Logitech Expands Line of Webcams for Notebook PCs; QuickCam for Notebooks Deluxe, QuickCam for Notebooks, Deliver Great Performance at Affordable Price

Business Wire, March 9, 2005

HANNOVER, Germany -- It's now more affordable than ever for notebook PC users to own and use a VGA-quality webcam made by Logitech (Nasdaq:LOGI) (SWX:LOGN), the world's leading manufacturer of webcams. Today at CeBIT, the company unveiled two new extremely portable cameras designed specifically for the growing notebook PC market: the QuickCam(R) for Notebooks Deluxe webcam and the QuickCam(R) for Notebooks webcam.

Both webcams include VGA CMOS sensors that deliver great image quality at affordable prices. The QuickCam for Notebooks Deluxe webcam features an advanced sensor to deliver consistent high-quality video even in low-light conditions -- perfect for people planning on using their notebook webcam in a variety of places.

Logitech's new cameras address two trends: the growing notebook PC market and the increased use of personal video communications technology in the home. Research firm IDC reported that worldwide shipments of portable PCs have grown from 28 million in 2001 to a projected 49 million at the end of 2004. IDC believes shipments will exceed 91 million by 2008. Meanwhile, Logitech recently reached a pair of milestones: It has surpassed 25 million in webcams sales, and the company has hosted 2.3 billion video instant messaging sessions by users of MSN Messenger.

"Personal video communications are fast-becoming an essential part of the digital experience, while more and more people are using notebooks as their primary computer," said Gina Clark, director of product marketing for Logitech's video business unit. "Our family of notebook cameras presents our customers with choices based on their specific needs and budget. Our two newest cameras are remarkably affordable and easy to use for those who want to explore video communications."

Each webcam's design makes it easy to use with notebook PCs, and extremely portable. Both cameras attach securely to a notebook PC display with integrated spring-tension clips. They both include protective carrying cases that make it simple and safe to take the cameras on the road.

As with all of Logitech's webcams, the new cameras are easy to use with an expanding list of applications that support video, such as instant messaging, video calling and video email, helping friends and families stay in visual contact around the globe. Both cameras include integrated microphones, eliminating the hassle of carrying a separate microphone or headset.

The QuickCam(R) for Notebooks webcam and QuickCam(R) for Notebooks Deluxe webcam come with easy-to-install drivers and bonus software, including Logitech VideoCall for broadband, a new application and service that allows people to make a high-quality video call with synchronized audio through their PC.

QuickCam for Notebooks Deluxe

The QuickCam for Notebooks Deluxe features a sophisticated, compact design to appeal to the style-conscious notebook user. Its metallic grey exterior is contrasted by chrome accents. The camera's durable, one-piece, arch-like design allows it to elegantly and snugly rest on top of a laptop display. The webcam software features face-tracking technology that keeps people's faces centered in the frame at all times. The QuickCam for Notebooks Deluxe webcam is compatible with either USB 2.0 or USB 1.1. It has a video resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, and also features the ability to take snapshots with a resolution of 1.3 megapixels, with interpolation.

QuickCam for Notebooks

The QuickCam for Notebooks webcam comes in a vastly different design than Logitech's previous offering with the same name. The youthful look features a swivel camera head, which makes it easy to adjust to the left or right to cover more of a room. Perfect for college students, the QuickCam for Notebooks webcam is Logitech's most affordable notebook PC webcam to date. The QuickCam for Notebooks webcam has a VGA video resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. It is compatible with either USB 2.0 or USB 1.1. The camera features a manual focus ring, making it easy to take a snapshot to share with friends and family, or to snap a picture of an item for an online sale.

Pricing and Availability

The QuickCam(R) for Notebooks Deluxe webcam will be available in the U.S., beginning in April, for a suggested retail price of $59.99. It will be available in Europe in May. The QuickCam(R) for Notebooks webcam will also be available in the U.S. in April, for a suggested retail price of $39.99. It will be available in Europe in May.

These two new notebook webcams join Logitech's top-of-the-line notebook PC camera, the QuickCam for Notebooks Pro, which retails for a suggested price of $99.99 in the U.S.

About Logitech

Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the Swiss Stock Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.