TECH TALK: Instant Messaging is EZ using iChat on an Apple or AIM on PC (and they talk to each other too!)

Instant messaging (text, audio, or visual) is not something I have really gotten into, especially when I heard all the stories about chat room disarray.

However, I did buy a "Snowball" microphone for my Mac machines (there is also a "Snowflake" for portables/laptops) to use for eventual pod-casting.  Note, there are a host of other microphones out there, but the Snowflake was USB and under $100. It also works with MACs and PCs.

With a cheap set of $10 headsets (to avoid feedback through the speakers which I disconnected to use the headset/earphone jack) hooked up to the audio jack in the back and the Snowball to the USB port, I was able to have a great iChat with Finis Price, "the" TechnoEsq.com guy, without a cell phone, a land-line etc.

Note that I added him to my buddy list and we did instant messaging through Mac at home and AOL at work at a drop of the hat, or rather a click of the mouse.  I had the messaging program running, hit a click that marked my availability, and if somebody wanted to get my attention they knocked on my door.  I could answer if I wanted, engage in text only, or invite them in for an audio chat.  Due to web cam compatibility issues, have not gone visual (and I am not particular enthused with that idea either).

Please note, I tried the audio/visual the first time using an old web cam (that was not very compatible with my Mac) at first.  The visual locked up, but the audio microphone did.  However, there was "feedback" in my speakers so I used a headset. 

Since I had a great USB microphone in the Blue Snowball, I decided to try it tonight.  Worked flawlessly.

Will you do this with clients?  Not hardly,   But for those working on a project with other attorneys etc.  it offers a unique option of instant messaging or audio or visual (as opposed to email delay or "twitter's" text limitations.  Plus on the Mac machines, you can allow the trusted interloper (person on the other end) to share your screen and collaboratively solve your problem or explore your solutions. 

Just a "geek" moment for those out there wondering about this new tech stuff.

This does not mean the other services providing instant messaging service are not good or as good, it just means I figured out how to use my little niche of the computer world, and by golly that's good enough for me.

Of course, you can also buy you a cheap set of earphones with the built in microphone too!  Check out any computer or audio store in town, plus an office supply store. 

And if you already have the headset or a desk mic or a combination headset/mic, then you are already there with just a small loss in audio qaulity.