The Live! Cam Socialize Webcam from Creative Labs is an affordable, easy-to-use webcam with a built-in mic. Specifically designed for IM video chat applications, like Skype and Windows Live! Messenger, among others, this webcam is also plug-and-play with a built-in USB 2.0 cable so that you can easily connect it to your computer and get started. To ensure a sharp, smooth picture, the webcam captures video up to 30 frames per second at a resolution of 720p HD. In combination with the camera, the built-in noise canceling microphone ensures that your voice is clear as you chat. Beyond video chatting, you can also record high-quality video and clear audio for later playback or take still photos at a resolution of up to 1280 x 960 pixels.

While the webcam is plug-and-play for Mac, Windows, and Linux-based systems, Windows users also have the option of downloading Creative's free Live! Central 3 software. Conveniently, this software allows you to share your favorite HD video or pictures on Facebook, Photobucket, and YouTube with just one click. As one more added bonus, users who have touch screen enabled Windows 7 PCs can utilize the software's touchscreen interface for more quickly sorting through their files. All told, this versatile webcam from Creative offers stellar quality video and sound for a bargain of a price.