Entered CNET Catalog: 02/24/2009
SKU: 836213001387
Manufacturer: Blue Microphones
Manufacturer description
Meet the Eyeball, Blue Microphones's webcam with HD-quality audio and video. Perfect for instant messaging, video conferencing, social networking and more, the Eyeball features Blue's famous pro-quality condenser capsule, giving it better sound than any webcam in the market. On top of that, Blue Microphones has added Super HD video to complete the picture, giving you an awesome visual experience. Like all Blue products, the Eyeball features several unique design features. The Eyeball's retractable camera lens preserves your privacy and ensures that the Eyeball turns itself off when you aren't broadcasting. The custom-designed monitor adapter makes it simple to position it on virtually any laptop or desktop monitor. And, the Eyeball's integrated design and compact size make it perfect for on-the-go use when you leave your desk.Product summary
The good: The Eyeball Webcam from Blue Microphones has a compact retro design and above average sound quality.
The bad: The Eyeball's built-in camera doesn't hold up to the competition, and it's awkward to mount on your computer monitor.
The bottom line: The Eyeball Webcam is a cool-looking piece of gear for people who use VoIP or video chat services on-the-go, but there are better choices for the home.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 02/24/2009
In today's world of instant-messenger video chat, YouTube video comments, and Skype video calls, your computer needs more than a quality USB microphone; you need a great camera, too. The Blue Microphones Eyeball ($99) offers the best of both worlds, combining an HD-resolution video camera and high-grade microphone into a stylish, pocketable USB Webcam.
Design
In May of 2008, Blue Microphones introduced its Snowflake USB microphone, which offered a compact solution for recording and streaming audio on your computer. The Eyeball's design is nearly identical to the snowflake, with the exception of a black plastic backing and a camera lens that pops out from the side of the microphone housing.
Just like the Snowflake, the Eyeball measures 2.5 inches by 3.75 inches by 2.25 inches when folded up, and around 3.25 inches high when unfolded. A metal mesh grille covers the front of the Eyeball's spherical microphone, which rotates 360 degrees and includes a Mini-USB connection on the back. A removable plastic base acts as storage for the included USB cable.
While the Eyeball is easily one of the most unique-looking Webcams we've tested, it's not entirely practical. The metal construction--though high quality--makes the Eyeball a hefty and clumsy addition to your laptop screen or computer monitor. Should the depth of your computer monitor prove too large to fit in the Eyeball's 0.75-inch hook, a goofy rubber mat is included to help weigh down the otherwise top-heavy Webcam.
Performance
The Eyeball's audio performance was indistinguishable from the Snowflake, with 16-bit, 44.1KHz resolution and a clean, full sound that runs rings around any computer's internal microphone. With the Editors' Choice-winning Logitech Pro 9000 Webcam sharing the same $99 price tag, however, the Eyeball starts to lose some appeal.
We're glad to see that the Eyeball works seamlessly with both Mac and Windows machines, but we were a little disappointed with the video quality. In general, the Eyeball tends to render images at a noticeably higher contrast and with less subtlety than other cameras. We've included comparison shots below, showing the Eyeball against the Logitech Pro 9000 and built-in Macbook iSight camera.
The differences aren't dramatic enough to recommend against the Eyeball--in fact some people might prefer its more saturated look--but we wouldn't say video performance is the product's strong suit. But in spite of its lackluster video performance, the Eyeball's sound and style may prove hard to resist for those who prize portability over image quality.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1out of 1 user reviews
Looks are deceiving.
Pros: Unique aesthetic design, impressive sound quality, retractable webcam, durable design
Cons: Everything else! Not designed for mounting... anywhere. Laptop of LCD - this webcam is poorly designed and too front-heavy. Expect to have to somehow rig this device up (AKA glue it to something) to get it to stay in place, or else it will constantly fall
