Webcams offer instant connection

Webcams are extremely popular with some online segments, particularly game players. They’re a big hit also with dispersed families — grandparents can interact with grandkids over the ‘Net using cameras.

They’re now also a big deal with companies who want to stay in touch with offices across the country. Liberty Lake’s F5 hardware group regularly holds video conferences with its Seattle head office that way.

The question of which camera you need depends on your intended use.

If you need clear video even in low-light conditions, then you will need something produced by one of the higher-end providers. Both Creative and Logitech sell Webcams that serve that purpose, from $75 on up.

For general, ordinary-condition rooms, the options are much wider. A good place to shop and price your options is Epinions.com, a site that gathers consumer opinion on a variety of products. Search “web camera” there.

To hook up your Webcam to instant messaging software, like MSN Messenger, do a Google or Yahoo search for “IM client Webcam” and read the results.

Webcams get far better results with a broadband connection.