SightSpeed Version 6.0 Video Chat Client Program

In the beginning, there was Linux. Then there's ICQ, then mIRC, NetMeeting, AIM, cellphone texting, 3G, Yahoo! Messenger, Skype, Google Talk, VoIP... etc, etc.

So many choices, so many varied PCs for each individual taste. Whatever happened to the ole two-cans-and-string of communication that we've all grown to love? As far as I'm concerned, there are so many choices to make if which of these chat client programs can make the word "varied" an understatement. And don't get me started on public access cable either.

SightSpeed Version 6.0 is a relatively new video chat client program that's been taking the world by storm for the past two years, possibly even better than Yahoo! Messenger and Skype altogether. After downloading the free program and having a tech friend do the same, we've talked about some of its pros and cons while staring at each other's "handsome" mugs for a few hours.

And we're glad we aren't harboring thoughts of dating each other. Ewww...

The interface layout is relatively user-friendly with a few buttons and tabs that doesn't require you to purchase a "Dummies" book for the video chat client program. The unlimited texting is a must-have feature or the whole thing just falls apart and would be forced to use the more established chat clients out there.

As far as video calls go, we were amazed at the quality and latency of the streaming video, given that you have a good net cam to go with it even on a CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor. Of course you would find a few hiccups on the streaming video when it comes to your Internet Service Provider, and who wouldn't? Net cameras from Creative Labs and Logitech works best with SightSpeed 6.0.

As for system requirements, the video chat client program needs to be run on a 1Ghz minimum PC running Windows 2000 and above (Mac OS X 10.3.9 as well) with 256 MB RAM. And if you don't have broadband or DSL for full video streaming, the video chat client program would probably be good enough for just a chat client program so 'nuff said.