Computers & Tablets

[costeno]

I'm considering buying a laptop or desktop computer that will be exclusively for the internet but it must to produce a high quality web cam image. For example, the web cam must have no less than 2 megapixels. So, I plan on buying an external webcam. 

I'm familiar with Macs but I don't want to spend any more than necessary (less than $600), so I won't buy a Mac. I have XP SP3 through bootcamp, but I'm still learning the basics.

I want a setup that will give me the least amount of complications or trouble down the road.

I know that I'll need a high speed internet connection, more than 3Mbps. 

Does anyone have any suggestions or any information to help me narrow down the choices? Also, are there other quality brands of webcams besides Logitech? The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 Web Camera seems to be highly rated.

Thank you in advance

Message Edited by costeno on 01-03-2009 07:34 PM

Message Edited by costeno on 01-03-2009 07:34 PM

[laney1025]

I have the Quickcam Pro 9000 but like my Quickcam Pro for notebooks better.  The image quality has been unbeatable and I have had that webcam for over 4 years now.  The Pro 9000 is what I have on my desktop.  That is how my husband and I stay in touch when I am traveling with my job.  As for a computer, I am sold on Acer and am now on my third one.  They vary in price but are good basic computers that have a little more standard features than say, HP, or Dell.  That is all my opinion, of course.  Hope it helps.

[cgweddle63]

i would recommend the webcam that this guy is talking about, but i would probably recommend an HP or toshiba laptop if you can find one at your price range. Acer's aren't too bad, but i think they still have a long way to come before they are as good as HP, Dell, or Toshiba. As far as Specs. I'd recommend atleast 3gb ddr2 memory and atleast a 250gb hardrive. thats probably the most you will find in your price range anyways.

[laney1025]

Hmmm...I would have to disagree about the Acer.  Between my daughter and myself, we have had 5 in total and they have been flawless so far and have proven to provide the most bang for the buck.  That is four Acer laptops and one Acer desktop.  The newest desktop bought by my daughter is the most machine I have seen to date for less than $900.  It absolutely screams and is chock full of high end hardware.  It even has a blue-ray DVD and came with speakers and a very nice keyboard.  It's like driving a mercedes! 

[DCI105]

There are a few variables that you want to look at when you shop for a setup to do video. The first one is the processor speed. In order to get a very smooth video I would recommend something with a minimum spec of a dual core, that operates at 2.0 or higher per core. That means 1 processor split into 2 cores, both cores operating at 2.0 or higher. I believe HP, Gateway, Toshiba and Sony have processors that are that high.

The second variable is the memory. This works kinda like boxing paint. Tossing paint back and forth between 2 buckets to mix it. One bucket resembles the Hard Drive and the other resembles memory. The pain would resemble data, and you being the processor. If you have small buckets you won't be able to mix as much paint or data as you would if you had larger buckets. A lot of cost efficient computers come with 1-2 gigs of memory. Concidering Vista alone is going to need a gig to operate smoothly and other programs will require memory you may get a somewhat choppy or pixelated picture. I would recommend something around 3-4 gigs. You may also want to look at getting the system optimized to by GS. They enhance the registry and turn off a lot of the background processes returning that memory consumption back to your system.

The 3rd variable you want to look at is your connection. Since your going to be sending more information than you will be receiving you want to look at a good upstream bandwidth. This is the amount of data that your connection will carry from your computer to it's destination. Imagin putting your thumb over a water hose. The water is the data, and your thumb is the bandwidth up. Your thumb really restricts the amount of data carried through the hose. Same situation. You can ask your internet service provider for the best recommendation for sending video, because speeds will vary depending on connection type.

Let us know how things go. Hope it helps!

[costeno]

Thanks everybody for your input. I appreciate it.

[Nickk421]

From what ive Seen Sony Laptops come with a 2.0 megapixel Camera built in

Sometimes you can get a decent Sony for about 5-600 Whenever it goes on sale and or clearance. 

For instance this would be a nice deal for you.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9155601&st=sony+laptop&lp=3&type=product&cp=1&id=1218038553190