What hardware do I need

[rwmmiller]

Now you are giving me too much information. One says iChat, the other says VoIP. I've been married 40 years, The only choice I have ever been given is to do it her way, or the hiway. What are the advantages/disadvantages? VoIP vs. iChat, I know the advantage of the hiway - i'm taking it to China.

[jdc]

maybe we (I) arent clear on what you are taking to china...

are you taking a computer? or is one going to be provided for you? or are you planning on buying a new one before you leave?

[rwmmiller]

I was looking for the whole best set-up, including a computer. I will not be given one. I was wondering what would be a good choice, i.e. a refurbished, what model, etc. I felt confident getting the big one for home, but don't know what would be complimentary for 1 year abroad.

I am not an experienced traveler needing to stay in contact with home. I don't know if I would need it after I come home. I don't want to spend a lot for just 1 year usage. Any ideas

Ol' man

[deckeda]

In your situation --- a Mac here in the states, and one in China with you --- I'd get modern Macs that can do iChat AV. An iMac here and a MacBook there. Both will have the camera built in; you just hook them both up to a fast Internet connection and agree ahead of time approximately what time(s) of the day you'll all be online.

Check it out: http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/ichat/ << at the bottom of the page you'll also see some minimum hardware recommendations.

[rwmmiller]

That about answers all my questions. Thanks again to everyone. I wish I could help you all with something, but as you can tell, I'm ignorant with the tech stuff.

Since I will probably be checking out before you all, I'll give you a good word if I make it to the Promise Land.

Ol' man

[deckeda]

Hey, a nomination! Can't ask for more than that. Good luck.

[jdc]

so get a macbook and a slingbox -- about $1500 total

get the middle macbook, get it from amazon, and get the $100 rebate.

you dont have to buy .mac, but you can do the 60 day trial,

nice thing is that whatever you choose as your "trial" .mac name never goes away and you can use it forever

they reserve it so IF you ever decide you want to get an account you can just use that one

[rwmmiller]

What does .mac do for me?

[jdc]

[quote rwmmiller]What does .mac do for me?
it gives you an email address/user name that allows you to use iChat without any other setup

your whole family can get free .mac emails so iChat works easier