Internet solution for out of town grandparents

Folks,

My parents are out of town and currently don't have internet access or a decent computer. Basically, we would like to connect with them through MSN so that we could do a video conversation with them. Will dial up be adequate for this?

What are you parents doing to help with the grandparents to make them feel closer to the action?

Dialup will be painful, choppy, better than nothing I guess but some form of highspeed would be best, even the lowest level of highspeed, you can usually get really good deals on the basic highspeed or lite highspeed even cheaper than dialup unless highspeed just isn't available at all in the area.

With dh out of town all week, the kids and their webcams are invaluable! They do the same with Grandma.

I do think that dial up will really 'slow' things down.

The sad truth.

Dial-up just can't handle the AUDIO AND VIDEO feeds smoothly. If you ONLY do video it'll be fairly smooth mind you...but no fun in that.

Has anybody tested the new 2MP video webcams that Staples is using with MSN? Are they any better over MSN than the 2nd latest batch of models? QuickCam Pro etc/orbit/Fusion?

If you have highspeed, you probably get some free dialup with that also, and if you have the equipement why not just test it yourself? You can go out to the world on your HS and back in via the dial up no problem. It makes no difference the distance your travelling once you hit the internet. You'd have to have the mix though and can't go in and out on the same service.

You may find grandparents who are 40+ would prefer a video in the mail over a potentially expensive new computer and learning curve.

Disagree with the post above...somewhat.

My parents are technolgically inept (60's). I have their system programmed so that a simple button launches each application. Yes they would love a CD/DVD in the mail; however, they absolutely love video conversations...Given that we have wireless and a laptop, I could let them watch during special occasions or playing in the backyard...priceless.
With the computer I also email pictures regularly.

Originally Posted by nalababe

Disagree with the post above...somewhat.

My parents are technolgically inept (60's). I have their system programmed so that a simple button launches each application. Yes they would love a CD/DVD in the mail; however, they absolutely love video conversations...Given that we have wireless and a laptop, I could let them watch during special occasions or playing in the backyard...priceless.
With the computer I also email pictures regularly.

Not sure what you disagree with. They may love video chats but do they love the pricetag? Ask them. They may rather use the cash for a plane ticket. Don't even understand why any of that info makes any difference to the feasability of it all.

If they are "technolgically inept" and even have no limbs you can still video chat. Its possible to remotely do it all from your end.