You've got "V-mail"

So now that you have a webcam to play with, you’re all set to do interactive instant messaging and send video e-mails. What is video e-mail? It’s an e-mail with a video file inserted into the body of the message. This avoids the problems of sending messages with actual video attachments. Video files are usually too large for most people to send or receive, and in general, some people just don’t want to open e-mail attachments. Companies also use this technology to do e-mail marketing, such as movie trailers. All you need to do this is a webcam and video e-mail software.

For those of you who subscribe to Ocean Time Warner Cable’s Road Runner service, video e-mail is already available to you at no charge. When on the homepage (www.hawaii.rr.com) click on the member services link and when you scroll down a little bit, yousee the Road Runner Video Mail information. Click on the link and download the software for free. Unfortunately this Road Runner service is not compatible with Macs. Note that you do not need any special video e-mail software to receive the messages.

Another freebie is through Microsoft Outlook 2003. If you don’t have the video e-mail add-in, download it for free at www.microsoft.com. There’s also MyVideoTalk (www.myvideotalk.net). The plans range from $11.95 to $189.95 per month for consumers and businesses. These are only available for Windows. “V-mail” is the newest fun way to communicate face-to-face with family and friends.