Laptop/Webcam Question

[HLAuburn]

We are in the market for a new laptop. My parents don't live close by, so we wanted to start using Skype to let them talk to the kids. A few laptops we're looking at don't come with webcams, so I'm wondering the advantages and disadvantages of having a built-in webcam vs one you buy separately.

Any info would be a big help, as I'm not too tech savvy! Thanks!!

 

[dnoyes]

We are in the market for a new laptop. My parents don't live close by, so we wanted to start using Skype to let them talk to the kids. A few laptops we're looking at don't come with webcams, so I'm wondering the advantages and disadvantages of having a built-in webcam vs one you buy separately.

Any info would be a big help, as I'm not too tech savvy! Thanks!!

Web cams can cost anywhere from $25 to $700 so you would need to know how good the one built in to the laptop is.

Our daughter is doing the College Program in Disney so we just picked one up for about $60 and it's works very well. Your IP speed will be the biggest part of having a steady picture so the best camera in the world may not be any better if you don't have a high speed IP.

We just sent one to my mother that lives 1000 miles away and she loves being able to see us. And it's free once you buy the camera .... gotta like that.

One advantage of the add-on camera is you can point it anywhere you want so everyone doesn't have to stand behind the computer.