I am caught in the choice between the iSight and using our Panasonic GS120 3ccd camcorder.

From what I've read the camcorder should produce a much better picture but the install will be kind of Mickey Mouse/Rube Goldberg since it has to be set up so it can be removed and replaced.

On the other hand, the iSight should be a snap to install (will the magnetic base work on my Dell 23005FPW?) and leave in place.

So what's the final word? What do you use or what do you recommend.

In case anyone missed the question, will the magnetic mount stick to the Dell frame and if so will it damage the monitor i.e. speaker magnets bad for monitors unless shielded?

Btw, from what I can tell the monitor case is plastic so how to mount the iSight?

Also, what kind of camera and application to get for my son to use on his (ugh!) PC so I can see my grandkids?

Thanks for your thoughts,

GeneL

I used an isight on a recent trip and thought the quality for the purpose was great. A camcorder gives you a lot more function beyond just for webcam... but I'd stick with the iSight if it's web conference you're seeking it for.

Can't help you on the PC side.

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OWC Larry
Other World Computing
[www.macsales.com]

Thanks for the response, Larry.

I'll wait and see if I get any more suggestions.

Wondering about mounting on the Dell?

I use an iSight and find the quality is really quite good for web conferencing. I doubt the base will easily mount to the Dell monitor. My dell (a 19" model) has a odd shape to the back that makes mounitng the isight there a bit challenging.

Not a big deal for me as I use my iSight with my powerbook on the road, not very often when I'm at a desk at home.

-Bubba3K

I went by the Mission Viejo Apple Store this afternoon to look at the iSight and the salesman mention a mounting kit that came with it for set ups that can't use the magnetic mount.

Anyone familiar with this mounting method?

Thanks for your thoughts,

GeneL

I'm not sure about the mounting kit but I'd say if you already have the camcorder you should invest in a good tripod and use it for your webcam. Than again since I own some apple stock you should buy buy buy straight from [store.apple.com]

;)

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---“What you permit, you promote. What you allow, you encourage. What you condone, you own.”

Logitech USB 2 for the Windows folks. They need XP and the latest AIM and some grief, and will get it sorted out in the end.

There is plenty of help on the Apple iChat Discussions. No need to duplicate it here. There is just too much to duplicate. Just search for "PC".

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Ed (modelamac)

I think I will just put an OUT OF ORDER
sticker on my head and call it a day.

Apple iChat, hmmm?

Thanks modelamac or is it Mr Curmudgeon?

I just hope it won't be too complicated on the PC side since my son is resisting.

I really want to get this working so that I can see my grandkids who live too far away for me to see often enough.

I use my Sony handycam. It's paid for and does not get used ALL that often these days..
So I'm putting it to use.
A firewire cable later and Im video chatting with all my buds.
(so if you already own a vid cam, try it out before spending $)
my 2 cetavos

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The Band: [www.rhythmandrain.com]

Thanks for everyone's help and support after Hurricane Katrina!

Hi Rain!

How do you keep your handycam in place?

Camcorders are a lot bulkier than the iSight and other webcams so I've been put off by not knowing how to mount the camcorder.

I welcome any suggestions on this issue.

Also, what application will I need to utilize the camcorder in order to video conference?

Do I already have what I need in Tiger or iLife?

Thanks for your thoughts,

GeneL

Gene

(pretty hi-tech on this end of the keyboard)
I have my Sony TRV-38 sitting on a detailing cloth on top of my 19" CRT monitor.
I WOULD have put it on a small tripod(like the table top models you see all over eBay) but I have a Dell 2001fp monitor next to my CRT.. so it was just easier to set it on top and not seem rude when chatting and not looking at the camera. haha

Application I use is iChat. Other folks in my buddy list that have cameras are able to invite me to a video conference and we talk and view in real time. They all comment on the higher quality of my video and espeicially my audio. (most of them are having to use headset mics to cut out room noise and PC whine)

Hope this helps
Rain

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The Band: [www.rhythmandrain.com]

Thanks for everyone's help and support after Hurricane Katrina!

I guess I'll have to figure out some way to suspend the camera from under the shelf that's just over the Dell LCD monitor. It's easier when you have a big" CRT monitor to sit it on.

Anyway, I have to wait until Friday when my SO comes back from northern California with the camera. That is the one other problem with using it.

Oh well, I will definitely give it a shot.

Sounds as if things have settled down for you since the horror of Katrina. I can't imagine that the few bucks I contributed helped a lot but it I felt I had to send some support when you were hit so hard. The power of the forum "force" was with you

I'll have to try a "video iChat" with you once I figure it out?

Thanks again for the hints.

Btw I posted my favorite cookie recipe here on the forum. I hope you try it. It's really great!

<[forums.macresource.com];

Yes, Gene - just as the mas exodus from DM.com happened, I posted a run on Thank You to everyone who helped my family thru those dark weeks after Katrina.
Every bit went a LONG way in keeping us together and it is still going strong today.

[forums.dealmac.com]

hope I don't get banned for this - Wonder if I should start a new post here at my NEW home on MacResource ahhahaha

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The Band: [www.rhythmandrain.com]

Thanks for everyone's help and support after Hurricane Katrina!