Microsoft Lifecam Show webcam

Microsoft's Lifecam Show is a webcam that can be used either on a desk or on the move. The main camera unit is a small lozenge-like shape that attaches to the supplied holders using a magnet on its back.

It's supplied with a clip to attach it to the top of a laptop as well as a nice-looking stand for the desk, which puts it at just about head height, which is handy. There are also a couple of sticky-backed attachments which can be attached to just about any flat surface, such as the side of a monitor, allowing the webcam to be used there. Installation was painful: despite the supplied CD, it still had to download

more bits and pieces. This took over two hours on our test PC, after which time we stopped it (it worked fine anyway). On another computer it took only 20 minutes but failed to finish properly.

Once we'd rebooted, though, it worked fine. Quality is good– there are several levels, including two high ones which can be used to take photos (although photo quality is only so-so). It can also capture audio through the built-in microphone, and video and low but useable quality.