Philips SPC 600NC

All instant messaging programs now offer free video chat, but to take advantage you will need a webcam. The Philips SPC 600NC is sturdier than many we've seen but does not swivel from side to side, although this is unlikely to cause a problem.

The vertical viewing angle is adjustable and the entire top of the webcam can be flipped to face the other way. The camera section can also be disconnected from the base, leaving a handy USB hub.

The camera plugs into a USB socket, although you'll need the faster USB 2 version for the best experience.

The supplied V Lounge software includes simple tools to help set up webcam options in MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and AIM, while a built-in microphone makes chatting easy.

The images produced by the webcam are among the best we've seen and the software is easy to use. Our sole quibble is that the Logitech QuickCam Communicator Plus is every bit as good, but includes a headset with microphone for the same cost.