Thinkpad Edge 13 Webcam

I am really confused about the webcam. I have seen some retailers and spec sheets stating 0.3MP for the webcam, while others claim 1.3, and Lenovo offers a 2.0MP webcam when you configure it yourself on their website. I am unable to afford a self configured model, so I have to purchase it from a retailer.

So what exactly is the MP for the webcam? What are your thoughts about the webcam quality under different lighting?

If you own a Edge 13, it would be appreciated if you could post the MP count along with a couple pictures from the webcam. I'd also like to know if the resolution differs when using it to take pictures from when using it for video, because I've heard that some laptop webcams only allow you to record video or use for video chatting at a lower resolution.

Lots of question, thanks for your time in advance!

 

they all use the same webcam model (it should all be 2.0 megapixel).

 

not true.   ThinkPads come with 0.3, 1.3, and 2.0 megapixel cameras depending on the model and generation.   in this case, the Edge 13 has a 0.3 MP camera.   i've used the Edge 13 and it only did 640x480.

for reference, it's currently listed as 0.3 MP in the Edge PSREF sheets, LCD system service parts page, and hardware maintenance manual:

Lenovo Support & downloads - 13.3 inch HD LED-backlight (1366x768) LCD service parts - ThinkPad Edge 13

http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/slbook.pdf

Lenovo Support & downloads - Hardware Maintenance Manual - ThinkPad Edge 13 and Edge E30

 

That's strange. Why is it that Lenovo lists an optional 2.0MP webcam when you configure it yourself on the web site? I also talked with customer service of one retailer and asked about the resolution on the Edge 13s that they sold, and after they forwarded my inquiry to product support, they emailed me back saying that the webcam was 1.3MP.

I'm still confused, can I get more feedback?

 

i can't find any documentation supporting the change.

update: everything i can find in documentation and parts listings say it's 0.3 MP.   it's safest to say that's what you'll get.

 

It's possible the sales people are confused themselves regarding the different webcams. The new T-series Thinkpads have 2.0MP webcams, the last-gen Tx00 Thinkpads had 1.3MP webcams, and the X100e has a 0.3MP webcam, I believe. Based on that, it would make sense that the affordable Edge-series has 0.3MP webcams.

 

Edge 14 and 15 is officially listed on the Lenovo.com sales page as 2.0 megapixel. But it doesn't mention the Edge 13.