I wish life could be simple. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. When it comes to Apple’s iPad lineup, which used to have just one model called the “iPad” back in the day, picking which one to buy has become a strangely entangled process.

Somewhere between every single model Apple offers is the perfect iPad, but it doesn’t currently exist in one single product.

That’s why I, as your reviewer guide, am having such a hard time with the review for Apple’s brand-new, redesigned 10th-gen iPad. Starting at $449 (£499, AU$749), it should be the iPad for everyone. But from what I’ve seen so far… it’s not. (This is a review in progress. As I use it more, I’ll weigh in with my final opinion.)

iPad (10th gen, 2022)

$449 at Amazon

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Like

• Larger screen
• USB-C
• Faster A14 processor
• Front-facing camera’s in the right place

Don’t Like

• More expensive
• New design means fewer case options
• The 64GB entry-level storage isn’t enough

Maybe Apple already knows this, because the iPad lineup has six variants: 2022’s base model, last year’s ninth-gen iPad, the iPad Mini, the step-up iPad Air and the luxury iPad Pro, which comes in two sizes.

So which is the best one, you ask. “Stop talking about confusion, Scott, and help me.” This newly redesigned iPad nearly has it all: It has USB-C, finally! It has a bigger screen and better speakers, like the iPad Air. It’s the first iPad to move its camera to the horizontal edge for better FaceTime and Zoom calls. 

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Then there are the downsides. If you want to use an Apple Pencil with this iPad, you have to use the first-gen one, which means using a weird USB-C dongle. It doesn’t work with iPad case accessories made for any other model, meaning you’ll have to buy new accessories. And the price has gone up. It’s $449 for the version with only 64GB of storage, but you’ll likely want the step-up model with more storage — 256GB for $599. And with any sort of case or AppleCare, you’re probably looking at well over $700. I haven’t even factored in a Pencil or Apple’s new $250 Magic Keyboard Folio Case.

In this economy, a better bet might be the ninth-gen iPad from 2021, which starts at $329, steps up to $479 for the higher storage tier and frequently can be found on sale. Apple took a similar approach to its latest MacBook Air: Increasing the price while adding features, but keeping the older model in the lineup.

And that’s a shame because this iPad, with its larger display, camera improvement and better processor, is the model I’d prefer — minus its weird Pencil accessory situation.

I don’t use the Apple Pencil much, despite how nice it is to draw with, so I might be OK with having to use the first-gen Pencil. But many other people won’t be. And it’s baffling, frankly, why Apple decided to not make this iPad compatible with the more useful Pencil 2 despite all of its other improvements. (You can even get 5G through the modem-enabled version.)

I’m going to unplug my Pencil 1 from its dongle now and rest it somewhere where it won’t roll off the table while I continue this iPad review. 

Camera: Yes, finally, it’s perfect

The one big thing I wanted from the iPad arrived, like a magic wish granted: The weirdly placed front camera on the iPad is now on the landscape edge. This is great. Why is this great? Because I work on iPads in landscape mode, in cases and stands and keyboard docks. When I Zoom or FaceTime on other iPads, my face looks weirdly off-angle with my eyes looking elsewhere. That’s fixed now. Combined with the auto-zooming Center Stage tech, this iPad’s video chat camera is absolutely perfect.

This, alone, makes me want to use this iPad more than any other. But, alas, Apple’s only moved the camera’s position for this iPad. No other model, not even the new iPad Pros, have it. Why? I have no idea. This is clearly the future of camera placement, so you’re one step ahead if you buy this model.

Design: Mostly better, but not always

This iPad has adopted the design style of all other iPads at last, with USB-C charging replacing Lightning and a flat-edged case with a larger, curved-corner 10.9-inch display. This iPad has better speakers than the ninth-gen model, and the display feels notably bigger. The display lacks the anti-reflective coating and extra color gamut of the iPad Air.

It doesn’t have the smooth-scrolling 120Hz ProMotion on the iPad Pro models, but it’s more than good enough for basically anything. Often, I had a hard time telling the difference between the iPad Air and this iPad in everyday use.

This iPad is, effectively, the 2020 iPad Air minus a few features. The Air had the same A14 processor, but also supported the Pencil 2. It also had a rear Smart Connector that supported the Magic Keyboard case.

There’s no home button anymore, with Touch ID moving to the small side-placed power button, which the iPad Mini and iPad Air also have. I love this and wish the iPhones had it, too. There’s no Face ID camera, which is fine, because I wear a mask a lot anyway and Touch ID has been more convenient lately.

The downside to the design is it’s a bit thicker than the current 11-inch iPad Pro and iPad Air, meaning this won’t work with any of those cases. This means shopping for all-new accessories. Apple also created a differently placed Smart Connector on the side edge, which works with Apple’s iPad-made Keyboard Folio Case. More on that below. 

I asked my 14-year-old son, who uses an iPad all the time, what he thought of it. He said, “I don’t care, it looks the same.”

But there’s one thing about this iPad’s design I can’t stand.

Pencil: Really?

The best thing I can say about this iPad is it works with the Apple Pencil, but I think that’s almost on a technicality. Apple skipped support for the magnetically charging snap-on Pencil 2 with this model, so you’ll need to use the Pencil 1 — which rolls a lot, has an easy-to-lose end cap, doesn’t have extra side-tap controls and charges via Lightning.

Except instead of plugging the Pencil into the side of the iPad to charge, you’ll need a separate USB-C dongle and the charge cable to charge it. Not only is that weird, it’s frustrating. The odds I’ll bring all that stuff with me when I need it are slim. If you’re serious about making art on an iPad using the Apple Pencil, this bizarre move is bad enough to skip this model entirely. (Even the iPad Mini works with the Pencil 2, come on.)

Magic Keyboard folio case: An imperfect solution

Apple redesigned its keyboard-connected case yet again for this new iPad, taking an approach that feels a lot different than its Magic Keyboard case. That case, which works with the iPad Air and Pro, is expensive ($300 and up), heavy, can’t be used as an everyday case because of its inflexible angles, but is excellent for working on small work surfaces or laps.

The folio case is still expensive at $250. It’s split into two parts (a keyboard that snaps on the side and a kickstand back cover that snaps to the iPad back), can be used as an everyday case and adds a helpful row of function keys on the top. But it isn’t lap-friendly and lacks keyboard backlighting. I wrote this whole review on it, but I edited and posted it on a MacBook Air.

I’ve used keyboard cases by Logitech and others, and the Surface Pro has a similar keyboard design. You can get Logitech’s cases for less, and they offer better protection: Apple’s case doesn’t protect the iPad’s sides at all, and it looks ready to pop off if you ever drop the iPad. The keys feel a little different to me than the other Magic Keyboards or my MacBook Air. I don’t like it quite as much.

Also, there’s no place to put the Apple Pencil. Which, last I checked, was rolling around somewhere.

Performance: More than good enough

The A14 processor has been around for a while (it was on the iPhone 12). Here it comes with 4GB of RAM, similar to the iPhone 12 and 2020 iPad Air. The results are good: More than fast, but it’s not as blazing as the M1 in the Air or the M2 in the new Pro. 

Do you need bleeding-edge iPad performance? I don’t think so. The gains over last year’s ninth-gen iPad are significant, but no different than the iPad Air model from 2020. Apple’s mobile processors are now so powerful that the iPad software needs to catch up to their potential.

Should you wait? Maybe

Apple’s iPad lineup has been staggered lately: Base and Pro models arrive in the fall (sometimes) and the Air model comes in the spring (sometimes). Last spring’s iPad Air has slight improvements over this iPad, with an M1 chip, subtly better display and Pencil 2 support. But it doesn’t have this newly fixed front camera. The same thing happened last year when the entry-level iPad added Center Stage zoom while the iPad Air was left without it.

The iPad Air costs $150 more and could be tempting. Apple keeps its upgrade increments just within reach, like sizes of popcorn at a movie theater. Suddenly, you’ll find yourself entering iPad Pro land, and a thousand dollar-plus package. Pull back and ask yourself: Will this model go on sale? Would you be happy with last year’s iPad instead? Would you rather see if something better for the Air comes next spring?

The only thing that concerns me for future upgrades is that Apple’s leaning on its M1 chips as the cutoff for more advanced software features, although right now that mostly just means better external monitor support with Stage Manager, a feature that’s currently so buggy Apple’s delayed the release to later this year. I’d say you’re fine without the M1, especially since the A14 is more than good enough.

Down the road, having an old Pencil and a sub-M1 chip could leave this iPad on the other side of the future. Then again, you’ll be saving money. Apple hasn’t made this iPad lineup easy this year. It feels like the iPad is a product still in transformation. Right now, its perfect form doesn’t exist.

The post iPad 10th Gen Review: Better Design, Worse Price first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.

Video conferencing on Zoom, Google Meet and the likes is no longer novel. Working from home and distance learning are here to stay. If you haven’t already, it’s important to get a quality webcam and set up the rest of your telecommuting gear so that you look and sound your best during remote meetings. 

Part of this means learning the fundamentals of a videoconference meeting on camera. You don’t need an HD webcam to get good results — optimizing lighting conditions (don’t try to stream in low light), choosing the ideal environment and positioning the camera lens in just the right way can make your video call look much more professional. Truly, you don’t need to be a professional YouTube personality or Twitch streamer with a great webcam, even better external mic and lighting options galore to look good during live streaming and video recording — even a novice can function competently without too much of a learning curve.

First, it’s essential to have the right gear, including the best webcam and microphone. Unfortunately, in most cases, your laptop’s built-in camera and microphone stink — and they’re preventing you from coming across as professionally as possible on videoconferencing calls. You should ditch the integrated webcam and invest in a standalone webcam and stereo microphone with noise cancellation. Even a cheap webcam with autofocus and a decent microphone can improve picture quality and sound enough to take things to the next level when on a video call.

Upgrading your audio and video tech is fairly easy from a technical perspective, however, and relatively affordable — and it will dramatically improve your production values in virtual meetings. We’ve compiled a shortlist of some gear that will enhance your video chatting with input from CNET’s on-camera video team, all of whom are working from home now, too. Our favorite picks for the best webcam and external mic options are below, and we’ll update this periodically.

(Note that prices are accurate at time of original publication, but may fluctuate — especially given the surging demand for this type of gear. Also, availability and delivery times are changing all the time, so be sure to check before moving forward with any purchase.)

Read more: Best Wireless Earbuds and Bluetooth Headphones for Making Calls

Logitech

Logitech Brio Pro 4K webcam

Best webcam

After the masses began working from home in mid-March, it became difficult to find a brand name webcam anywhere. My favorites — Logitech’s StreamCam and the 4K-capable Brio — are pricey and frequently out of stock, but worth the money if you can find them. 

In the meantime, if your laptop’s integrated camera isn’t doing the trick, you can use a tripod and your phone’s HD camera to boost video chat quality when live streaming. Here’s how to do it.

Read our Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam preview.

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Amazon

Lume Cube

Fix the lighting

I’ve tried many, many lights over the past few months and, so far, the Lume Cube is my favorite. This bright LED light is highly adjustable — with a physical toggle to change the brightness and color temperature — and the nifty display shows all the levels and how much juice is left in the USB-C rechargeable battery. You can position it in landscape or portrait mode using the included suction cup mount.  

About that mount. I should note that there are plenty of Amazon user complaints about it not working properly, but I can’t seem to replicate the issue with my Lume Cube. I’ve stuck it securely to the back of multiple laptops and a standalone monitor, and I can’t pull the thing off — even with sustained force — without first loosening the suction mechanism.

My backup choice is the Joby Beamo Mini, which is about the same price as the Lume Cube. It’s extremely compact, waterproof and — capable of blasting out 1,000 lumens — incredibly bright, though the iOS app and included diffuser make it simple to dial in the perfect amount of light. It has a magnetic back that will stick to any metal surface and will also screw on to a tripod. 

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Blue Microphones

Blue Yeti USB mic

Get a better microphone

Nothing can torpedo an online meeting quicker than background noise and audio that’s cutting in and out, and your laptop’s lousy built-in microphone may be the culprit. Once you’ve added a decent webcam to your setup, you’ll be in better shape — but a standalone microphone will make you sound clear, rich and full. This Blue Yeti model has long been a staple of podcasters and streamers, and it’s what I use when I record audio or participate in a high-stakes video chat. 

Yes, it looks like something you’d see in a 1940s radio station, but the audio technology is 100% modern. It has three capsule microphones, four pickup patterns (for different kinds of recording) and just enough controls to help optimize the way you sound without overloading you with super technical features. 

$130 at Best Buy$110 at Amazon

GripTight/Amazon

Phone tripod mount

Free up your laptop

It’s hard to multitask on a webconference: Opening and closing apps, resizing browsers and windows, all while you’re talking to your boss on your Google hangout or Zoom call — it can all be a bit much. One solution is to offload all of your audio and video recording tasks to your phone — which may have better camera, video quality and mic technology, anyway — freeing up your laptop to take notes, consult documents and spreadsheets or whatever else. (Here’s how to do it.)

If you take this route, you’re going to want to have an adjustable tripod that can securely hold your phone steady — and at a flattering angle. I like this tripod kit from Joby, currently on sale for $30, which includes a clamp that’s big enough to accommodate my iPhone XS Max. And I also like the company’s bendy Gorillapods, which can be wrapped around posts or other nonflat surfaces.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga

Get a laptop with a decent processor

If you’re running an older MacBook Air or Windows laptop that came out several years ago, you’ll find that a single Zoom session can send your computer’s fans whirring and reduce your multitasking options to zero. Getting a newer laptop with an updated processor and webcam software — a ninth- or 10th-gen Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 should do the trick — will make those videoconferencing sessions a lot easier to bear. 

I recently put aside my aging MacBook Air and picked up a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga and have been amazed by all that I was missing out on: blazing speed (courtesy of the modern Intel processor), USB-C ports and a touchscreen display. It currently starts at $1,377. For other recommendations, check out our list of the best laptops for 2022.

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The post The Best Gear for Online Classes or Meetings in 2022: Webcams, Lights, Mics, Tripods and More first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.

Investing in a webcam can greatly improve the quality of your video calls. In recent years, video calls have become an important part of our daily lives, facilitating communication from a distance. Whether you’re catching up with friends, talking to family or working remotely, video conferencing and video calling have become vital to keeping in touch. Purchasing a quality webcam can ensure that your video calls have clear sound and image for the duration of your call, making communication that much easier.

Laptop webcams are not always the best option for video calls. They can be low-quality, and the webcam might not be in the best position for your needs. A separate webcam can give you a better image and has features that most built-in cameras lack. While video quality may not be the most important part of the call, it never hurts to look good while chatting with friends and co-workers. Using a great webcam will help you look and sound more professional, and there are some solid deals on webcams worth taking advantage of right now.

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We’ve gathered all the best webcam deals available. From affordable options that are good for moderate usage to cameras made for streamers, we’ve rounded up options for everyone. Be sure to check out the entire list below and see which sounds like it could work for you. 

XPCam

XPCam 1080p HD Webcam: $18

Save $8

This webcam features 1080p resolution, automatic light correction and a 110-degree wide-screen perspective view, which is a great option for videoconferencing and multiperson chat. The microphone can pick up your voice from up to 10 feet away and its universal clip works with laptops, desktop monitors and other flat surfaces. It also has a privacy shutter and comes with a tripod stand, so you have the flexibility to use the camera however you want. It connects through USB with no additional driver required. Be sure to clip the on-page coupon for the best deal.

$18 at Amazon

Logitech

Logitech C615 1080p Webcam: $28

Save $42

This Logitech webcam is compact and folds up neatly so that you can travel anywhere with it. Inside, there’s a built-in microphone, so it’s an all-in-one answer to your video calling needs. Using the Logitech software you can one-click capture and upload video clips to sites like YouTube and Twitter. And it has HD Light Correction to help enhance your video quality and keep things looking great even in poorly lit situations.

$28 at Amazon

Lori Grunin/CNET

NexiGo N60 1080p Webcam: $40

Save $10

If you’re looking for an affordable webcam that has a physical shutter cover, this may be the one for you. It has a 110-degree field of view for capturing the space around you for your video calls and the built-in microphone offers noise cancellation, as well. All you have to do is plug it in and start using it, and it works with Mac, Chrome OS and Windows.

$40 at Amazon

Angetube

Angetube 1080p HD Ring-Light Webcam: $43

Save $24

This webcam features a built-in ring light with three adjustable levels so that you always look your best, as well as a five-level zoom, autofocus and auto brightness for low-light correction. It’s 1080p full high-definition and has dual noise-canceling microphones to reduce ambient noise and make sure you’re heard loud and clear. Be sure to clip the on-page coupon for the lowest price.

$43 at Amazon

Amazon

Logitech C920s Pro 1080p Webcam: $64

Save $16

This 1080p webcam works with all computers, including Mac, Windows and Chromebooks. The video quality is more than enough for personal group chats with friends and remote business calls. It has a physical privacy shutter so that you can cover the camera lens when it’s not in use, just to be extra-cautious. Getting it set up is as simple as plugging it in and starting to use it.

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Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam: $67

Save $33

If you frequently find that you don’t have enough light for your video calls but don’t want to get a big lighting setup, this may be the webcam for you. It offers a 1080p feed at 30fps and has a built-in ring light with adjustable brightness to keep your face properly lit during your calls.

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Razer Kiyo Pro: $117

Save $83

Razer’s 1080p Kiyo Pro webcam has a wide-angle lens that you can adjust the field of view on. It comes with a mount that you can use to sit it on a monitor, as well as a small tripod, making it versatile and great for just about any situation. The adaptive light sensor helps keep the picture clear even in environments that don’t offer great lighting conditions.

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Logitech

Logitech Brio: $129

Save $71

This webcam offers ultra-4K high-definition resolution to keep you looking your professional best. It also features 5x HD zoom and RightLight 3 with HDR technology that automatically adjusts, even working with low-light and backlit situations to keep you illuminated and clear. This webcam also features dual omnidirectional mics with noise-canceling technology. It even has three field-of-view presets to allow you to show more of your environment or keep a narrow focus on yourself depending on your needs and preferences.

Read our Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam preview.

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Microsoft

Microsoft LifeCam Studio webcam: $70

Save $20

Microsoft’s LifeCam Studio is designed with business uses in mind and features a built-in noise canceling microphone. It also offers autofocus, light correction and video in 1080p resolution. It connects through USB and is perfect for Zoom and other video-calling services. It may be a Microsoft camera, but it’s compatible with MacOS as well as Windows 8, 10 and 11. 

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NexiGo

NexiGo StreamCam N930E Webcam: $54

Save $26

This 1080p webcam features a built-in adjustable ring light with touch control, a built-in noise canceling microphone to reduce ambient noise, autofocus to find the optical focal distance for your video and more. It even has a privacy cover for when you don’t want to be seen or it’s not in use. It’s plug-and-play, requiring no additional drivers. Just be sure to clip the on-page coupon to maximize your savings.

$54 at Amazon

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The post Best Webcam Deals: Logitech, Razer, Microsoft and More Starting at $18 first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.

What’s happening

Logitech has debuted an incremental update to its MX Master mouse, along with two new mechanical keyboards.

Why it matters

Logitech’s already great MX Master mouse gets even better, and the company seeks out a non-gaming audience for mechanical keyboards.

Like its “S” predecessors, Logitech’s new MX Master 3S mouse ($99, £120, AU$170) isn’t a fully redesigned new model but an incremental upgrade. Ergonomically unchanged, it features quieter operation and an upgraded 8,000 DPI optical sensor that Logitech says tracks on most surfaces including glass and offers faster workflow with high-resolution monitors. Alongside the MX Master 3S, the company also announced two new mechanical keyboards — the full-size MX Mechanical and “minimalist” MX Mechanical Mini — for $170 (£170, AU$270) and $150 (£150, AU$230), respectively. All three ship in May.

See MX Master 3S at Logitech

The Logitech MX Master 3 is one of our favorite mice and even if the MX Master 3S isn’t a major upgrade, it does feel improved. The mouse is indeed quieter to use — Logitech says clicks are now 90% quieter compared to its predecessor — while maintaining the same precise feel with smooth, fast scrolling. The MX Master 3S has the same MagSpeed Electromagnetic wheel of the MX Master 3 (it allows you to “zip” through 1,000 lines in one second) along with the same side scroll wheel for faster horizontal navigation.

The 8,000 DPI sensor (compared to MX Master 3’s 4,000 DPI) can make a noticeable difference if you’re one of those people who picked up a big computer display to beef up your work-from-home setup. Also worth noting: The MX Master 3S is a bigger mouse than the more mobile MX Anywhere 3 yet arguably offers a superior ergonomic experience for all but those with very small hands. In April, Logitech introduced a new, more compact Lift Ergonomic Vertical mouse designed for people with small- to medium-size hands (though those with large hands also seem to appreciate its smaller size). 

Enlarge Image

Fresh take on mechanical keyboards

Logitech has other mechanical keyboards in its keyboard portfolio, like its G gaming models and the retro-modern Pop Keys with eight swappable emoji keycaps in the box with room for four on the keyboard itself. Pop Keys seemed aimed at a younger audience, but Logitech says these new MX Mechanical keyboards are targeted at professionals — and software developers in particular — “who fell in love with mechanical keyboards when they started playing games and now they want the same feeling of precision and control with their professional desktop keyboard.” 

According to Tolya Polyanker, head of the MX Series for Creativity and Productivity at Logitech, the MX Mechanical combines the best of Logitech’s gaming keyboard expertise with its MX Master Series experience. And, in fact, it seems to borrow from its G915 gaming keyboard when it comes to the switches. 

Enlarge Image

The MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini feature low-profile mechanical switches that are about half the height of traditional mechanical keys. I’ve been using the Tactile Quiet (Brown switches) versions of the keyboards, which Logitech says are its quietest mechanical keyboards ever. They still make an audible clicking noise with each keystroke and you have to press a little harder on the keys than you would with Logitech’s standard MX Keys keyboards (the keys still travel more). But they do feel like toned-down versions of mechanical keyboards and have a dash of the smoothness found in membrane keyboards.

Enlarge Image

Truth be told, I’m not a devotee of mechanical keyboards — I’m partial to Logitech’s MX Keys Mini keyboard — and didn’t love Pop Keys. But I did find the Tactile Quiet version of the MX Mechanical Mini to be an appealing hybrid that, in a sense, delivers the best best of both keyboard worlds. That said, the MX Mechanical and Mechanical Mini are significantly more expensive than their MX Keys counterparts, which retail for $100.     

Logitech says Clicky (blue) and Linear (red) switch options are also available for both the full-size MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini in select markets. Most people who work in open-office environments choose not to go with the louder blue switch types as a courtesy to those around them. Linear red switches have a relatively light spring force and are even quieter than brown switches. They are popular among gamers for their speed.

See MX Mechanical keyboards at Logitech

Like Logitech’s standard MX Keys keyboards, the MX Mechanical has smart backlighting with automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient lighting conditions and an auto-off feature when not needed to conserve battery life. Like other MX Series mice and keyboards, these are powered by a built-in non-user-replaceable rechargeable battery that juices up via a USB-C connection. With the backlight on you’ll get up to 15 days of heavy use out the keyboard before having to charge, but the number jumps to 10 months if you keep the backlight off.

MX Mechanical, MX Mechanical Mini and MX Master 3S are all compatible with Logi Options Plus software that allows you to customize individual buttons, use pre-defined or create your own app-specific profiles, adjust tracking speed and select backlighting effects — static, breathing, contrast, wave, random and reaction. All three products are equipped with both Bluetooth and the company’s proprietary Logi Bolt wireless USB receiver.

Alas, the included receiver is a USB-A dongle that requires a USB-C adapter for PCs that only have USB-C ports. That USB-C adapter isn’t included. Like other MX models, the new mice and keyboards can connect to up to three different devices and are compatible with Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Android, Chrome OS and Linux devices. Often Logitech makes Mac versions of its MX Series mice and keyboards, but for now, the MX Master 3S and new keyboards are only available in “universal” versions. 

Finally, like many other companies pushing to create more environmentally friendly products, a portion of the MX Mechanical and MX Mechanical Mini keyboard’s plastic parts are made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic: 45% for MX Mechanical and 47% for MX Mechanical Mini. Additionally, Logitech says the aluminum top case for the keyboards is made from low carbon aluminum and produced with renewable energy rather than fossil fuels for a lower carbon impact. The MX Master 3S mouse is also made with PCR plastic — 27% for the graphite-colored version of the mouse and 22% for the pale gray version.

The post Logitech’s Upgraded MX Master 3S Mouse Is Quieter, New MX Mechanical Keyboards Are, Too first appeared on Joggingvideo.com.

Have you been trying to stream or record gaming content, but your videos seem a bit dark? If so, then try this Logitech Litra Glow Streaming light at Office Depot for $56. 

While you’re only saving a few dollars ($4 to be exact) on this ring light compared to other retailers, why not get one of my favorite lights for cheaper? I have professional lighting, budget lighting and everything in-between, but the Litra Glow is what I reach for when I’m on camera. 

See at Office Depot

I’ve had the opportunity to test this streaming light and compare it to my old ring light and to my stand-lights used for recording. I’ve found that this light undoubtedly works better than my budget ring light and is more convenient than my stand-lights. 

The Litra has five different color temperature lights from warm to cool. But what makes it better than my ring light is the ability to get high-powered brightness and subtle darkness all with a push of the button. And since it’s plug-and-play with a USB-powered light, it’s far more convenient (and a lot less hot) than setting up larger lights.

While this one light alone can’t beat the power of both my budget stand-lights together, it’s an ideal tool for streamers and home office workers in need of good lighting, especially when recording videos. And when I paired this with my Logitech Streamcam that I bought to replace my old webcam, everything got even better visibly.

If you have a grad who loves to stream and record videos or has a brand new job where looking good on camera is a must, don’t hesitate to get this light for a few dollars cheaper while you still can. And check out our other grad gifts too if you need any more cool ideas.

Read more: Logitech Litra Glow Review: This LED Light For Streaming or Working From Home is Brilliant and Affordable

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Just about every gamer has, at one point or another, fantasized about being able to play video games for a living. But if you’re serious about giving it a shot, you’ll need the right gear to help you get started. All you really need for a basic streaming setup is a webcam and a microphone, and right now you can pick up both for less with $80 off this Logitech and Blue Yeti bundle at Best Buy. This offer is only available until 12:59 a.m. ET (9:59 p.m. PT), so be sure to get your order in before then.

See at Best Buy

This bundle features the essentials you’ll need for streaming and video content creation. The Logitech C922 webcam, which typically sells for $100 on its own, can capture full HD 1080p picture at 30 frames per second, or you can bump the frame rate up to 60fps — at the cost of dropping the resolution down to 720p. Plus, it features autofocus and automatic light correction for a more crisp, clear picture.

While the Logitech webcam is also equipped with its a built-in microphone, you won’t need it with the Blue Yeti USB microphone that is also included in this bundle. It’s equipped with a custom three-capsule array to capture clear, studio-quality sound and features four different pickup patterns geared specifically towards recording vocals, instruments and more. And with a simple USB connection, the plug-and-play set up only takes a few seconds.

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Having a stylus like the Apple Pencil can really change how you use and interact with your iPad. Whether you want to take notes, navigate the interface or become the next big cartoon artist, you’re going to want to check this deal out. Right now, you can pick up the Logitech Crayon for just $58, one of the lowest prices yet. Normally, it sells for about $70.

Logitech Crayon: Save $12

$58 at Amazon

The Logitech Crayon is easily the best Apple Pencil alternative on the market. It may lack some of the pressure sensitivity features that the Apple Pencil does, and has a different design, but overall it’s a really great option. Once paired to your iPad, the Logitech Crayon will automatically connect each time you go to use it. It recharges via Lightning and all you have to do is plug in your cable to the top of the Crayon.

Prefer to get an Apple Pencil instead? Be sure to check out our best Apple Pencil deals now. 

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There are so many webcams out there it’s hard to know which one and which specs are going to make you look the best with the least effort. Here are four I really like right now, with important shopping lessons that each one embodies. 

Lori Grunin/CNET

Dell Ultrasharp 4K

The Dell UltraSharp is a fresh entry from a company known mostly for computers. The build quality of this sleek cylindrical camera is marvelous, as are its slick magnetic mounting adapters and lens cap. Not so marvelous is its lack of an internal microphone or Mac compatibility, but the latter isn’t too surprising from a leading maker of Windows PCs.

The UltraSharp is a 4K camera with an 8.3-megapixel sensor, 5x digital zoom and a field of view running from 65 to 90 degrees. The premise is not so much about shoving cinematic detail down the line to the other end of your Zoom call but rather automatically panning within the 4K image to keep you properly framed if you move around. It works very well and is the smartest use of 4K in a webcam, rather than going for ultimate resolution that most telepresence platforms can’t convey anyway.

$184 at Dell

Osbot

Obsbot Tiny Full HD

The Obsbot Tiny comes in HD and 4K variants, but I find the HD version sufficient, because it uses a little motorized gimbal camera to physically pan, tilt and zoom rather than do so digitally within the pixels of 4K resolution. Most of us don’t move around that much once we start a video session, so consider this camera’s banner feature critical only if you’ve been looking for it. The automatic panning and tilting rely on smart image processing that isn’t quite smart enough, in my experience, cutting off the top of my head with some regularity. Thankfully the camera’s app makes any misframing quick to fix.

The Obsbot Tiny also supports a rudimentary set of two hand gestures to center it on your face or to zoom it in and out. But you’re likely to use those gestures only before a teleconference starts or the host is going to think you have a question all the time. As with most instances of gesture control it’s not a reason to buy this cam, but its motorized head and generally excellent color and light capture are.

$199 at Walmart

Logitech

Logitec Brio 4K

The Logitech Brio became something of a COVID icon — hard to find and obscenely marked up — as millions started “zooming it in” and wanted to snatch up a flagship cam from a massively popular brand. The Brio remains a good cam with 4K resolution and a 13-megapixel sensor, but I find it’s slipped a bit behind the other cameras in this list in terms of focus sharpness, its ability to even out wonky lighting and its $165 list price. 

Read our Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam preview.

$165 at WalmartYou’re receiving price alerts for Logitech Brio 4K Pro Webcam

Anker

Anker PowerConf C300

 The Anker PowerConf C300 is proof that you can spend a lot closer to $100 than $200 and get a great webcam. For its $100 list price you won’t get 4K resolution or a robotic gimbal head, but you will get excellent light handling and focus. And it has the best privacy cover in the bunch: A simple slider that you can’t lose and that is so easy to move it won’t bump your camera’s aim when you open or close it.

The street price on the C300 is frequently drops under $100, which makes its really good image processing that much more of a reason not to sweat its lack of 4K, cutting-edge gimmicks or stunning design. 

$100 at Walmart

The camera in the lid of your laptop or bezel of your tablet is likely not doing you justice in a world where showing up clearly and naturally on the other end is essential to getting fully heard and seen.

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Deliver premium content to your subscribers with this high-definition webcam packed with features to make content creation simple. This camera features full 1080p HD resolution and streams or records at 60fps so your content comes out sharp, smooth and crisp. It also features smart auto-focus, auto-framing and intelligent exposure. That means the webcam will keep you clear and in the center of the shot even if you move position, and automatically adjust the aperture and ISO speed to whatever lighting conditions you create. You can grab the Logitech StreamCam from Amazon or Best Buy for just $150 right now. 

See at AmazonSee at Best Buy

StreamCam can be used with both Mac and PC and connects through USB-C. It’s optimized for the live streaming software creators use most, and it’s compatible with Open Broadcaster Software, XSplit and Streamlabs OBS so that you can stream to Twitch, YouTube and other sites. It also features a wide 78-degree field of view as well as framing for landscape and portrait modes. Plus, the webcam can be mounted on a monitor or a standard tripod to record the way you want.

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Apple’s FaceID on the iPhone is pretty cool, but Microsoft actually did facial recognition first with Windows Hello. That means there’s a hands-free trick to unlocking your laptop. Using your Windows 10 or Windows 11 laptop or tablet’s built-in webcam, Hello uses facial recognition to get you in and working in under two seconds. It even works with apps and websites such as Dropbox, Chrome and OneDrive, so you can skip typing in a password. 

Read more: Microsoft now lets you scrap your password for Outlook, Xbox and other online services

Unfortunately, not every webcam works with Windows Hello. Your laptop webcam needs an infrared (IR) camera to use the feature, which are more common in new laptops and two-in-ones from the past couple of years, including those from Dell, Lenovo and Asus. If you’re not ready for a new laptop, you can opt to buy a supported external webcam like Logitech’s Brio 4K Pro, Dell’s 4K UltraSharp or Lenovo’s 500 FHD. 

Lenovo 500 FHD Webcam

Pricing not available

More from Tech Tips

• The 6 Windows 11 features you have to try
• Free Microsoft Office? Yes, you can really get Word, Excel and PowerPoint for $0
• Why is my PC running so slow? 3 common causes and how to fix them yourself

Check for Windows Hello compatibility

If you’re not entirely sure what, if any, Windows Hello support your computer has, it’s very easy to check. Using the Windows search bar — typically located at the lower left of your screen or press the Windows key plus S — type “sign-in options.” You can also ask Cortana for sign-in options if you have it activated. 

Once you’re on the sign-in options screen, you’ll see the Windows Hello options available to you. If your system’s webcam supports face recognition, you’ll see the option to set it up (likewise if you have a supported fingerprint sensor). Click “Set up” and you’re on your way. 

Note that if the “Set up” button is grayed out, it’s because you must set up a system password before you can use other sign-in options. On the same screen, you click the Add button under the Password heading and create a password (or a PIN for Windows 11). Once that’s done, your Windows Hello options should no longer be grayed out. 

Look at the camera 

Once you click through to set it up, you’ll hit a “Welcome to Windows Hello” screen, which simply gives you the last chance to back out of setting it up. Don’t worry, though: If you decide you don’t want to use face recognition, you can delete the profile later. 

Click the “Get started” button and the IR camera will turn on and scan your face. Just keep looking directly at the camera until the blue status bar below your picture finishes. It takes just a couple of seconds to finish as long as you keep your head still and looking at the camera.

Create a PIN

Once it completes, you’re given the option to improve recognition by running the IR camera scan again. You should do this if you regularly wear glasses or a hat so you can run the scan with those things on and off. Or run it with your head at slightly different angles while still looking at the camera as well as in dark and bright lighting.

After that, you’ll be asked to set up a PIN if you haven’t already logged into Windows, if for some reason Hello is not available or is having trouble recognizing your face — a pretty rare experience in my testing if you did a couple of face scans. First, you’ll be asked to enter your system password, and then you’ll be asked to create a PIN, which cannot be the same as your password. 

Look to unlock

In the Windows Hello settings under sign-in options, you have the option to automatically dismiss the lock screen if Windows recognizes your face. This means that as soon as you boot up or wake your PC from sleep, it will scan your face, unlock and take you to your Desktop or whatever you were working on last in less than two seconds. If you have this option off, you’ll be asked to dismiss the lock screen manually after Windows recognizes your face, which means clicking a mouse button, keyboard key or swiping your touchscreen. Otherwise, you should be all set up for facial recognition with Windows Hello. 

If you’ve skipped using a system password in the past because you hate having one more password to remember, face recognition is a good, better-than-nothing compromise. And it works so well, you might find yourself locking your computer down just to use it. 

Let your fingers do the unlocking

Windows Hello can also be used with integrated or add-on fingerprint readers. They accomplish the same task, but require you to lift your finger to a sensor to quickly sign you into your computer and apps, make in-app purchases or sign into websites with Edge, Chrome and Firefox browsers. The setup process is essentially the same as with facial recognition, you’ll just use your finger on a sensor instead of looking at your camera.

Kensington VeriMark USB Fingerprint Key Reader

$40 at Amazon

For more, take a look at CNET’s list of the best must-have accessories for your new laptop and laptop backpacks.

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