Setup for the Logitech QuickCam Express takes only a few minutes; just plug it into a USB port and transfer about 50 MB of software from the accompanying CD into your hard drive. The eerie, eyeball-like camera comes with a base that fits comfortably on top of your monitor or desktop. Calibrate it with the software to get your best side, and you're off and running. With the QuickCam Express you can add photos to online resumes or e-mail, send video letters to faraway friends and family, or use the live conferencing software to turn your computer into a Jetsons-esque video phone.

The image quality isn't perfect; more expensive cameras will yield sharper results. Still, the pictures look good enough for most purposes, and the streaming quality is exceptional (depending, of course, on your Internet connection speed). There are only few controls to master, which will delight the wind-it-up-and-watch-it-go folks, but may infuriate the gadget-loving technophiles out there. For ease of use, low maintenance, and decent quality, the Logitech QuickCam Express is hard to beat. --Rob Lightner

Pros:

• Unobtrusive
• Easy to capture stills
• Simple installation

Cons:

• Lower resolutions than more expensive PC cameras
• Little control over imaging