If you gave me $149 to buy myself an Apple iSight, you'll soon find me with a brand-new Logitech QuickCam and possibly, a new outfit. Why? True enough, the Apple iSight seems to be the best option out there for Mac users, but it is neither practical nor economical. The quality of its images does not even vary greatly from less expensive cameras. I think that instead for paying for quality products, iSight buyers are merely paying for the company logo. Pitifully, the Apple iSight is one of those mediocre products hiding under a sleek and shiny skin.
You might argue that the iSight is the best webcam there is, but I ask you, is it compatible with most computers? No, because it is specifically designed for Mac computers and PowerBooks. It's just like downloading expensive
DRM movies. You pay a lot for something that has little flexibility, if any. I admit that the iSight does provide clear images, but it is neither remarkable nor exceptional. Less expensive webcams are also capable of clear images if adjusted and focused properly. It's not a back-breaking effort, is it? Don't get me started on sound quality and the iSight's integrated microphone. It promises to filter out noises but it still allows buzzing noises to interfere in conversations. Kind of like having bees joining your conferences. The iSight starts iChat instantly? Who cares?! iChat is only Mac and AIM capable but does not have the ability to support the more popular Jabber, Yahoo, and Bonjour.
I think that the iSight is only for those show-off freaks who think that they can wow their friends with a PowerBook and iSight combos. Or for those elitist snobs who think that just because it's from Apple, it's perfect. Look what happened to
Snow White or even Adam because they bit into an Apple trap.
