[Frumpy]

Sooo, the Xmas season is right around the corner, and the wife would like to get me something nice. So i thought, why not an iSight for my G4 iMac? I've got iChat AV running, and i've been using it with an older Sony Digital 8 camcorder. But there are some downfalls. To do a video chat, i have to take 5 mins getting the camera ready. Taking it out of the bag, setting it up so that the angle is right, hooking up the firewire cord...and done. Not to mention that i have to put it away after every time. I'm not about to leave it out for days collecting dust. The last thing i need is a bill for a camcorder repair because of dust! AND, the camrea likes to shut down periodically in the middle of video chats because it feels that it's not being "used" for a period of time. Does all of this frustration warrent an iSight? $150 just for convenience? I just can't decide. SOMEONE PUSH ME OVER THE EDGE! Thanks!

[-Q-]

If you're using it regularly, you should definitely pick one up.

BTW, if you put a tape in the camcorder that should stop the powering off problem.

[Cadaver]

Originally posted by -Q-:
If you're using it regularly, you should definitely pick one up.

BTW, if you put a tape in the camcorder that should stop the powering off problem.

Actually, I think it's the other way around. I think Sony camcorders shut off after a certain delay if there IS a tape in the machine, so the tape doesn't stay stationary on the read/write heads too long.

[thePurpleGiant]

If you actually use the video chat, then sure it's worth the convenience. You paid more for a Mac because they work better.

But if you just want one coz they're cool, and you don't video chat more than once a month, forget it. Buy an iPod or something.

[MickS]

One thing I have noticed is that my Sony camcorder provides much better low light performance than the iSight. That said I can't hang the Camera on the back of the laptop screen so it's not as convienent.

[NYCFarmboy]

I think its a bit early in the game to go with iSight just because the viewable audience out there for them is so small.

It doesn't work with MSN Messenger, or Yahoo messenger which have a far greater number of users. (I'm not sure how it does in AOL..maybe it integrated with Aol better?)

But..it is a nice toy..but I view it only as a toy that I have that I play with RARELY.

In retrospect, had I to do it over again, I would not buy one.

[SOLIDAge]

Originally posted by NYCFarmboy:

It doesn't work with MSN Messenger, or Yahoo messenger which have a far greater number of users

The iSight works with Yahoo Messenger.

[NYCFarmboy]

Originally posted by SOLIDAge:
The iSight works with Yahoo Messenger.

cool beans!