From Creative comes a "true plug & play experience," a webcam claiming to offer hassle-free setup so you'll be up and running in seconds. Just connect it to your PC's hi-speed USB 2.0 port and talk face to face with friends and family. (Since I like to work in my PJs I won't be getting a webcam anytime soon.)

The Live! Cam Optia boasts a view technology called the "Smart Face" which automatically tracks to keep in you in the frame and looking clear and in focus no matter how much you might move around. Unlike other webcams (again, according to Creative), this baby comes with parental controls. Simply create a login and password so that the next time someone uses the webcam, it requires your password before streaming live video over the Internet. With its 1.3 megapixel resolution and high quality, five-element glass lens that is typically used in digital still cameras, it boasts better than average photos.

Live! Cam Optia works with most instant messaging programs such as Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, and Skype Video Call. An added feature is the bundled Cam Center software which has a wide selection of video effects that you can add to your live chat. The multi-axis swivel rotates to almost any viewing angle at up to 270°. When you need privacy, simply rotate the camera downward. This will automatically deactivate the webcam without disconnecting it from your PC.

Easy. I may have to re-think the working in my PJs thing.

$79.99 from Creative.