[Koralatov]

I have a question regarding the suitability of an iMac G3 for use with iChat AV in Tiger. I’m wondering whether, one of the later model G3 iMacs—perhaps a 500 or 600MHz machine with maximum RAM—would comfortably run iChat AV? I plan on giving it to my dad so that I can use video iChat rather than phoning my parents.

Another problem raised is which webcam to use. The iSight camera—whilst beautifully designed—isn’t available in the UK anymore, and I refuse to pay the obscene mark-ups demanded for them on eBay. Does anyone know whether a standard webcam would work, or would I need a specific model to use with iChat?

Many thanks in advance!

[twalker294]

I can't answer the question about the G3 running iChat acceptably but I would think that it would be too slow. Again though, just a guess.

As for the camera, any camera that the Mac recognizes can be used in iChat. I can use my video camera connected via Firewire just fine so any recognizable camera should work.

[ibook_steve]

IIRC, video in iChat AV requires at least a 600 MHz G3, so you may be able to squeak by.

Steve

[tiger]

iChat AV used to work fine on my G3 iBook so long as I wasn't the one hosting the chat, usually requires a more powerful computer and a G3 can just join.

[Koralatov]

Everyone, thanks for your replies to this. Having read your replies, and having thought about it some more, I think I may just give it a miss, and possibly consider one of the PPC minis if I can get one reasonably cheap.

Many thanks for the help though--it was much appreciated!

[ApeInTheShell]

Good choice. Here is a good option to the Mac Mini with a cheaper price than iSight used and its clones:
Ecamm Network: iMage Webcam System Requirements - Driverless Webcam for Mac OS X and Windows

It even works with other applications