Photo Gurus - What background to use for product pics?

[SuperSix]

Hiho!

I'm looking for a way to take good pictures of computer products for my website. What would be good for such photos? I mean backgrounds. Formica? I can crop, cut/paste/etc, I just want as little around the item being photographed as possible.

Also, how about lighting? I don't have the budget now for a professional lamp, what else works well?

I have a Nikon Coolpix 800, old but reliable, and I assume I need a tripod. Any other suggestions?

 

[SuperSix]

I got a good link on a whiteboard - but any help with inexpensive, effective lighting?

 

[notfred]

white sheet, light it well to remove shadows, and then feel free to cut out anything that remains of the background in photoshop.

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: notfred
white sheet, light it well to remove shadows, and then feel free to cut out anything that remains of the background in photoshop.

Or a dark blanket/sheet if the object is light colored.