How to Do Video Chat With a Mac & a Toshiba L305

Mac OS X and Windows, the operating systems used on Macs and the Toshiba L305, are interoperable for video chatting over the Internet with several options available for connecting the two. Choose any video chat connection for which you already have instant messaging accounts, or create new IM accounts as necessary to set up a connection.

Instructions

1. Launch iChat on the Macintosh and log into a .Mac, Mobile Me, or AIM instant messaging account. If you do not have an account, click on the "Create new account" button in iChat to create a free AIM account. Download the AIM client software onto the Toshiba L305 if it is not already installed, and launch the software. Enter another account into the AIM software, or create a new one if you do not have one. On both computers, add the other account to the Buddy List. When both computers are logged in, double-click on the camera icon next to the Buddy List entry to start a video chat.

2. Download and install Skype on both computers, and set up Skype accounts for both users if you do not already have them. Add each other's account to the Contacts list. As with iChat and AIM, when both users are online and have their Skype software launched, a camera icon will appear next to the username. Double-click on this icon to start a video chat.

3. Create Google Gmail accounts for both users. Log into Gmail in a web browser on both computers, and enter the other's name and email address into your contacts list. When both computers are online and logged into Gmail, they will appear in each other's Chat sidebar. Click on the camera icon to start a chat. Unlike the above options, Google Chat works within the web browser and does not require a separate application, although you may need to install the Google Talk plug-in for your browser.

Tips & Warnings

• The Toshiba L305 and most Macintoshes have a camera and microphone built into the bezel of the monitor. If the Macintosh you are using does not have a built-in camera, attach any USB webcam certified to work on Macintoshes, and it will work with the above software.

References

• Mac Help: Setting Up iChat
• AIM: Chat with all your buddies
• Skype: Make the most of Skype
• Google: Google Chat