This question just cam up on Twitter and I think I know where Daniel Blake, the CEO of TinyChat, a web-based Webcam-enabled chat system is going with this!
It’s a subject very close to my heart and so I’ve decided to answer it in more than 140 characters.
The requirements are:
- Small device
- Webcam
- Mic
- Wifi
- Flash 10
First of all, let me highlight my recent article about the Mobile reporting solution version 6. It’s a 3G-enabled solution with an external cam but the core, the Viliv X70 UMPC, can actually run with its own webcam. The X70 is probably the best long-battery-life mobile (and 3G capable) solution out there. But that’s no what Daniel was asking. He just wanted something small with Wifi.
In my experience, the quality of the webcam depends on the software drivers behind it. For example, the very small, very light Kohjinsha SK3 has an awesome 3mp, auto-focus webcam on a swivel screen but the video drivers are so damn heavyweight that the results are just not up to scratch. On the other hand, the lower quality Clevo TN70M with the 800×480 screen is a much better solution. I’ve done WiFi-based Skype on this for long periods and the quality is excellent. The best thing is that it’s available without an OS so you can drop Ubuntu on it and have a sub-1KG portable web chat system for under 400 Euros.
Looking at the product database (and sorting by weight) I see some other solutions too. The smallest and lightest solution there is the UMID M1 at 315gm / 11oz. We’ve done a full review of this one and here’s what I said about the cam.
The quality of the webcam is good for such a small device. Recording using Movie maker at a relatively high 1mbps bit-rate resulted in better-than-expected results. It also works with Skype although you will be hitting CPU limits that will keep the frame rate down. Streaming with Ustream again returned better than expected results. Not totally smooth but certainly acceptable for a quick broadcast.
Remember it’s running the same CPU as the Clevo and X70 I just mentioned and it’s also available in a very nice black finish too. Ben is testing that one right now.
In summary then. Here are the top three choices.
- UMID M1 UMPC. *smallest lightest) 315gm
- Viliv X70. (also comes with cam post-processing effects software, Youcam) 660gm
- Clevo TN70M. Swivel screen. Low cost. Available without OS. 990gm
Devices based on the Intel Atom 1.3 or 1.6Ghz version e.g. the T91, the U820 (available with a 2.0Ghz Atom!) and some of the lighter netbooks, are all worth looking at. Also keep an eye on the Archos 9. If its small and light that you want though, the UMID is unbeatable for the occasional web-cam chat session.
Let us know if you do any tests Daniel.
New article: What’s the Smallest Device for Webcam Chat? http://cli.gs/JSpsH
@harknesslabs I’ve got a great one for you. How does 11oz sound for a TinyChat device? Article: http://bit.ly/rOgnt
Hi Chippy,
I am looking to skype with video with my family when I am on business trips.
Since our company laptop does not allow any kind of personnel stuff / programs, I need an additional small device for email, webbrowsing, small texts – and video skype.
What I was looking at and need some advice:
1. Viliv S5 with external webcam/mic (logitech)
Is the screen big enough (I know, high resolution) to see my skype partners without magnifying glass?
2. Viliv X70 with internal webcam/mic.
Is the internal webcam good enough so that my partners (esp. my kids) can recognize me?
3. How is the overall performance of the s5/x70 with Skype video? Is 3G a must for skype video?
thanks for any advice / comments
Michael
How about taking a USB stick and booting a basic skype-capable Linux oson your existing laptop?
Hmm sounds interesting, just two issues:
Do I have to mess with BIOS for this? I have to check If I can access it (very rigid rules here…)
And I don’t know jack about linux… Do you have a source where I can read how to configure the a USB stick for this?
thx – Michael
Granted, it’s not simple if you’re used to Windows only. If you’re lucky, your PC will automatically boot from a USB stick when it is plugged in.
Here’s a good version of Linux and a tutorial.
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/installing-knoppix-60-to-a-usb-flash-drive/
Steve.
Update. Knoppix doesnt have skypw installed.
Now trying netbook remix ….
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/usb-ubuntu-netbook-remix-install/
Thanks Chippy!
What I found:
1. a german page where you can buy for low money differents sticks complete with Linux versions installed, even one with Windows XP:
http://www.linuxusbstick.de
2. You can run skype mobile version fully from a usb stick, there is just a batch file to be created which re-routes the personnel data normally stored on the laptop to be stored on the USB stick:
http://www.dercomputerologe.de/index.php?option=com_microblog&view=microblog&Itemid=15
Lot’s of options to try and then I’ll give feedback.
I probably buy the viliv anyways…
Here are the results:
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/usb-ubuntu-netbook-remix-install/
did not work, an error occured with the imaging program.
I bought a ubuntu netbook remix 9.04 on USB stick for a few EUR and VOILA:
everything ran fast like hell and working fine on the biz laptop. I still decided to buy the viliv x70 cause I need it for traveling and will for sure try ubuntu again, I like by the simplicity of the desktop and the fact that it is a slim system.
Very good initiative!
What is really needed is a simple and objective comparision of built-in webcams. We need for the laptops in question to be put side-by-side in an office (or similar), pointed towards some moving object, and the videos published so that every reader can decide for herself which camera looks the best.
Repeating the test in “low” lighting would be a nice bonus.
CPU usage while doing this would also be nice.
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