donbo wrote:
EZ Jim:
Thanks to you and Ralph for all the info. ...
You're most welcome, Don.
Here follow my thoughts on your latest comments.
... The iSight mic ... shows up and checks out fine in Lion's Sys. Prefs. and works normally when I do video chats with either Skype or iChat.
This is proof that your iSight and its connection to your Mac are working properly.
It seems to me that Apple is needlessly punishing Mac Pro and Mac mini Lion upgraders...
It does not seem so to me. Rather, this seems like normal growing pains that accompany introduction of every major System Software upgrade.
Many apps, including FaceTime, that worked in earlier versions of Mac have at least some functionality problems after upgrading to Lion. If you notice problems with any other apps, info from this link can help you determine if the problem might be related to compatibility with Lion:
http://roaringapps.com/apps:table/tags/_f/index_tags/_f
... couldn't Apple update FT software to enable it to work with Face Time? ...
Probably. However, because I am merely a Mac user like you, I have no official Apple information on either whether an update is possible or, if it is possible, whether such an update will eventually be offered.
The best I can suggest is to check the information provided with future OS X Lion updates to see if FaceTime compatibility is one of the subjects included in future updates. In the meantime, adding a microphone that is compatible with FaceTime is the best alternative I can suggest.
... I ordered the recommended Logitech USB mic ($22 at Amazon), but am not happy at having to do so. I realize that Firewire is on the way out and that external iSight cameras haven't been sold by Apple since 2006, but Mactracker shows that these cameras are still "supported."...
If the Logitech USB mic was the best alternative your Apple Retailer recommended for your Mac mini, I would think you would like that choice better than any other available to you.
As you note, iSight is supported. However, not every element of every system is compatible with every software app (or with each other.) It may not be true for everyone. However, even though external iSights work with many other apps, FaceTime Version 1.1 (258) is NOT compatible with iSight Firewire mics, at least on your system and mine.