macs.

First, the Windows PC: installation is a breeze. Slip in the CD to install the software, and plug the camera into the USB port when asked. Simple as that! The driver software allows still shots, video capture, and the ability to edit images. We had it up and running with Skype in about five minutes. The software is certified for Vista, although I have it attached to a computer running XP, so I cannot comment on its compatibility.

Now, for the Mac: installation took even less time. I plugged the camera into the USB slot, and, while my Mac still thinks that it's an unknown device, Skype at once recognized it as a Logitech STX. I had video calling capabilities, with the same image quality as the one on the Windows PC, within moments. However, without the software, I cannot capture video or take a snapshot. (I've tried downloading Macam, but I can't get the program to work with the camera; the program states that there is no camera attached.) I understand that most Macs these days come with built-in cameras, but for those of us who have a separate monitor, we're stuck with Logitech's much more expensive camera for the Mac, Logitech 960-000254 QuickCam Vision Pro for Mac.

The image quality is decent, though certainly not high end. Before this, I tried the bottom of the line Logitech camera, and the STX is soooo much better for a few more dollars. Even better, it has a shutter cover when not in use, which both protects the lens from dust AND keeps you from inadvertently broadcasting your bed-head. The long balance that fits over the monitor is flexible, allowing you to adjust (within a relatively small range) the camera angle so you don't end up capturing the top of your head (short people) or only your chin (tall people.)

All in all, I'm pleased with the quality of this camera. I would have preferred greater usability with the Mac, but, since I'm mostly using it to chat with friends and family, I'm not too upset. 4 stars for the PC; 3 for the Mac.

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works out of box in ubuntu 8.04

when i first passed to ubuntu, i was astonished that even skype has a linux compatible version. however my previous webcam didn't work in ubuntu. instead of installing windows again i purchased a new webcam. this works out of box and is really great. the eye of the cam has a cap so that it doesn't collect dust. i loved it!

As seen on Star Trek

First of all, this is probably what you are looking for, unless you want to be able to take photographs above 640 x 420 resolution, zoom, focus, wide angle lenses, but then you are looking for a pro webcam, and there are one or two here, but you are better spending your $100 in a digital photography shop. For the rest of you that just want a plug n' play digital camera that not only looks great but doesn't smash to pieces by the end of the week because it fell off the monitor, at an affordable price, actually very cheap for what it does, then the Logitech Quickcam Communicate WebCam is exactly what you need... and what everyone else owns.

This dark grey orb is a nice upgrade from its black sphere processor (a revolution for its time), just bigger than an egg with a claw grip that you can bend around almost anything but is especially designed for LCD monitors, but has no problem with CRT or desks. In fact it has the same grip as the Quickcam pro model from Logitech and maybe if you look at this products photographs you can see it. Okay, so that is your stand. The original camera looked like HAL from 2001 but now looks like HAL combined with a Transformers look. Pity the central camera lens doesn't glow red, ha aha. Instead of lighting up blue on top there is a small green/yellow light that turns on at the side. There are additionally two new features. The cam comes with a cap that you can open and close and a button on the side that you can press to take pictures. To be honest the button is not good because it's hard to hold the cam steady and when you close the cap you sometimes press the button by mistake. While the cap is good it opens up Logitech cam software automatically so you can select a cap image. This conflicts with some chat software clients and I can't seem to be able to turn it off. All round these new features are very nice but the cam gets docked a star because this design could have been much better. It looks great, fantastic looking technology, but the implementation of the cap plus button is bad. Also the front rim is curved not flat. If you sit it flat on the desk it moves from left to right like a rocking chair!

Instead of the parts coming in two pieces (where you had to click into the stand before) it is all in one. The cable is a direct camera to USB2 that runs about the height of an average person, so if you want it to see further you need a USB2 to USB2 extension. However the cable is adequate for most.

The old model does not work with Vista, but this one does. Do not plug in the webcam. Insert the CD. Install the driver software. Then you are prompted to plug in your webcam and follow what Logitech tell you to do. Okay, now you have the camera set so you can take photographs and camera video with it.

They have updated the lighting quality and image quality dramatically. The boost in image quality is considerable. The autofocus is near perfect for the price. You will not have to adjust this camera except to move it. There is a learning curve with the settings. People who don't know how to use it properly don't use these settings. You need to fix the settings like most cameras. There is a default button if things bleach out. I would still say get this cam for the price and look but Logitech should have done better.

In short, this is what you should have unless you want zoom, focus and high quality photographic images. You can use this for free with Yahoo messenger or MSN. 320 x 240 is a fine resolution to run at. This camera can do 640 x 420.

Just get it, call home, force them to upgrade to broadband and end those $100 transatlantic phone calls. FREE VID-PHONE if you have a microphone! In which case, see into getting yourself a headset from the same people who brought you this great product.

Pros
Maybe the best cheap cam around
Image is very good for the price
It looks amazing

Cons
Button on cam is in a bad place
Software has bugs
Rocking cam on the desk

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Logitech and grandparenting

This purchase allowed us to have daily and sometimes twice daily face-to-face interaction with our grandson across the country using the camera and Skype. Now his screen time is with grandparents.
We have enjoyed hours with morning and bedtime visits. He is under 1 and this allows us clear video and mostly un broken sound reception with him. It is working fine and sometimes a little choppy when he moves but we attribute that to the speed of internet not the camera.
What a great way to keep in touch!

Ramp up your video communication with QuickCam Communicate STX's high performance VGA optics and integrated microphone. Whether you want to improve your video IM or upgrade to video calling, STX will make your online chats, conversations, and friendships far more compelling!The Communicate STX works with all popular Instant Messenger services, including AIM, AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and Windows Messenger (on XP). You'll get ultra sharp video IM, and the STX will let you know you're "live" with its vivid blue activity light.Ready for the next level in Internet communication? The Communicate STX will take you there in style. Make live video calls and share photos seamlessly with Logitech's VideoCall for broadband. Communicate STX even lets you "go big" by taking your video full-screen, and makes it a snap to attach videos and photos to email.The STX is easy to set up, includes a free clip to fit virtually any CRT monitor, flat panel display, or notebook PC, and comes complete with all of the software you need for an outstanding video communication experience.

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