Camera on computer-do you have?

[Loverly]

Does anyone "talk" to far away relatives via the computer where you can see them?

I'm looking to add this to my computer and would like brand names, ideas how to do it etc.

My son's new computer has the camera built into his computer, BTW

 

[kimluvswdw]

My family isn't into the talking on the computer, but we do talk to friends and use the camera on the computer.

 

[golfgal]

The kids do with friends from our old town. It has been a great way to keep in touch with them. I would caution you, however, that you might not want that option on a computer that is only in a child's bedroom or not otherwise in a public space in your house.

 

[SC Minnie]

We have used Skype. It was easy to set up and use.

Our computer has a built in camera so I can't help you with brands etc.

 

[Loverly]

The kids do with friends from our old town. It has been a great way to keep in touch with them. I would caution you, however, that you might not want that option on a computer that is only in a child's bedroom or not otherwise in a public space in your house.

Mine are grown and my "far away " son and I talk weekly-just wanted to 'see' him, you know?

 

[golfgal]

Mine are grown and my "far away " son and I talk weekly-just wanted to 'see' him, you know?

Ok, I read that wrong. The camera we have we got at Walmart for $10 or so. They aren't expensive at all. It is a GE brand. We have had it for over 2 years and it still works fine, very easy to use.

 

[malibuconlee]

We bought 3 Logitech webcams for us and our parents for Christmas so the grandparents can see our little one because we live so far away.

We also use Skype and it seems to work very well and is pretty easy to set up. They enjoy seeing the baby and us too I guess.

 

[jenlynn0808]

We would HIGHLY recommend webcams!

We use ours constantly! Last year DH got a job that required him to relocate from MI to WA in January, the rest of the family couldn't relocate until July. We used it everynight so he could talk and see the kids. DD10 (at the time) was able to show him what she was doing in school, and some nights he even helped her study this way. It was a great way to make her feel like Dad was still there. DS2.5 played hide and seek with Dad on the webcam, so he got quality time too. After seeing what a great success it was both sets of Grandparents got hooked up (my folks (in NJ) have a built in camera on thiers so we Skype with them & FIL bought a camera and we ovoo with them). Due to the weather my parents who usually go "home" to MI for x-mas couldn't we hooked up my sister and one of my cousins (who are in MI) and we were all able to "be together" for present opening!

We have a logotech webcams and they have been great. They were $50, at the time but had a rebate that made them almost free! So you may want to look for a deal.

OT-Almost 30 years ago my GPs moved from MI to TN, every Sunday we made the "check in" call. My Mom says she loves using the webcams because she can see the kids and how they are changing (plus it is easier to play games-tic tac toe with the kids). She is always saying how this is so much better then it was when my sister 7 I were little. She feels close to them this way still. Plus for DS he wasn't afraid of them when they came to visit because he "sees" them all the time. Ran right up to Grandpa in the driveway when they arrived and DS hadn't seen him in person since last Christmas. Made my dad feel good, he was prepared for DS to not want anything to do with him for a few days (strange man at my house syndrome).

 

[4nana]

We do not have an internet provider camera, however, DS gave us a 2 Logitech webcams a couple yrs ago before he deployed to Iraq. It was worth a million bucks for us to be able to physically see and talk to him across the world and even share his BD together! Also a Godsend to talk with our out of state family, be able to see and keep up with all the goings on of our sweet grands!!