A Blessing in Disguise

[nicefeet101]

My dad is headed of for Iraq for a 1/2 year. That is not the blessing. The blessing the recent HD failure on my ancient laptop. Since me and my father want to video chat and he wants me to always have my own computer, he's going to buy me a low or mid range iMac. My question is, Does the iSight/iChat work with Video chatting on windows, on programs such as AIM? Also, just tell me anything that will get me more excited for my switch to apple.

 

[72930]

Yes it works with AIM...but Skype is better IMO as it is truly cross-platform

Mercury Messenger can be used to videochat with MSN, but there is no audio for that...

 

[ClassicBean]

I agree. Go with Skype if your Dad is on a Windows machine. Like a Mac, it'll just work. There won't be any need to configure anything. I also found that while the quality isn't as smooth as iChat in terms of frames per second, it often appears to be sharper and crisper.

 

[FatSweatyBlldog]

My dad is headed of for Iraq for a 1/2 year. That is not the blessing. The blessing the recent HD failure on my ancient laptop. Since me and my father want to video chat and he wants me to always have my own computer, he's going to buy me a low or mid range iMac. My question is, Does the iSight/iChat work with Video chatting on windows, on programs such as AIM? Also, just tell me anything that will get me more excited for my switch to apple.

First of all, good luck and best wishes for your father.

Second, as others have said Skype is a good bet. If you're unsure of which iMac you're getting, be sure to look at the Apple refurb store at their on-line store. Check early in the AM. You can get some really great deals (but they also have some much older machines, so pay attention to the specs).

For instance, here are two good deals, as long as you don't need the absolute newest hardware. The screen on the 20'' white iMac is much better than on the new 20'', for instance. The biggest benefit to the white iMacs is they're rock solid stable. In any case, good luck to you too! Enjoy your and how it'll let you stay in contact with your father!

 

[angrygolfer]

My dad is headed of for Iraq for a 1/2 year. That is not the blessing. The blessing the recent HD failure on my ancient laptop. Since me and my father want to video chat and he wants me to always have my own computer, he's going to buy me a low or mid range iMac. My question is, Does the iSight/iChat work with Video chatting on windows, on programs such as AIM? Also, just tell me anything that will get me more excited for my switch to apple.

I would like to say THANK YOU to your father for his service and bravery. I wish for his swift and safe return.

 

[Yuppi]

Me and my dad tried iChat for a while, but skype just seems to look nicer in most situations. It also perfectly works when used in a mac/windows session. Don't spam your beautiful Mac with Software from Microsoft

 

[aLoC]

Just make sure you download the latest version of Boot Camp. The earlier versions didn't include a driver for the camera, but the newer ones do.

Unless of course your new computer comes with Leopard in which case the latest Boot Camp will already be on there and no downloading required.

 

[Leon Kowalski]

The screen on the 20'' white iMac is much better than on the new 20'', for instance. The biggest benefit to the white iMacs is they're rock solid stable.

Yep, I agree with all that -- but why would anyone buy a refurb when you can buy a NEW-in-the-box product for about the same price?

I just ordered a 20" 2.16 GHz (MA589LL/A) from Smalldog.com in Vermont.
(It's an upgrade from the POS displays on my 20" and 24" ALU ex-iMacs)

$1200 -- including factory warranty, free iLife '08 DVD, free Leopard update.
$30 shipping, no sales taxes.

$1500 for the 24" 2.16 GHz (MA456LL/A).

BTW, I have no financial ties with this vendor.

...many thanks and best of luck to your dad, nicefeet.

LK