Webcams may not be as high-powered as specialist video conferencing equipment, but many of the latest webcams can work quite well as video conferencing alternatives, especially for those on the move with a laptop and a broadband connection. These webcams also prove to be a fantastic lifeline for business people who want to chat to their families while away from home.

Creative WebCam Live Ultra

This web camera has a 1.3-megapixel snapshot resolution and 640x480-pixel video resolution. Though quite basic, this webcam does include face tracking software and includes motion detection, allowing the camera to be used as a security device when the of"ce is unoccupied. Easily mountable on a laptop or desktop, but for the price it is sold at, this camera could do with better resolution and more features Price: 90 from online shops Review: http: //url. ie/48b "The latest addition to Creative's extensive line of Webcams, the Live Ultra is a novice-friendly unit that offers decent-quality photo and video in medium to high light situations, but its low-light quality leaves room for improvement.

With easy-to-use software this webcam is a suitable unit for greenhorn users who need to perform only basic editing and who are satis"ed with few settings options."

Logitech QuickCam Sphere

Looking like the Hal computer from 2000 . . . A Space Odyssey, with its black sphere and red LED, this webcam has a built-in microphone, face tracking software and pan and tilt so it can move with you. One of the pricier models on offer, this camera looks good and offers standard features like most other web cameras.

Price: 100 online Review:

http: //url. ie/48c "Overall, the QuickCam Sphere is a competent webcam with useful pan and tilt capability and a built-in microphone.

However, its face tracking functionality is frankly disappointing."

Philips SPC 900NC

Offering better still and video quality. the SPC sports a nice design to go with a desktop or a laptop. Better than others in its price range, the SPC could still offer more bang for the buck but for a business person looking to communicate with the of"ce or family, the Philips is one to look at.

Price: 92 from Elara. ie Review: http: //url. ie/489

"Gently attaches to the thinnest notebook screen or the thickest TFT. You can also fold the clip "at to rest on top of any "at surface, and there's even a tripod mount. The lens slides up and down for adjustment and twists for focusing. The image has a good "eld of view, and it's wide enough to "t more than one person in the picture. Although the Philips boasts a 60fps frame rate, you won't notice any bene"t during internet calls that are limited by bandwidth."

RECOMMENDED

Microsoft Lifecam VX-6000

The lifecam is a well-designed, feature-packed webcam. Built possibly with online gamers in mind, this web camera is professional enough for the business person too. With pan, tilt, zoom, a noise-cancelling microphone and true 1.3 megapixel video and interpolated 5.0 megapixel photos, this is one of the more powerful webcams on the market and at a price that makes it a 'best in class'.

Price: 89 from Komplett. ie Review: http: //url. ie/48a

"The Microsoft Lifecam VX-6000 does everything you could ask for in a web cam from its very effective 3X zoom feature, ability to choose from eight different sizes to display your video at. The fact that the VX6000 integrates so smoothly with Microsoft's Windows Live and can be activate by touching a single button located on the top of the camera is one more strong selling point for this device."