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Cheapest option for using Skype?

DH is going on a business trip for a few weeks & wants to keep in touch with skype.  We've already asked his company & they don't allow skype on company equipment (his laptop or blackberry).  What is the cheapest product we could buy which would run skype while he's overseas?  I looked at the iPad, but it looks like you can't do video with it because it doesn't have a camera that faces the user.  Any other options?

Re: Cheapest option for using Skype?

  • Why don't you use the video chat feature built into gmail?  This would prevent you from having to purchase another product and it would be free.  You would each need a gmail account if you don't have one already.
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  • From what I read the gmail chat function requires you to download some application to your laptop.  DH's company doesn't allow him to do that on work computers.  I thought maybe there was a mobile device, like an iPod Touch, but could support Skype (or another video chat option).  Maybe there's not.  Grrr.
  • I use it on my computer all the time without having installed an application. You are confused by the two options.  Per your stipulation that he could not install anything on his computer, I was recommending the video and voice plug-in vs. full-fledged software.  You will find the differences described here:

    http://www.google.com/talk/ 

    If you're asking if the iPod Touch supports Skype, yes, it does.  It does not, to the best of my knowledge, support video calls, even though the 4G has a front-facing camera.  As you are probably aware, Skype can be used for both voice and video calls.

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  • imageMerRhosyn:

    I use it on my computer all the time without having installed an application. You are confused by the two options.  Per your stipulation that he could not install anything on his computer, I was recommending the video and voice plug-in vs. full-fledged software.  You will find the differences described here:

    http://www.google.com/talk/ 

    If you're asking if the iPod Touch supports Skype, yes, it does.  It does not, to the best of my knowledge, support video calls, even though the 4G has a front-facing camera.  As you are probably aware, Skype can be used for both voice and video calls.

    I'm totally clueless with techie stuff, so please excuse the stupid questions :-)  Plus I'm probably using the wrong terminology.  But, don't you have to install/download a plug-in to use the video & voice?  I don't think DH can do that on his laptop.  Basically, we can't use his laptop at all, so I need to find another way...without breaking the bank :-)

    You are right about the iPod Touch not supporting Skype video, but does support Skype voice.  But, it's the video chat that we want.  We have small kids & they want to see their dad when he travels for weeks at a time. 

     Do you know if he can do the google voice & video chat on his blackberry?  I just remembered that the blackberry is his, not company-issued.  It doesn't have forward-facing camera, but perhaps we can connect a webcam?

    THANK YOU so much for taking the time to answer my stupid questions!!!

  • I was just going off your stipulation that he couldn't download a program/application to his laptop.  A plug-in is different than an application and would not show up as installed software.  Certain plug-ins are critical to website viewing, for example (Adobe Flash).  Who knows if this is still against his company policies.
     
    At any rate, no, a Blackberry won't support Google video chat (just voice chat).
     
    I have never used a web-based video chat service like this one, but check out their free "video chat" service (not $ video meeting or video conference) and see if it meets your needs: 
     
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  • why not buy a cheap netbook with build in web cam? We use this with my parents all the time (they have a Acer Netbook) It's really small & easy to pack 
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  • imagePayne2B2008:
    why not buy a cheap netbook with build in web cam? We use this with my parents all the time (they have a Acer Netbook) It's really small & easy to pack 
    Great suggestion! Thanks!!!
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