Basics of, Video chat with Skype ?

[leprechaunspot]

Hi Guys, a few questions about using Skype to make video calls in Wi-Fi enabled retail outlets in UK. IS it free or are there costs when using Skype? I am thinking of using a laptop to make video calls in Starbucks ect, and are their internet speeds good enough to make video calls?. Is there anyone who makes regular video calls from retail outlets who can advise on , with tips and hints? Cheers. I do not have a clue how video calling works in practice, and I just need to know if I need any special equipment or software or any thing else, to get a good 20 minute video call, I’m thinking of buying a dual core 1. 6 or 1.8 GHz laptop to do the job. Cheers any links to good knowledge tutorials would be helpful.

[hech54]

Skype to Skype is always free.

[leprechaunspot]

Cheers hech54, thanks , did not know that.

[jman98]

Unless you buy a laptop with some kind of built in camera and microphone, you will need to buy these. The manufacturers are now making web cameras with built in microphones and these are good enough for your needs. Logitech has some very nice models in a variety of price ranges that you could use. Is the free wifi good enough for this kind of use? I truly do not know. Do note that if there are problems with your connection that it will degrade a video chat. Free wifi connections are usually shared so the more that use it, the slower your connection will be and the more problems you may have.

[leprechaunspot]

Hi jman98, Im okay for mic and camera I have a logtech , never used it for real, only playing about with on the Comp indoors. The real issue is video calling and hidden problems you hinted at, other users reducing the speed of the connection , indeed, if the speed is good enough in the first instance in a retail outlet wifi. If there are any wifi users who use the coffee house to video chat , whats your experiences? Thanks jman98 cheers,