So I’m about five months behind - big deal. I found it and I want it: the world’s first 3-D webcam, Minoru by Novo. Minoru, which in Japanese means “reality,” is shaped like a tiny red robot who sits atop your computer monitor with two cameras (his eyes) that are spaced as equally apart as human eyes. The built-in stereoscopic anaglyphic processing software allows you to be seen in 3-D to anyone wearing a set of red and blue glasses (you get five free pairs upon purchasing the cam!).

You can also be seen in regular 2-D if your chat buddy’s not wearing a pair of 3-D specs. Minoru connects to your computer’s USB port and is compatible with Windows Live Messenger, Skype, AOL Instant Messenger, OoVoo, and others. This little guy also allows you to take 3-D pics and vids to upload to YouTube. Snag a Minoru webcam for yourself for less than $90 at my Gadgets That Look Like Cute Things But Actually Do Stuff buyer’s guide on Kazowie. (Another favorite from the guide is the Speakal iPig 2.1 Stereo iPod Docking System, below).

Shop Webcams Now.

If you have friends and loved ones who live in far-off lands (a.k.a. you don’t see them as often as you’d like to), I highly recommend investing in a webcam, if your computer doesn’t already have one built-in, that is. It makes everyday chatting with friends more fun, too. Trust me, it’s a hilarious good time. I did some research on the best cameras on the market and came up with a Top Desktop Webcams buyer’s guide, with cams for your desktop computer ranging from about $26 to $130.

The Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000 is overwhelmingly listed as a top performer, and I’ve got it on my list at a really sweet price. If you want a less expensive cam that’s listed among the top budget webcams, go with the Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX. Learn more about webcams, view prices, and snag one of your own on my Top Desktop Webcams guide. Happy chatting.

Webcams from left: Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF Auto Focus System, Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000, Logitech QuickCam Communicate STX, Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000.