Labs

While other webcams are barely able to frame your face, the VX-6000's wide-angle lens manages to fit in a whole lot more. The versatile stand fits neatly on desks, laptops and LCD monitors alike.

Disappointingly, the drivers supplied on the CD suffer from "known compatibility issues" with Windows Vista. The software directed us to the correct download site, but new drivers weighed in at a massive 117MB. Once we'd installed it we were disappointed to find that the software was limited to taking snapshots, video clips and adding silly animations to moving images.

We had few complaints once the LifeCam was up and running, and the image quality from its 1.3 megapixel sensor was impressive. While not quite as pin-sharp and detailed as the Logitech Ultra Vision, images were still well exposed and full of fine detail. The LifeCam takes decent pictures, but it is poor value when you consider the limited software.