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Overall, a purchaser would be a thousand percent better off buying another brand that's plug-and-play compatible. Lighting is tricky. Yes, it's portable; but aren't they all. Without the additional purchase of eCamm's iUSBCam software it doesn't work at all, and you'll find even that software truly and still requires the additional purchase of the sister product, iGlasses, to get a picture that doesn't approximate the glowing blobs described by someone who has been abducted by extra-terrestrials.
but too much light, as from a desk lamp set to illuminate your face, makes your image glow as though it were radioactive.The field of vision is oddly short and long, like a 3x5 index card. And, just as people who've had their cataracts removed marvel at how clear and bright the world becomes post-op, shifting from this camera to just about anything else will have you shouting, I'VE BEEN CURED. I CAN SEE AGAIN. IT'S A MIRACLE. It was the least expensive Mac-compatible camera available. I thought, "How bad can it be." Hmmmm, "Atrocious, Baleful, Contemptible, Deplorable, Execrable, Frightful." Too bad the English alphabet has only twenty-six letters; there are so many more words to describe how truly awful it is. The preview app, if left in the dock, is helpful for adjusting the ambient light before attempting to use iChat and, despite complaints, will turn off both the camera and its little green light. If I try to look at their image on the display, what they see is me looking in any direction but theirs.
However, that action further lowers the positioning on my eMac, requiring me to look down and to the side to appear as though I am looking into the eyes of the person I'm iChatting. This is pretty much a waste of money, time, and effort. If you are writing about eyesight and want to experience for yourself how severe cataracts affect the vision of someone before surgical removal, this camera is IDEAL. The USB connector must be connected directly to the computer or a powered hub. unless you're doing a report on disabilities.
Although you can adjust the sharpness slightly by moving the tiny ring on the lens, the displayed image appears as though viewed through waxed paper. Yes it's inexpensive; but the add-ons more than double the price. Oddly, this coil, with all the strength of overcooked spaghetti, actually strengthens when bent or twisted lightly. it doesn't like low light or shadows. But the twisty cable is only about twelve inches from connecter to lens, and so rigid at the ends that it protrudes inconveniently far, wasting a good bit of the gooseneck type coil.
This one offers the compatibility at a reasonable price. I have been looking for a certain time for a MAC-compatible web cam. There are not many available and most of the time they are very expensive.
I purchased this so I can use this with Ichat (using iUSBCam v2.2.5 software). By purchasing this camera you also get 5.00 off the purchase of the iUSBCam software.
Anyone with older hardware like me with definitely enjoy this camera. This setup is a great alternative to purchasing a firewire camera (iSight).
I purchased this for my old 600Mhz G3 Ibook (10.3.9). This camera is definitely worth the 29.95 I paid for it.
Just remember its a $29.95 camera so please do not expect a Mercedes at a Honda Civic price. That particular laptop only has USB 1.1.
Everything works great.
We've used it twice (tried to use it twice). Is the price right for something that doesn't work well. We think this product is a turkey. Finding the button, or combination of buttons, to actually send video has eluded both my wife and I. Probably not. The Macally Portable Goose Neck USB video met the physical demands of the counter top our Mac sits on, but that's about all.
The gooseneck is very convenient, and for a cheap camera, it gets the job done. Picture quality is a bit fuzzy, and it doesn't see a wide area, but you can't expect a lot from a webcam in this price range.
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