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communicating with 85 year old father

SweetFeet

SweetFeet

Well-known Member
Off topic, I know...
But I want to be able to communicate with my 85 year old Dad - who just moved 4 states away with siblings (they will help him as he does not yet know how to use a computer).

But wondering if any of you out there have used both Skpe and the Gmail Talk/Video Chat...

If you have used both programs, I would like to know which one offers the best audio AND video in your opinion. Thanks if you can help.
 
I havent used Skpe, but we have the Gmail Video Chat here at work. Seems to work ok, but when 10 or more people are logged on it gets jumpy, but that could just be my connection. I dont use the full screen option, as it gets grainy.
 
I use Skype and Ovoo most times Ovoo seems to work better you need the highest speed internet available to have perfect calls I do really enjoy it though even with the issues both have both of what I use are free but you can upgrade and get some added features like screen sharing for one, one thing nice is you can talk with more than one person at a time good luck
cnt
 
The better half used to use skype, but now uses facetime with her sister. She likes it a lot more. We have tried using gmail for meetings with little success. Sound quality was not good and video was delayed and jumpy.
 
All of the technologies require good vision and hearing. If hearing and/or vision are problematic, a fax machine would be the best bet.

My personal preference would be a couple of iPhones with a shared family data plan. Apple has a seamless video chat system called Face Time.

Skype requires decent hardware and bandwidth; I have no idea about gmail.
 
My Daughte and her family are in England (Son-in Law is a Navy pilot) aand we Skype frequently. I can say that at least 90% of the time it works very well and would recommend it.
 
My DSL link drops the voice on many Skype calls. My 92 year old father does not use a computer and does not seem to be interested in learning how.[/url][/list]
 
I don't do either, but that being said, I have a friend that has been skyping with his brother and father every Sunday morning for as long as there has been skype. He lives in the Midwest by me, one of them lives in Washington state, the other Florida. He, they love it. Have another buddy whose wife has been skyping with her sister and her children in England for a long time too.

I don't have a need for it, but by gosh Alexander Graham Bell would be impressed. Give it a try, and enjoy it as many others do.

Best of luck.

Mark
 
Sweetfeet: We used Skype with both grand children that where in the service.

The Grand Daughter was in Germany and it was crystal clear with her. The Grand son was in Afghanistan and his was a little more snowy I guess you would say.

Here in the states I would say that Skype should work great if your sister has good Internet service. It does take a pretty good band width to work well. We have high speed DSL ran on fiber optics here and we have had good luck.
 
My 80yo mother-in law frequently Skypes several of her out of town kids. it works for her. My 83 yo dad, on the other hand is computer illiterate. I got him a cell phone, and talk to him most days.
Tim in OR
 
I have skype down loaded .. haven"t used it since I got Google PH ..

Less dropped calls in fact none since using Google.

Only thing is the free version don"t have any PH numbers for this area.

The phone system is out of California, and if you have Caller ID .. I could be your neighbor & you may not answer seeing a number from Calif.
 
almost forgot another thing Google... you can call landlines & cell phones for free also.

Not just from skype to skype.
 
I use Skype to talk to my sisters. One lives in California and the other lives in Virginia. We love it.
I live in Arkansas.
 
Old Roy,

Thanks - that is what my boss is telling me... he used Skype until he tried Google Talk/Video Chat.

He says Google is clearer video and audio - but you need a really fast connection (mine is DSL, but in the lower speed range of DSL).
 
Tim in OR,

Thanks.

We will do both... regular phone calls and the video. Dad is really sharp and the siblings he lives with will help him with the computer part.
 
JD Seller,

Thanks.

Good to know Skype can be crystal clear. During the visitation prior to my mom's funeral - we Skyped my nephew in Afghanistan out of the "guest kitchen" at the funeral home... it was really snowy and very delayed.
 
Ed KY,

Dad will have helpers on his end, so they will set it all up for him. He will only need to be in front of the camera and talk - so I think it will work for him.
 
steve_MO,

Thanks.
My second boss also likes Face Time... but not sure if siblings have iPhones, and I definitely don't have one.
 
Jeremy in NE,

Thanks for the reply.
Will probably try Skype or Gmail... don't have an iPhone.
 
Case Nutty,

Thanks for the info. I will have to look up Ovoo - not familiar with it. Apparently they are numerous options for doing video chatting that I was not aware of (even though I'm a secretary, I am not too adventuresome with technology).
 
John M.,

Thanks for the info. It would just be Dad on one end and me on the other... don't think we would do any conference type calls.
 
and what exactly is wrong with my post? I will go back and look at it but I will say this if you do not like what I typed then DO NOT READ MY POSTS
 
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