Apple iSight VGA Webcam

I'm not a gadget person. I don't like electronics stores. I didn't want a Palm Pilot. And I certainly didn't want an iSight Webcam. Though I LOVE my iBook G4 laptop computer, it's simple programs were enough for me. Or so I thought.

For my birthday, several cousins who live in different parts of the country decided to get me an iSight camera, and I have to admit, I'm sold on it.

Here's the reason I love my Isight camera: it allows me to
"visit" relatives I would normally go years without seeing. Granted, our visits are virtual, but it feels pretty darned real. We check out each other's hairdo's, show each other our homes, discuss whether we like each other's latest clothing purchases. More important, my children can talk to their cousins; my elderly aunt and uncle can see my children grow up (they're too frail to travel); and my parents can attend my kids' birthday parties. The hardest part is turning the camera off and going our separate ways.

Of course, in order to make the camera worthwhile, you need to have other family-members and friends who also have an iSight camera. This means that they also have Macintosh G3 or G4 computers, that you all have downloaded AIM software from the web (this is the free software that allows you to connect to internet users regardless of their internet provider), that you all have mac system OSX Panther (the latest operating system), and that you have a broadband internet connection (see System Requirements below). You also have to have iChat software (which is bundled into the OSX operating system).

The iSight camera does what previous "chat" software did not: it provides VERY clear video and audio, regardless of your level of technical know-how. Once all the above requirements are met, the user simply plugs the firewire (included with the camera) into the side of the Mac computer, clicks on the "chat" icon and begins a conversation with whomever is online. The software allows you to "invite" the individual to an audio or video chat (or a simple text chat). If you receive an invitation, you have the option to accept or refuse.

When the application is in use, the user sees the person with whom he or she is "chatting" in a large box (or full screen) with an inset of what the other person sees (i.e. YOU!). So you have a constant view of what your own camera is picking up. This is particularly useful if you want to show your video-conferencing partner something other than your face. While the camera can be attached to the top of the computer (there are three different mounts, depending on what type of computer you're using), you can easily remove the camera and operate it in your hand (showcasing your furniture, your children, your pets, or whatever else inspires you). All the while, you can see, in the bottom right hand corner of your screen, the objects you're trying to show your video conferencing friends.

An auto-focus lens keeps your image crisp and clear from about 50mm and focuses on a 1/4" CCD sensor with 640x480 (VGA) resolution. The audio uses a dual-element microphone which manages to suppress ambient noise, so that your voice comes through loud and clear. Though my relatives tend to shout into their microphones, there's really no need to!

Another appealing aspect of the iSight camera is it's small size and light weight. It's truly portable (weighing only 2.3 ounces). It comes with a carrying case for shipping, moving, or storing.

What are the disadvantages?

-Well...the first is that to use it, you need to know other people who also have one. (That's not a fault of the camera...just a practical limitation).
-The stick-on camera mount for use on the imac computer tends to detach and fall off the computer. The user may have to secure the camera with a little bit of extra tape.
-There's an occasional sound delay with the audio. This isn't a constant issue, and may have to do with the broadband connection, and not the camera itself.
-Lighting in the room where iSight is used must be bright, or you will look shadowy to the person with whom you're conferencing.

Here are the System Requirements for the iSight camera:



•

Macintosh computer with a 600MHz or faster PowerPC G3 or any PowerPC G4 or G5 processor


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iChat AV software (Included with Mac OS X Panther). iChat AV will also be available separately for $29.95 for users of Mac OS X Jaguar 10.2.5 and above. Visit www.apple.com/ichat for more information for Jaguar users.


•

Mac OS X v10.2.5 or later


•

Broadband Internet connection (128Kbps or faster transfer speeds)

So would I recommend the camera? Absolutely! It's a wonderful, inexpensive, and effective way to keep in touch with friends and family, and could also be an invaluable business tool for presentations and meetings