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kjohnson
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Join Date: Jun 2007
 
2007-08-13, 20:41

what is the best site through whcih i can use the web cam on my macbook and communicate with friends/family. i already know about the yahoo messenger, is this the best one?
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torifile
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Durham, NC
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2007-08-13, 21:11

You wouldn't use a "site". It's a program that you'll be using. Yahoo! Messenger is just a program that happens to use Yahoo! ids to connect you to people. That said, you need to tell us a bit more. What type of computer are your family/friends using? Do they have AIM screennames? MSN screennames? Are they willing to get one if they don't already have them? (They're free, you just need to sign up.)

If they're also on a Mac, you can use the built-in program called iChat to talk with them once they get an AIM screen name (go to aim.com to sign up). Skype also has video chat and it's cross-platform, so you might want to consider that.

Regardless of what service you'll be using, you'll all need to have screen names on the same service. But avoid Yahoo because it sucks on the Mac.
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kjohnson
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Join Date: Jun 2007
 
2007-08-14, 01:37

they have a regular pc. they would like to video chat so i assume getting messenger or something will be fine. what webcam would you recomend for them. also is there a mic in the macbook or would i have to just type to them.
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chucker
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: near Bremen, Germany
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2007-08-14, 01:52

The MacBook does have a microphone.

Your best bet software-wise is Skype. iChat has a nicer interface, but can be more tedious to set up, and Yahoo! Messenger is neither as nice nor as easy.

Hardware-wise, just about any regular USB webcam will do, but keep in mind that you do get what you pay for. Your average webcam retails for around $30, but its quality will probably be nowhere near that of your MacBook's built-in iSight. So, if that's a pressing issue, spend a little more ($50-70ish) and should get much better quality.

Keep in mind that with video and audio chat, a good connection will also help dramatically: high upstream bandwidth and low latency make a lot of difference.
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Boomerangmacuser
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
 
2007-08-14, 16:25

Quote:
Originally Posted by chucker View Post
Hardware-wise, just about any regular USB webcam will do, but keep in mind that you do get what you pay for. Your average webcam retails for around $30, but its quality will probably be nowhere near that of your MacBook's built-in iSight. So, if that's a pressing issue, spend a little more ($50-70ish) and should get much better quality.
Does this mean that the Macbook's internal cam won't work with Skype?
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chucker
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: near Bremen, Germany
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2007-08-14, 16:28

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boomerangmacuser View Post
Does this mean that the Macbook's internal cam won't work with Skype?


What made you think that? I was referring to hardware for kjohnson's friends and family, not for the MacBook. The built-in iSight will work great with Skype, Yahoo! Messenger and iChat.
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Boomerangmacuser
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
 
2007-08-14, 16:47

Phew! Misread. Sorry.
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kjohnson
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Join Date: Jun 2007
 
2007-08-15, 15:58

thanks guys appreciate it
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