Blue Microphones Eyeball

On Windows Vista, I did have to restart the computer after I plugged it in for the first time. After that, however, I was ready to use a video-chat service. I used Skype, but the device also works with video-supporting instant messaging services such as Google Talk, iChat, Windows Live Messenger, and Yahoo Messenger. When I launched Skype, the program instantly listed the Eyeball Microphone as a Webcam and microphone option.

During my call to a cell phone using the microphone through Skype, the sound quality was far better than in a typical phone-to-phone conversation.

When you're ready to start recording video, you simply push the button on the left side of the microphone, and the postage-stamp-size HD Webcam pops out. Again, the video quality is relatively sharp considering the size of the camera, but it doesn't noticeably surpass the basic quality you can get from most built-in Webcams. Once you're done using the camera, you simply push it back into the side of the microphone.

The Eyeball is more expensive than other Webcams we've seen; but with its cool retro design and great sound quality, it provides solid value for the money. It's rare to find a Webcam with such an emphasis on audio, and the Eyeball definitely delivers on the sound-quality front.