webcam connection - pc and mac

[johnhancock]

One of my friends just left for college across the country. They took a (new) Macbook pro with them that has a built-in webcam. I have a windows XP machine. I'd like to pick up a logitech quickcam 5000 to communicate.

Is there a chat client that's compatible with both systems? Googletalk would be good but I don't think that program supports webcams. If I'm mistaken about that let me know. A third-party program just for the audio/video portions would be ideal but any solid chat program recommendations would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[kindashy]

I just checked my iBook. The iChat that comes standard with Tiger is compatible with AIM so I would leave experimenting for later and use AIM for now.

 

[australwind]

I agree with the recommendation to use AIM/iChat.... the picture quality is better than anything else I have tried. (I have a G4 iBook and most of my correspondents use Windows PCs)

The other option is Skype - both Macs and Windows machines will work for audio and video.

Of course, the other consideration is the speed of the internet connection - it does need to be a reasonable level (preferably broadband rather than dial-up) to support audio/video chat.

 

[SubNebGuy]

MSN messenger?
Yahoo! chat supports video

probably dozens more free or super cheap shareware out there too.

 

[kindashy]

MSN messenger?
Yahoo! chat supports video

probably dozens more free or super cheap shareware out there too.

Interesting. Now that we have discovered dozens of these programs, solely thanks to you, could you help us to further narrow the list to the programs that run on both operating systems, the Apple OS X and the Xp?

 

[australwind]

MSN messenger?
Yahoo! chat supports video

probably dozens more free or super cheap shareware out there too.

Yahoo Instant Messanger will support video but not audio for Mac. They seem to think we Mac users have nothing we would wish to say out loud!

As for MSN Messenger, I don't use it - however I can still chat to anyone using MSN (through the Windows Live link) although services available this way are severely curtailed. If I am on Yahoo and my correspondent on MSN, the webcam won't work, I can't transfer files and half the emoticons won't translate.

 

[johnhancock]

My friend is on a college campus, at least a wifi, though there are wire connections and probably connects to a fiber line. I'm on 700kbps DSL.

I've heard some horror stories about AOL software. Enough to make that my last resort.

 

[australwind]

My friend is on a college campus, at least a wifi, though there are wire connections and probably connects to a fiber line. I'm on 700kbps DSL.

I've heard some horror stories about AOL software. Enough to make that my last resort.

If you are not comfortable with using anything AOL, then I suggest Skype as the alternative. You and your friend both will find that the best option I know of for both audio and video combined.

 

[australwind]

Just a further note.. I looked into Google Talk... the web based chat client is not platform specific.
The downloadable Voice chat version... is Windows specific.... It states quite categorically that Macintosh and Linux platforms are not supported at this time.

 

[MMODrew]

Skype!

I agree with Belinda and suggest you try Skype. I've found the video quality to be much better than all of the other services mentioned above.

 

[johnhancock]

I was using skype a while back but had to uninstall it when it became a pay-for-use service and I couldn't afford it. Is it still pay-for-use?

 

[australwind]

I was using skype a while back but had to uninstall it when it became a pay-for-use service and I couldn't afford it. Is it still pay-for-use?

Skype to Skype is free......

If your friend has Skype installed as well there is no charge between Skype users - that's the advantage of it.

Skype also allows you to make calls to telephone numbers - from your computer (thats when it starts costing, albeit significantly less than a normal phone service)

 

[johnhancock]

Skype worked, thanks guys!

Private camshows may not commence

 

[Scribbleros]

I am not sure if Yahoo IM supports a webcam on the Mac

 

[MMODrew]

I am not sure if Yahoo IM supports a webcam on the Mac

It does (barely)!

Video quality/frame-rate is MUCH better with Skype.

 

[south_florida_bicur]

My friend is on a college campus, at least a wifi, though there are wire connections and probably connects to a fiber line. I'm on 700kbps DSL.

I've heard some horror stories about AOL software. Enough to make that my last resort.

The nightmare stories that you heard about AOL software is 100% true BUT AIM is different. It is a separate program.

You do NOT have to be an aol customer to use AIM. PLUS its free!!!!!

 

[Scribbleros]

If you have a creative webcam, you can probably use sight speed.

 

[australwind]

It does (barely)!

Video quality/frame-rate is MUCH better with Skype.

If you are a Mac user then you have two options for webcam... one is iSight and the other is the built in option (which apparently our correspondent has)

Yahoo does support webcam for Mac users...AUDIO is all that is unavailable.

You are correct when you say the quality of the image is far better with Skype.

You do NOT have to be an aol customer to use AIM. PLUS its free!!!!!

This is also correct - so as a Mac user, you can sign on and use iChat with an AOL/AIM addy cost free. iChat will talk to anyone on AIM. I also use this system on occasion - and again, the audio/video quality through this service is far superior to Yahoo.

 

[australwind]

Skype worked, thanks guys!

Private camshows may not commence

PPPSSSTttttt!! I'm a girl, but don't tell anyone.....


Are you sure about those camshows????