Technology Talk

Manufacturer: Logitech
Rating:
Buy From Amazon.com

I’ve recently been in the market for decent quality webcams so I picked up Logitech’s QuickCam Pro 5000. The webcam is a small spherical object with a bendable tail that allows you to secure it to a laptop or CRT or sit it on your desk.

I’m using Windows XP, and the software was easy to install, although you will need an internet connection to download the updated software through the Logitech website. Once the software has downloaded, the install wizard will prompt you to hook up the camera via USB when the software has installed.

I’m upgrading from a really cheap webcam that I think I got free when I signed up for Verizon DSL years ago, so the first thing I noticed was how great the video quality was comparably. The pictures are sharp and the camera is pretty good at adjusting the picture brightness accordingly in dim and back lit rooms. In addition, the built in microphone actually dulls background noise so you don’t get echoes and other nuisances when chatting. Read the rest

Frank Simonis, the European chairman of the Blu-Ray Disc Association, was quoted as saying “Within three years it will just be Blu-ray.” Is it just me, or does that seem about as credible as Bill Gates’ statement that Microsoft will eradicate spam in two years… made in January of 2004. Read the rest

Over the last year or so, I’ve noticed that objects in the distance have gotten blurrier. Yes, it’s finally happened - I no longer see at 20/20. So, a few weeks ago, I trekked to the eye doctor and got my first eye exam in ages.

It seems that staring at a computer screen all day isn’t so good for one’s eyes. I have no problems seeing things in front of my face, but driving at night has become more challenging with the glare from headlights and the layer of dirt/smudges on my windshield. But I sucked it up and dealt. It wasn’t that bad. Read the rest

The Nov 2006 issue of Computer Shopper describes the face off between HD DVD and Blu Ray as a successor to the standard DVD. Their conclusion? Wait and see which ends up on top.

Here are the pros and cons of each as I see them: Read the rest

Speaking of laptop problems, Dell is recalling 4.1 million laptop batteries because

“In rare cases, a short-circuit could cause the battery to overheat, causing a risk of smoke and/or fire,” said the spokesman, Ira Williams. “It happens in rare cases, but we opted to take this broad action immediately.

Read the rest