I have to admit that I'm absolutely not a fan of videoconferencing. Who needs to know that I'm in pajamas at 2 pm or that my allergies have turned my eyes into pools of blood (both true right now, but you didn't need to know that, did you?) ? The webcam phenomenon puzzles me in the same way as the scoreboard cam at ballgames. It seems the more drunk or idiotic someone looks, the more they want people to see them.

So I don't like it, but unfortunately most of my family doesn't agree, so I'm constantly being pestered to turn on my cam. Perhaps with the Magic Mirror cam, I'd be somewhat more likely to comply. The Magic Mirror looks like a regular vanity mirror, and is surrounded by 24 LED lights. Behind the mirror is a camera, so you can smile into the cam, and see what's being broadcast to your Skype buddy. The adjustable mirror also makes it possible to set it to your best angle, minimizing double chins and eyebags.

Another possible use? Leave the cam on, and monitor your computer space. Other than the USB port, it looks like a normal mirror so when office spies and jealous boyfriends approach your computer and can't resist taking a glance, you can monitor from a remote locale.

I still think it's easier to just turn off the cam, and save the grooming routines for when you're actually going out. But the Magic Mirror is just $65 from Compact-Impact.