A cheap no-frills webcam, useful for simple video conferencing.

A small step up from the Creative Vista Pro, the Creative Webcam Live! offers users a basic digital video package suitable for messaging.

The Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 is a mid-range webcam that suffers from the same pitfalls as most mid-range cameras on the market. When the lighting is anything but optimal, the image quality suffers greatly.

The Lifecam VX-7000 offers a reasonable performance in most areas, but $150 is a pretty big ask for a webcam; particularly when some of its premium features don't work properly. Only consider buying if you're a Windows Live fan.

The Lifecam NX-3000 performs its primary function -- and little else -- to middling effect. If your notebook is already equipped with an inbuilt camera there's very little reason to consider this purchase.