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Webcams come in all shapes, sizes, and features. Some of them come with a built-in microphone, and some don’t. Some come with a set of adjustable LED lights and some, like this particular one that I’m reviewing from Brando, offers something even more interesting: a built-in fan! Yes! I’m not kidding! This 4-in-1 webcam from Brando offers a webcam with built-in microphone, adjustable LED light plus a very decent fan. So, think of a multi-feature webcam that offers you everything but your drinks. That’s coming, I’m sure….

For those who want to skip over all the detailed review and just want a summary, you can jump to the review summary

If you’re one of those who want as much features in a webcam, this is for you! Brando’s 4-in-1 webcam offers not only a camera with a built-in microphone, it also has a set of adjustable LED lights, and a very decent built-in fan. Also, the stem of the webcam, the microphone and the USB fan are adjustable. They are very flexible and can be twisted in many different directions so you can adjust each component exactly the way you want. This is one strong feature I like about this webcam. Also, the base of the webcam has a suction cup which can also be adjusted to stick onto the surface. I believe that the best results are on glass. I have tried on different table surfaces with minimal results.

Being that the webcam is driverless, meaning that on Windows XP that it will automatically install all the necessary drivers, this is another one of those nice plug and play devices. Again, on other operating systems like Windows 2000, you may need to find drivers and you may have difficulty finding them. Also, with the webcam being driverless, that means that it doesn’t come with the software either. So, you may need to find and install a webcam software. There are many out there or, if already have other webcams installed, use the software supplied from those and select this webcam for the video input. For me, I simply used the AmCap software that was supplied on other webcams.

Here are more details of the product (taken from Brando’s website):

Features:

# USB 2.0
# Excellent Still Image Capture
# Video Recording
# Video Conference
# Work with any chatting software, like ICQ, MSN and Skype, etc
# Built in sucker with lock
# Built in Microphone & Fan
# Built in LED light
# LED Dimmer switch
# Fan on/off button
# Support Window XP/Vista
# Driver free for Windows XP/Vista
# Dimension: 75 x 75 x 228mm (approx.)
# Weight: 211g

Package Content:

# USB 4-in-1 Web Cam

Click on the thumbnail images for a bigger picture

Slideshow of the above pictures

Product Video

Video at YouTube Part 1

Video at YouTube Part 2

Alternative video links:

Video at blip.tv Part 1

Video at blip.tv Part 2

Here are my observations:

I am quite impressed with this webcam. The video capture is very nice and with it being plug and play, I really can’t complain. I like how the camera, microphone and fan can be easily adjusted and twisted in any direction. This is a very nice design. The adjustable LED light is also another plus so that you can now use it at night or in darkened areas. But, if you are using it for chatting, you may find the lights too distracting. The fan gives quite a decent force of wind and is a nice addition to the webcam.

On the other hand, my particular webcam unit had a faulty microphone. Originally, I thought it was completely dead as I was trying to get it to work. After adjusting the webcam and microphone for a while, I was able to get it to work. But it’s very testy and if I move it a bit, I have to go through that to get the microphone working again. It’s not really a big deal as I can easily use another microphone but it certainly isn’t nice to not have a working microphone. The suction base, although it’s a great idea, doesn’t seem to work as I’d hoped. I tried it on different surfaces with minimal success. The best surface is glass and it seems to be quite okay. I’m not sure if there are many people who will put the webcam on a glass desk or table. Regardless, it’s there if you need it.

Overall, I am pleased with this webcam for the quality of the video capture and the other features.

Review Summary

Brando’s 4-in-1 webcam is a very nice webcam that offers a bit more than your typical webcam. How many webcams can claim to have a built-in fan with it? Not many, I’m sure. What stands out with this webcam is the quality of the video capture (I’m very impressed) and that the camera, microphone and fan can be twisted and adjusted in many different positions. The adjustable LED lights is a plus which enables me to use in darkened areas or at night (great for home monitoring). The suction base, although a great idea doesn’t stick very well to many different surfaces other than glass. Aside from a faulty microphone (I’m sure it’s only exclusive for my unit), this webcam is great! Check this webcam out at Brando here!

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