Logitech QuickCam Orbit MP Webcam ( 961422-0403 )

I have about three different logitech webcams, one for my laptop, it is the small clip on one, and the other two are for my desktop computers at work and home. Why three, because I got them all at a good price. The orbit can just sit on the desk, so as to not be in the way on the lcd screen. I purchased this one without software becaused I already had some from my other webcams. I think webcams are cool for communicating with friends and family you don't get to see often, so I would say, 'get this one' so you can stay in touch.

Thanks for reading my review.

no problems im not a web cam expert but easy to install and use............. all my girlfriends love it............

I'm using this for videoconferencing with skype & msn. I'm not leveraging any of the software features such as animated backgrounds etc. The image quality is terrific, the light compensation technology performs equally well, and the automated tracking can keep up with my toddlers racing around the room.

I bought this just over two months ago and it has nearly destroyed my PC. As soon as I installed it, the following occurred:

- face tracking must be manually activated every time
- pan and tilt has never worked
- microphone must be manually reset to Orbit MP from my default speakers every time it is in use
- although Logitech suggests disabling the echo cancel to prevent computer crashes, it still crashes my computer
- I have uninstalled and re-installed the camera over thirty times, as it often disables itself without warning
- the last five times while using the camera on a Skype call, my computer crashed; the last two times, wiping out my e-mails and Picasa ( ~ 1800 photos - which are thankfully in other applications and an off-site backup)
- CPU hog problem; even when the camera is not in use, my computer is at a crawl, despite regular maintenance
- computer freezes minimum six times per day, even when camera is not in use

If I completely uninstall all the programs/software, the computer is exceptionally fast and NEVER freezes or crashes.

I use Skype: I can only use the microphone and call a landline - I dare not use the video component. The microphone, once it is working, is stable, but using the video image invariably results in a crash.

As well, image quality is debatable: choppy, often pink/purple with a stripe of yellow-green down the middle of my image. And the sound quality is not good, having an "underwater" impression. If only using the microphone, the sound is slightly better.

Contacting Logitech has been nothing short of frustrating: I received only one e-mail suggesting I download the latest drivers from their website (which I had already done several times). Problem? The updated software does not recognize my Skype (I am using the latest version) and even if I download Skype, it is still not recognized. So, no Skype.

I wrote to Logitech customer support eight more times, and they have not responded. I asked about their warranty; still no response.

Unfortunately, this is an expensive machine I cannot use. Thankfully, I kept the box and my receipt and will be returning it to the retailer - they can forward it to Logitech. As for my money, a refund, credit, whatever, I hold out no hope.

Skype is also not helpful, sending me form e-mails on how to install a camera.

Worse yet, Logitech and Skype are in partnership, so I will be forced to purchase another Logitech webcam.

I have even notified Logitech of this review; will that help? I doubt it.

Why do some have monumental problems and some have none? What a muddle and a mystery.

The negative reviews for this product are too extreme. The main complaints are that the face-tracking doesn't work well--there's some truth to that, but reading the instructions helps a lot. Use a simple background for videos, stay at low resolution, don't jump around and face tracking is a useful addition. Problem #2 is that you can't get hold of tech help. I got a human with no waiting time at all. Much better than most companies I deal with. In the past, with other Logitech products I have also had good luck with tech help. Problem #3 is the software. The logitech person told me to download a specific version of the software because I could not pan the camera, not the oldest but not the most recent. Everything works fine with that. Admittedly, it ought to have working software the first time and the latest download should be the most functional. But at least there is a fix and the company understands the problem. Incidentally, my software has updated since I downloaded the middle-aged version and everything still works fine. The video quality is superb as is the sound. I'm very happy with this compared to other webcams I have used.