Never got iChat to work a single time in 4 years

I got my first mac in 2006 and always wanted to use iChat instead of Skype because of the feeling I get that Apple products must be easier to use than others'
But over the years, I've tried using iChat from around 10.4.5 up until 10.6.1 and never succeeded. I have had 2 macbooks in that time, different ISPs, different routers, DMZ, Google Talk, .Mac, AIM, MobileMe, I've tried it all. I tried dialling out from different countries on different continents. I never got it to work a single time while Skype hardly ever fails (except that AT&T seems to block Skype to landline calls). While I am an avid mac user and have converted about 10 of my friends to switch over to mac already, I must say that using Skype on Windows almost never fails to do what it's supposed to.
Before even querying about the technical problems, I think it's fairly reasonable to accept that this is beyond a technical issue if a software that is supposed to help sell mac hardware never worked on such a multitude of different circumstances.

I find it hard to believe you have gone 4 years without getting iChat to work.
I am no pro but I have never had a problem with my iChat.
Like my 2000 Powerbook and airport I have found that I could wireless network my house in 2000.
The same with iChat I have never had a problem and enjoyed the AV version right from day one.
I think that is 6 years ago now.
Ichatting with people in full screen video for last 6 years on the other side of the world. You can't beat that.
One early thing I discovered was adjustments or checks of the firewall tohave it allow iChat on certain ports. As for a comparison with Skype it is obvious you have not experienced iChatAV at all because you would find it hard to use Skype after the quality and size and clarity of iChat AV.
Sure there are many who know much more than me, here are some links for forums and knowledge base probably dated but just do a search to find more.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1507?viewlocale=en_US
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2265?viewlocale=en_US
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2008
Don't worry about sounding like a MSkype advocate you don't know any different and don't worry about being critical or asking for help. Apple users are the most critical of their own product.
That means that if you find a problem don't put up with it for 4 years. The problem is bound to be well checked out in advanced and engaged in forums exploring the solutions.
So persist and enjoy the technology.

Similar Messages

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    Intel Mac Mini Core Duo   Mac OS X (10.4.7)   Apple BT Mouse & Keyboard

    Hi Eric,
    Welcome to the Apple Discussion Pages.
    It does seem that iChat regards the fact that a PC with no Mic and no camera is not sending any data and regards this as a fault and ends the chats, normally, with the 10 sec error.
    Glad you found a solution.
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