Need Recommendation for External Mic for Skype for Macbook

I just switched to the Macbook from a Dell Latitude D600.
So far I love the Macbook but one minor problem I can't solve is that when I am on Skype calls, the person I am calling complains that there is now a strong echo.
I don't use a headset, and prefer not to. The built in speakers and mic on the D600 work very well as a speakerphone.
I'm guessing the problem on the Macbook is the placement of the speakers re the mic. Basically the speakers are firing backwards toward the microphone. On the Dell the speakers fire forward from below the palmrests and the mic is closer to the screen, so there's less feedback.
So can anyone recommend a small microphone I can plug into the microphone port (or do I have to plug into USB since this port is line-level, I've heard?) so the mic is not picking up the sound from the speakers so directly?
thanks
PD
Macbook   Mac OS X (10.4.7)   1st gen. iPod Mini 4Gb

I had the same issue on my PowerBook G4 - the microphone line in is "line level" and most microphones put out "mic level". I purchased the Griffin "iMic" http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/ which is a mic level pre-amp through the USB port. This took care of the issue.
My newer MacBook Pro doesn't seem to have this issue, the headset I plug directly into the mic jack works.
I'm now having the issue of needing a speakerphone for Skype (which of course the mic/speakers in the laptop would work without the echo issue). Polycom makes a USB speakerphone for Skype, although comments on Amazon say it doesn't work well with OS X (gain issue on mic, humorously). I see some competing products - anyone have experience with Skype speakerphones and OS X?
iMac G5 20 inch, MacBook Pro 15 inch   Mac OS X (10.4.7)   Palm Treo 700P

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