TOY BOX: All eyes must be on the QuickCam Pro

Logitech's QuickCam Pro 4000 sits on top of your computer monitor, but it's unobtrusive, and also has a handy snapshot button on top so you can pick it up and take pictures from anywhere.

It comes with a software package that can add video to instant messages, create web albums, and edit or add animation to images. There is also a motion detector option - in my opinion, the product's most impressive function - that automatically records whenever the camera senses movement. All photos and video clips can be easily organized, e-mailed, or added to an instant message or web album with a single mouse click. The images themselves aren't the best quality. Most of the shots we took around the office came out a bit blurry, and when I lowered the resolution, the picture was too small. But considering the price and its probable uses, the quality is certainly adequate. The verdict: "Studio-quality," as the package boasts, is pushing it. But at a relatively low price, it's a fun, user-friendly way to spice up e-mail and IM messages. Any questions? Write us at toybox@prweek.com

Sara Calabro writes Toy Box. She is a New York-based staff reporter for PRWeek ----- Price $99.95 Available at Circuit City, Best Buy, CompUSA, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, and Logitech.com Specs Video captures up to 640 x 480 pixels, still image captures up to 1280 x 960 pixels. It has a built-in mic for audio, and a privacy shade to cover the lens when the camera is not in use.