My computer doesn't have a webcam of any type. What is the cheapest way to try this out?
First, let's concentrate of a simple chat. I would need a microphone. Does this plug into a USB port? Anyone have a link to a cheap microphone designed for this purpose?
Next, video chat...such as Google video chat...what is a cheap webcam that would work for that purpose? Again a link would be great just as an example. Does a webcam need a separate microphone as well or does it have one included?
Thanks.
Most webcams have integrated mics.
I've always been pleased with the Logitech offerings.
If you want something future-proof that records in HD and in low light (i.e. without having to shine a bright light in your face), this is a great deal (it's ~$40 everywhere else): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Logitech-8MP-Portable-Webcam-w-720p-HD-Video-Zeiss-Lens-Built-In-Microphone-/221004156300?afepn=5335869999&campid=5335869999&PID=1225267&pt=PCA_Video_Conferencing_Webcams&hash=item3374dfcd8c#ht_2057wt_1185
This will suffice for $10 cheaper: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-RKA-00001-LifeCam-VX-5000-Blue/dp/B0015BWO5W/ref=sr_1_9?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1334895698&sr=1-9
And for another $8 cheaper the refurb model will be just fine: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0015BWO5W/ref=dp_olp_refurbished?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished
These all plug into a usb port and come with microphones
They make USB microphones, but you might as well just get one comes with a camera since they're so close in price 
. You could get a cheaper microphone if your computer has an mic input. It'll be next to the speaker input if there is.
Thanks. It does have a mic input but I ordered the only one left of the refurbished model you referred to. It's a cheap way to see how I like it.
I have a Magic Jack coming as well with a 30 free trial so I may be using that as a microphone sometimes as well.
If I recall correctly, the MagicJack won't come with a mic, but I think it will use any audio source on your PC. Many video chat services use multiple sources for audio and video as well. Hopefully you got the newer MJ version, nice to just plug it into router and shut the PC down.
Magic Jack won't come with a mic but if you call someone on Magic Jack and then start the video chat online you should be able to see them while you talk on the phone...I would think.
If you buy a Logitech cam, you get "Vid" for free. It's a really nice video chat program.
If you're both in the states, you can do any combination of those things for free with some of the new Google services.
If you want to do voice and/or video chat over your regular internet connection, use this (you'll both have to create Google accounts and dl the software, but again they're free): http://www.google.com/chat/video
If you want to do voice on the your phone (to call their phone) instead of over the internet, use this: http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html [it's basically free long distance over your regular phone]
Google video chat is straightforward, but if either of you have a slow internet connection it can lag. Google voice gives you perfectly clear audio, but you won't need it if Google video chat works.
Calling Rates (free in US)
The difference with Magic Jack is that you can use your regular phone rather than a microphone at your computer. You can even use a regular cordless phone.
Quite correct. It also means you can have it ring your phone (even while the computer is off with have the updated version).
I like and use all of the Google Chat and Voice services, but the Magic Jack (new version) rings a 2nd line on our wireless home phones with computer off when somebody calls my GVoice (formerly GrandCentral) number and my cell remains uninterrupted for data use.
There are other services I could use to do this (some even free since we have a few unused internet phone adapters on the shelf), but this is very inexpensive with an extra phone number and works for us.