Webcams and simple software?

[ddrueding]

I'm getting a bunch of requests about webcams and simple software. People want to talk to grandma or the grand kids. I'm hoping for recommendations on the best cheap cameras (under $50), and the simplest software to use. I have never done it, so I'm hoping someone here has.

Thanks.

 

[timwhit]

I taught my Dad how to use Skype. He isn't the most computer savvy person around.

 

[udaman]

I'm getting a bunch of requests about webcams and simple software. People want to talk to grandma or the grand kids. I'm hoping for recommendations on the best cheap cameras (under $50), and the simplest software to use. I have never done it, so I'm hoping someone here has.

Thanks.

yer getting married tomorrow and you already have kids? Just as bad as Jessica Alba (wait, did she get married yet?) Online the day before the wedding..no bachelor party?

Not the answer you want to hear, iChat & a 'green' new MacBook (built-in iSight cam) will make you geek star!

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/11/24/apple-promotes-environmentally-friendly-notebooks-in-new-ad/

iChat comes with MacOS X, and unlike Dell laptops, you won't get charged an extra $150 to use the older M$ OS, instead of Vista

http://www.electronista.com/articles/08/12/05/dell.charging.xp.premium/

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook?mco=MTE2NTQ

You missed the $100 Black Friday Sale @Apple store, but you can still get $150 off a 2Ghz MB w/free ship till Dec8th:

http://www.macconnection.com/IPA/PM/Brands/Apple/holidayblowout.htm?oext=1961B&SourceID=k32556


I figure that by 2010 though, with 7.2Mbps 3G phone service, you'd probably be doing video calls using a cell phone/smart phone:

http://blog.omio.com/feature/nokia-n97-vs-apple-iphone-3g-clash-of-the-titans/



btw, I assume you'll be offline all day tomorrow, or are you going to 'blog' your wedding day memes here on SR? (hardkor geek?)

 

[Fushigi]

iChat comes with MacOS X, and unlike Dell laptops, you won't get charged an extra $150 to use the older M$ OS, instead of Vista

Technically, what Dell is selling gives you the ability to run XP as well as Vista, not instead of. You start with XP and move to Vista when you're ready, or run them as dual-boot.

Also, if you buy a Dell (or any other brand) with Vista Business or Ultimate, the XP downgrade is available at no extra cost. Only the Home versions don't already include downgrade rights.

 

[CougTek]

I'm getting a bunch of requests about webcams [...] I'm hoping for recommendations on the best cheap cameras (under $50),...

I'm very satisfied with the Logitech Fusion. It cost me 43$CDN and the image is ok. Above that one, there's the Quickcam Pro 9000, which has a better sensor, but it cost me ~70$CDN. Maybe it is available somewhere in the States for 50$ or a little above, since prices in your country are slightly lower than in mine.

None are good enough for business video meetings, but for casual chat (read "between friends and family"), they are ok.

 

[ddrueding]

So the Logitech Fusion and Skype? I'll have to get some and try them out before I make the recommendation.

Thanks for the info.