Web Cam

[iaJim]

A friend asked me about buying a web cam for his son for Christmas. He wants to use it with Skype so they can communicate over several states. His son is, unfortunately a misguided Windows user.

Any suggestions?

[StingMe]

Budget?

I've used many Logitech cams with Macs and PCs both and have not yet been disappointed...

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam...s/webcams/

[iaJim]

He wants to spend just enough to get the job done and not so little that he buys junk. So, moderate.

[marksomebodyelse]

Microsoft or Logitech. My wife uses a Macbook to Skype with our kids who use Windows. One has a MS camera and one a Logitech

[StingMe]

I'd watch for some deals between now and Xmas...right now the $100 QuickCam Pro 9000 can be had for $60 AR from http://www.onsale.com/shop/detail.aspx?dpno=7253743&store=onsale&source=BWBCJ&wt.mc_id=BWBCJ

That's not an endorsement, just something I found doing a quick search.

Even better deals are likely on the horizon.

BTW - Skype seems to recommend Logitech as well...http://skype.com/allfeatures/webcams/

[testcase]

Many laptops now have built in webcams, more than a few in the $500 range. If your friend would be upgrading in the not too distant future, it might be wiser to put the webcam money towards a new computer. Should be no compatibility problems with something built in. Vista needs considerable resources to run so, a somewhat larger outlay now should keep her up and running smoothly for a few years to come. Just something to consider.