Need ideas on a Webcam for Dummies!

[Buz2b]

Ok, here's the deal. My father's new wife (won't do the step-mother route) is a "diddle-head" and has trouble telling a mouse from a keyboard. God help me if I have to explain what a desktop is compared to a screensaver!
Well, she's got it into her mind that she wants a webcam for her computer so she can see her new grandaughter (her side of the family). I guess I should mention that they live across country from me. I built the computer they are using (WinXP, AMD 1.0 GHz, 512 MB RAM) about 4 years ago or so. Anyway, I have been "nominated" to help her through this process of getting and installing a web cam. The only saving grace is that they have DSL so I can talk to her on the phone while assisting her; which sometimes has me pulling out what hair I have left on my bald head.
Ok, so I need any ideas on a web cam that actually works as a true plug and play, if at all possible. I am not too worried about the cost (the old man can afford it) but don't want to bust the bank either. Any ideas from you folks would be greatly appreciated.

 

[WW]

most are usb, so simple to connect, but most come with their own software you need to install. Probably just have her get a logitech, and then download the manual and follow along with her as she installs it. Here's an example:

http://www.logitech.com/pub/pdf/cameras/qcpro4000.pdf

I'd say the most difficult part will be to teach her how to use yahoo messenger or microsoft, whatever.

But if my mother-in-law can do it....anyone can.

 

[thescreensavers]

all of them you will have to install drivers also She may have troble finding how to plug it in. like WW said it will be harder to teach her how to use what ever program ur going to use

 

[Buz2b]

I appreciate the replies and suggestions. Thank you. Does anyone have specific experience with a web cam that is stone cold easy to set up and install?

 

[RebateMonger]

A friend just picked up the $30 or less Logitech QuickCam Chat. She's not a computer genius and got it working fine. The image looks quite good using MSN Messenger Video Chat and cable modem/DSL connections between us.

 

[vegetation]

Might want to go with a full standalone webcam that requires no PC to operate. I would go with the Stardot netcam , very high quality images. Just needs to plug into ethernet and I believe you can control the settings all remotely, so you could do that to adjust things from remote, helps alleviate boneheaded users.
link

 

[bacillus]

easiest route IMO is to use skype for communication between both parties.
the latest version allows video between parties.

 

[thebigdude]

I use one of the logitech Webcams (Quickcam Pro 400) to talk to my family and the only concern I have with them is that sometimes we get an echo. It makes conversations very annoying very quickly.

The newer Quickcam Pros are supposed to have a feature that will cancel the echo out. I don't know if it works or not but that is the one I would buy.

Everything else about the Logitech Webcam has been rock solid so far.

 

[Buz2b]

You know, I just thought of another potential problem with her system. I believe it only has USB 1.1 connections. Won't that make for some fairly crappy video?
As to the one that connects directly to the ethernet are you talking about plugging into a port on her router (which she doesn't have)? I'm thinking that is a bit costly though.