Payton H. Wilmott, Gleaner Writer

Facebook and Hi5 are two common website names on the tongues of Internet-savvy surfers.

Who would have thunk that just posting a picture of yourself on the Internet would narrow distances and topple borders and barriers here and overseas?

Well, thats just the tip of the iceberg when you have the power of the Internet at your fingertips.

Video chat is the next evolution to virtual conversation and striking up friendships online. Which brings me to the two webcams I found that could make that video chat possible online for you. They are the MSI StarCam Racer web camera and the Labtec 2200 webcam.

Enough of the chatter, lets get down to the meat of the matter.

Labtec 2200 WebCam

This web camera has a standard VGA 640480 resolution, which is great for a user just looking for a webcam to get the basic job done.

Tests reveal its a fantastic fit with Skype Video, Yahoo Messenger, Windows Live Messenger and AOL (America Online) Instant Messenger.

The webcam itself is very pliable when mounted, so that it can be bent and twisted into suitable positions to take photos or video recordings.

Also, the Labtec 2200 webcam offers a modest picture and video quality that will satisfy rudimentary Internet needs. I would recommend it to anyone needing basic webcam functionality.

MSI StarCam Racer

Now this is what you call a dream come true, the StarCam Racer web camera. This cam offers all that the Labtec 2200 webcam has to offer ... and more.

For starters, the StarCam Racer has a 1.3-megapixel resolution that significantly enhances photo and video-recording quality.

Second, the StarCam Racer has night vision, which makes videoing and snapping pics in the dark a cinch.

Now for my favourite option, My Guard Live video security software. This baby can be used as a security cam wherever its mounted. So ... is Joe causing you problems in your relationship? Get yourself some hard evidence with an MSI StarCam Racer and your dilemma will be solved.

Products mentioned in this article are courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories telephone#: 906-1067, 906-1068,749-5579.