Skype webcam - where do we start?

[blithedance]

DH is going abroad on business next week. The DC's miss him really badly when he goes away and I'd like to set us up with webcams so that we can have some video calls.

We both have laptops/WinXP and Skype. What else do we need and where do we get it from? How easy is it to set up?

You need a Webcam and a Microphone.
Better to get a USB webcam with an integrated microphone but at a push your laptops may have microphones built in somewhere round the keyboard.
I have always got on really well with Logitech webcams and am currently using a Quickcam Pro 9000, but for a laptop and occassional use then something like this would probably do.

As for ease of use....

Install the camera software from the CD provided.
Plug in the camera when prompted.
Launch Skype.
Go into the Skype options and choose Video and select the camera.
Choose Audio and also select the camera to act as your microphone.
Then once in a call click the "Start my Video" button on the Skype call window.

Bingo.

thanks so very much. Will be off shopping tomorrow. I think DH's laptop may have a mic but mine certainly doesn't.

thanks so very much. Will be off shopping tomorrow. I think DH's laptop may have a mic but mine certainly doesn't.