Technology for Technophobes (Microsoft Lifecam VX-700)

Member Name: marnie_moo

Product:	Microsoft Lifecam VX-700
Date:	05/08/09 (347 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, no software, works on all laptop screens

Disadvantages: Picture isn't amazing and microphone is separate

I bought this webcam on offer so it cost me about £8 or £9, which I think is an adequate pricing for this product- I don't think it is worth the £15 or £16 it is selling for in Argos or Amazon at the moment.

The main pull of this webcam above others though is that it requires no software- which is great for scatty people like me who often lose software CDs or if your computer is a bit old and doesn't get on with many newer programs. The webcam worked straight out of the box, all I had to do was plug in and play and it was immediatly recognised by my chat software.

The webcam gently clips onto your laptop screen and although it might seem a little unsecure I tried moving the screen back and forth and it stood fast without falling off. When I did drop the webcam out of my own sillyness it worked fine again when connected so it does seem reasonably hardwearing.

The picture is average as you'd expect for the price range- lots of detail picked up by the camera and not much lagging or skipping, but the picture comes across as quite dim sometimes using a normal ceiling light so you may want to use a lamp or two in addition to get the brightness you want.

I've not had any occasion to use the microphone yet bar testing that it works- it is similar to a handsfree headphone set up though, and received sound clearly and easily when used.

Overall a great little bargain webcam that even the least technologically minded person could get used to.

Summary: Great for your first webcam

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