WEB CAM ADVICE

Welcome to Apple Discussions, Abananna31

Take a look at the following link for info on your available options:

   http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=5725045&#5725045

Your posted system info shows that you are using Mac OS X (10.4.5). If you want a new USB webcam, you must use Mac OS X 10.4.9 or later to use the "UVC" cameras mentioned there without need for additional software. I suggest that you use the latest version of Tiger, which is currently 10.4.11. You can update in one step using the Mac OS X 10.4.11 Combo Update (PPC).

Repair permissions before running the installer and again after the restart that completes the update.

The Xbox LIVE Vision mentioned there is under $50 (US) and will work with your iBook (without additional software if you take advantage of Apple's free OS update.)

You can use your iBook's internal mic so XBox LIVE Vision's lack of microphone is no disadvantage.

Whatever you decide to buy, it must be compatible with your iBook's OS and the applications you plan to use with your webcam.

If the Xbox LIVE Vision website from my first link above does not meet your needs, paste "Xbox LIVE Vision" in your browser's Search engine to find other links to this product that may be nearer your current location.

Whatever you decide, consider buying at a brick and mortar store so you can be sure what you buy is working as you want it to.  If necessary, update your OS and/or the apps you plan to use with your webcam. Then take your iBook with you when you shop and ask for a demonstration test of the exact cam you decide to buy (not only the demo unit) on your Mac with your software before you take it home. That way you will know whether it is the one you want.

EZ Jim

PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.2)  External iSight

I am using the Logitech 9000. It works great with
Leopard. It's 99 bucks US.
Have fun

UVC webcams, some general info.

When the webcam needs trouble shooting:

✓ Try connecting to different [USB|http://www.usb.org/home] ports including front and back ports.
✓ Connect the Webcam to a different computer if possible to confirm functionality.
✓ Anti Virus software can interfere with the running of messaging software programs
✓ Use a self-powered USB hub. A self powered hub is a hub that takes its power from an external power supply unit and can therefore provide full power to every port.
✓ Ensure that any previous imaging devices are removed from Device Manager before proceeding. This is done by disconnecting the USB device
✓ Check that your Webcam is appearing in System Profiler.
✓ Take a picture, go to System Preferences>accounts>select your account>click your icon>change>make a new picture.
✓ Quit all other applications that are open, in all accounts.
✓ To learn more about USB-IF certification, please visit: http://www.usb.org/developers/compliance/
✓ Some ATI chipsets are incompatible with webcams, check the vendors site it you have ATI chipsets> System Profile.

UVC compliant webcams do not require any driver installation on your Mac.

This [webcam|http://www.terratec.net/en/products/TerraCam X22144.html] mentions compatibility on their site.
They have multi language support, I’d give them a call or send them an email. They should know the applications that come with your Mac.

“Mac compatible: Starting with Mac OS 10.4.9 the TerraCam X2 is compatible with Skype, iChat and Yahoo Messenger”

iMac's with PowerPC G4 700 MHz, 800 MHz G4, 1GHz, and, 1.25 GHz G4 will not work with Photo Booth, background effects need intel Core Duo. Photo Booth: iSight-camera, UVC-camera (USB video class) or FireWire DV-camcorder, Intel- of PowerPC G5-processor.

For [iChat|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305628] UVC compliance and OSX 10.4.9 or higher.

These [webcams|http://logitech-en-amr.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/logitech en_amr.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?pfaqid=6471] should work.

For video chat;
When you try to video chat with a friend on PC you can send them [this|http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam communications/video_softwareservices/&cl=us,en?WT.ac=ps|3293] link to get them going, it is often the PC side with set up trouble.
Check that you have correctly [added your buddy|http://www.apple.com/findouthow/macosx/#ichat-addbuddy] and he meets the [requirements|http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam communications/video_softwareservices/&cl=us,en?WT.ac=ps|3293] to run [AIM|http://www.aim.com/help_faq/gethelp.adp?icid=aimDBNavLink11] video chats as well.

This was the reaction by Philips when asked which camera is best to use with a Mac:

“I understand you want to know which camera we can best provide to you, Mac computers are not supported but I am willing to help you; Google [Macam|http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/drivers/macam.html], a website where you can find information. If the problem persists contact us.”

Philips Customer Care Centres

Works with [all messenger|http://www.webcam.philips.com/en/gb/overview.html] and VoIP services + Windows Live MSN Messenger + Skype
Windows Vista compatible

Other video messengers:

theoretically all Philips webcams can work with Skype.
Skype has 2 addition requirements for video conferencing:
 * You need to have Windows XP or higher
 * Skype version 2.0 or higher.

And:
You will also need a computer with a dual core processor and a high-bandwidth internet connection (we recommend 380kbps and above).

[Glossary|http://www.mylivecam.com/howtos/article.aspx?id=70080&page=1] and [How-Tos|http://www.mylivecam.com/howtos> (Creative)

I have not tested these camera’s, the best way to go is to ask a demo before you buy one.
Most camera’s will work out of the box on Leopard, I’ve asked and seen a demo.

Please feel free to add success or [less successful|http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/435/206&cl=us,en] setups.

M.

Message was edited by: CodLBi