Travel Technology - Need advice on the right video chatting application

Ok, don't laugh at my ridiculously old system. It's what I have, I know it's ready to be replaced, but it still is a workhorse and owes me nothing.

I rock a G3 700MHz iBook running 10.4.11 and have purchased a Macally IceCam 2 to use on an extended trip coming up where I would like to make video calls back home. Skype's requirements are G4 or better, but I installed it anyway to find out it won't even open.

What application would work on my system? I've looked into MSN Messenger and it seems I fit the requirements, but are there any other options? Also, one of the computers I will be calling is a Toshiba Satellite of similar age and specs to my Mac.

I do realize no matter what, the quality will not be very good, but again, I have what I have.

Thanks

iChat should be on the system. I don't see why that won't work. You could also look at Yahoo messenger.

Yep. iChat is available. I hadn't opened it in literally years (don't chat online at all) and thought iChat AV was still the standard, which I don't have. It shows you just how out of touch I am.

Anyhow, the real problem here for me now is the camera I purchased will only work with USB 2.0, so unfortunately I am off to purchase another camera and figure out if I can return the one I have now. Argh.

I use this camera when my MBP is closed and connected to my monitor.

I believe it is USB 1 compatible. http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=218&subcategory=219&product=16733

Looks decent for what it cost ($30) and works with the Mac OS and iChat for me.

I've never been able to get iChat to work successfully on a cross-platform basis* so I looked at other apps. I've used both Skype and SightSpeed and found that for me, SightSpeed works better (less lag).


*This could be an ID-10-T error at my end.

I've never been able to get iChat to work successfully on a cross-platform basis* so I looked at other apps. I've used both Skype and SightSpeed and found that for me, SightSpeed works better (less lag).


*This could be an ID-10-T error at my end.

iChat works fine for me when talking/video chatting to my friends on AIM on Windows PCs. It can get a little quirky sometimes, though that is normally an AIM problem I have noticed.

I've never been able to get iChat to work successfully on a cross-platform basis...
I use it between an MBP (also an iBook) and a Toshiba PC running XP.

It will not work if the PC does the invite, but will work if the Mac does.

Go figure...

I use it between an MBP (also an iBook) and a Toshiba PC running XP.

It will not work if the PC does the invite, but will work if the Mac does.

Go figure...

There were a bunch of problems with AIM a few versions ago. I think the are up to 6.8 now, and for some reason they don't force you to update or even really let you know there is an update. Anything lower was having trouble with video chatting in my experience, especially 6.5.

There were a bunch of problems with AIM a few versions ago. I think the are up to 6.8 now, and for some reason they don't force you to update or even really let you know there is an update. Anything lower was having trouble with video chatting in my experience, especially 6.5.

That could very well be why we were having trouble, but since I found something else that worked I stopped worrying about it...I'll keep this in mind, though, if I need to chat with a different user. Thanks!