Techsurvivors

Archives => 2007 => Topic started by: Xairbusdriver on November 19, 2007, 01:07:30 PM

Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on November 19, 2007, 01:07:30 PM
Macworld has a post about a new app from ecamm <PowerBoost> that is supposed to enable video conferencing for up to 10 people and/or iChat AV for slower/older Macs. Have not bought the $8.00 app yet. Don't even have a camera that might work with it. But I'd sure like to see if this setup will enable at least two-way video iChatting with my grandkids on this 1GHz, Tiger running iGloo iMac and the coming alum iMac. The new machine has the camera built in, of course. Would have to invest in one for the old iMac, probably USB since I've never seen many FireWire cameras other than the iSight...
Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: Mrious_be on November 19, 2007, 04:51:17 PM
This reminds me...
Does Leopard now really supports USB cams for iChat?
A long time ago I read something that it would.

Anyone?

smile.gif
Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: RHPConsult on November 19, 2007, 05:49:30 PM
FWIW, ABD

IMHO, < iSight is running a considerable risk of disappointment.

I communicate with a few people with other-than iSights.

arginal, at best. Expect "poor" and you won't ever be disappointed.

There's a market out there. Maybe ecamm with capture.

Even iSight/iChat is sensitive to bandwidth fluctuations.

USB cameras: Think Zune; Firewire: Think iPod harhar.gif

PS: I'll ask my loyal/friendly/insightful/good/true/reverent, international band of iSighters and we'll try ecamm's new PowerBoost app.
Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: chriskleeman on November 19, 2007, 07:52:06 PM
I've used iChat with my daughter in California a few times... her MacBook Pro has an iSight camera built-in of course, and I've only used my G4 iBook with an older Logitech Firewire camera... lighting needs to be really good or you can't quite see everything...we both have broadband, I think ours is a little faster than hers, I think she's got basic DSL.

IAW RHP, the quality is fairly dismal, but it's better than not seeing her face, that's for sure!

 Dick, it will be interesting to see what your group finds out about that application.

Chris K whistling.gif
Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on November 19, 2007, 10:10:34 PM
How much was that thing when it was still available from Apple?! eek2.gif

New, sealed-in-box at Amazon for $520! The iGloo isn't worth that much! Even "like new" ones are $330. OK, shipping is included in those prices. DOH! These things have become collectors items, IMHO.  jawdrop.gif
Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: RNKIII on November 19, 2007, 10:24:12 PM
Unfortunately, ABD, as usual you are correct.... notworthy.gif

When Apple stopped making them and went to the 'onboard' variety the price of the 'stand alones' went through the roof.
Not sure how best to get your hands on one of the stand alones.... maybe 'Craigslist' or Amazon or... "Froogle"....

As with most things, patience is a virtue and might drop one into your hands...  toothgrin.gif


Bob K.   rnkiii
Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: RHPConsult on November 19, 2007, 10:24:39 PM
$145 per thing

Editorial Note: It's called supply and demand.
Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on November 19, 2007, 10:51:44 PM
QUOTE
It's called supply and demand.
Then I demand more supply! tongue.gif
$520 for a $150 item is called extortion where I come from. (And, believe me, there are plenty of thieves, convicted felons and pickpockets in the local governments!) These are not 'precious' gems, they are electronics items.

$150 + shipping would be a no brainer but not over $500 for an item with no support available, much less a warranty! I'm not looking to be on "Antiques Roadshow  / Electronics Edition" in 10 years! tongue.gif Even if it is in HD3D!
Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: RHPConsult on November 20, 2007, 01:42:11 AM
And, who would you choose to nominate (for Senate Judiciary Committee advising and consenting, of course) as Czar of iSight Sales?   Thinking.gif      Devilish2.gif

Let's see what it goes for . . . in a free market?     whistling.gif
Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on November 20, 2007, 08:20:19 AM
QUOTE
And, who would you choose to nominate...as Czar of iSight Sales?
Why, me, of course! But I'd be glad to appoint some of my friends and relatives to many, high-paying, with little oversight, 'consulting' positions...tongue.gif

QUOTE
...free market
Oh, I'm not asking for anything to be free, I'm more than willing to pay a reasonable price. Even original plus inflation rate in 4 years. I just think a 346% increase is a little steep. dntknw.gif

Of course, there does seem to be some downward pressure on these sellers. Amazon lists four 'offers'. Three are from the same vendor. Two of those are ~$520. But he almost matches the only other vendors offering at ~$517 versus the single offer at $516.99! That difference will almost buy a gallon of gas! laugh.gif
Title: iChat video for (some of) the rest of us?
Post by: RHPConsult on November 20, 2007, 09:21:09 AM
The more interesting speculation would appear to be this . . . What owner of a G4 Igloo, or an iBook, (the youngest machines w/o built-in iSight, I believe) would think 500+ bucks to be a "good" price to pay, when not too many more $$ would score a new(er) machine, with most ALL the bells and whistles?

One can't help but wonder if the announced "pricing structure" hasn't already shrunk the N of potential customers from, oh, 6,000,000 or so to a half dozen. Pronto. doh.gif

The seller must have a Day Job, believe in UFOs, or know little or nothing about Mac features.  rolleyes.gif