Compaq YC72-CPQ USB Webcam Web Camera Windows 98 Era Vintage AS-IS

Compaq YC72-CPQ USB Webcam Web Camera Windows 98 Era Vintage AS-IS

The Compaq YC72-CPQ is a first-generation USB webcam produced by Compaq Computer Corporation for the Windows 95 and Windows 98 era of personal computing. It connects via USB-B and draws power directly from the USB bus (+5V, 0.50A max), with no external power supply required. This unit is being sold AS-IS: we do not have the original software or drivers needed to verify functionality.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: Compaq Computer Corporation
• Model: YC72-CPQ
• Compaq Part Number: 238384-001
• Spares Part Number: 186590-001
• FCC ID: EDUYC72-CPQ
• Interface: USB (USB-B port on rear)
• Power: +5V ±5%, 0.50A Max (USB bus-powered)
• Country of Manufacture: Japan
• Compatible OS: Windows 95, Windows 98 (drivers required, not included)
• Tilt/swivel base for monitor or desk mounting
• Manual focus adjustment dial visible on right side of housing
• Includes: USB cable (USB-A to USB-B)
• Does not include: software, drivers, or original packaging

Applications

The YC72-CPQ dates from the late 1990s, when USB was first being adopted on consumer PCs and webcams were a novelty peripheral used for video chat, still image capture, and early video conferencing. Compaq marketed webcams like this to Windows 95 and 98 users alongside dial-up internet services and early video-chat applications such as Microsoft NetMeeting. The boxy, monitor-top form factor and USB-B connector are hallmarks of this first generation of USB peripherals, before USB-A became the near-universal standard for peripheral cables. Today these cameras are primarily of interest to vintage computing collectors, retro-PC enthusiasts, and those maintaining period-correct Windows 9x systems.