Using a refurbished iSight with Mac Mini - possible?

Hello.
I just got my girlfriend a Mac Mini and, after seeing all the posts with the web cam incompatibilities with the Mac Mini, I wanted to see if purchasing an old refurbished iSight would work instead of buying an off-the-shelf Logitech web cam.
The main purpose to be using this web cam is to do video conferencing using iChat.
Thanks in advance!

Hi.
The USB Video Class cameras have built-in support since 10.4.9.
Have a look at the Creative Live! Cam Optia AF, which works right-out-of-the box with iChat and Skype.
The Creative Live! Cam Optia Pro is a little less pricey, and should work as good as the AF.
There's another (cheaper) model, the Live! Cam Optia, but it hasn't got a built-in mic.
Good Luck.

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http://tinyurl.com/ydsbb6m (I successfully use this one, too.)
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     http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/
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(4) Info on iSight model versions: http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage10.html
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(5) Your system info shows Windows® 7.
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Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.7.4

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Hi,
If the Mac has Firewire then you can use the External iSight
(Other readers
If you have Firewire 800 then you will need an adapter to use the Firewire 400 camera - Search for the word Adpater and see posts by EZ Jim for more details)
Don't daisy-chain the camera with Hard Drives
The camera only uses a data rate of 200Mbps and the differences in Hard Drive data speeds can be an issue.
The External iSIght should work no matter what Firmware is on there currently.
There is some evidence that having the 1.0.3 version (Open the System Profiler > Hardware > Firewire) on the device makes it more compatible/useable in later OS versions
The Updater is included in Tiger and Leopard.
Hard Drive/System/Library/CoreServices/iSight Updater/iSight Updater.app
An OS Update could "trigger" this to be run if you have Tiger
It can also be run as a Standalone.
It is Not present in Snow Leopard and although the documentation says this Firmware is an Audio update some people report that the camera needs the 1.0.3 Firmware to run.
(that could simply be the "Flashing" the Memory involved resets it enough to work)
10:22 PM Wednesday; June 8, 2011
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
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The best audio interface with Mac Mini using new & existing equipment?

Hi,
I got my existing set-up back in 2003. I'm now about to update it.
I've talked to Apple Technical Support re which computer is best for me.
Some important questions remain in terms of the audio interface or sound bridge I should use.
I've detailed below my existing set-up, my existing configuration, my desired set-up (as recommended by Apple expert) and questions I have.
Existing set-up:
Hardware...
1. ViewSonic HDMI 1080p Full HD LED monitor
2. PowerMac G4 (PowerPC processor) computer
3. PCI-424 soundcard within computer (works in conjunction with MOTU 2408 mk3 unit)
4. MOTU 2408 mk3
5. Quested monitors
6. Focusrite Session Pack ff ISA220 compressor
7. MOTU micro lite (midi-usb interface)
8. Keyboard (yet to choose - I'll explain later)
9. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone
10. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone power box (supplies both power and phantom power)
Software...
11. Tiger 10.4.11 operating system
12. Logic Studio 8 music program
Desired set-up:
1. ViewSonic HDMI 1080p Full HD LED monitor
2. Mac Mini full spec = £999.00
3. _______________________________________
4. _______________________________________
5. Quested monitors
6. _______________________________________
7. _______________________________________
8. _______________________________________
9. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone
10. ADK Tube Condenser Commemorative Edition microphone power box (supplies both power and phantom power)
Software...
11. Top-end operating system = Comes with Mac Mini
12. Logic Pro X music program = £139.99
Existing configuration:
ViewSonic HDMI 1080p Full HD LED monitor goes into PowerMac G4 (PowerPC processor) computer
PCI-424 soundcard within computer (works in conjunction with MOTU 2408 mk3 unit)
MOTU 2408 mk3 used as my audio interface for sound in and sound out. This means that the sound comes out of computer via the MOTU 2408 and out of my Quested monitors (they are active so self-powered) which are attached to the MOTU's outputs.
When I record vocals I sing into my ADK microphone (this microphone sources its own power from its own box which also feeds it Phantom Power) which is connected by a mic to jack cable to the Focusrite compressor which is connected by jack to jack cable to the MOTU 2408 which then goes into my computer via a firewire cable.
When I play keyboards or use my keyboard as a midi controller it connects to my computer via the MOTU micro lite (midi-usb interface).
I don't currently have a keyboard. I used to use my basic Yamaha PSR-540 keyboard as a midi controller but as it's not weighted and faulty I needed to get a new one. We got a new one via Thomann which was the M-Audio Pro Keys 88 keyboard but this quickly became faulty. We returned it and have since been considering other weighted keyboards. I am simply wanting a keyboard with Aftertouch, either 76 or 88 keys, weighted keys and very importantly, hammer action where the action is fast. I don't care for other controllers on the keyboard, on-board sounds, iPad compatibility or whatever.
My Questions:
Q1) Can you recommend any keyboards meeting my specifications?
Q2) I can't imagine any of the Blue or other USB mics competing with my ADK and I'm quite happy with it. For vocals and when I've wanted to play the keyboard in as audio (not as a midi controller) I've used the Focusrite compressor to boost the sound. I'm not using many functions/presets on the compressor as I know it's best to record the sound of vocals mostly raw, is this correct, and if so is it worth me continuing to use this compressor or sell it?
Q3) Do I need to have the MOTU micro lite (midi to usb) unit? Don't most keyboards these days connect direct usb to usb on the computer?
Q4) I'm happy and used to the sound out from my Quested monitors. I'm happy and used to the sound in using my ADK microphone. What do I need for these to work best with the Mac Mini? Is my MOTU 2408 good for this, or is another MOTU product needed, or another product altogether?
Q5) Depending on (Q4) do I need a soundcard installed in the Mac Mini as I read on a forum that these days the audio interface acts like the soundcard?
Q6) I have such a bad connection to the internet it's like I have Dial-up!!! I use Airport Wireless which is connected to a router downstairs, which is 02 Broadband. Internet's not an issue downstairs on my girlfriend's intel PC which also uses a wireless connection but not Airport. Is this a problem because of my Airport, or do I need to get a router for upstairs, or should I connect it directy to the router downstairs by ethernet cable?
Many thanks!

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I have a lot of faith in Mac users, their loyalties to Apple is what kept Apple floating when many thought it would sink. These folks are survivors; I only wish the apple people on the top appreciated that loyalty today, but I guess things are too good.
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Using a refurbished iSight with Mac Mini - possible?

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