11-28-2010, 03:54 PM

So I'm wondering if anyone is of the opinion that facetime for mac is better than skype. I'm thinking about using it instead. Obviously only for video calls, I still like skype for chatting and of course for use with pc users, but does facetime have better quality? Also, what will be different with the regular version instead of the beta? I don't like that you need address book for contacts, though maybe there's a way to change that.

11-28-2010, 04:19 PM

Who knows what Apple will change between now and the stable version. I'm sure it will be mostly bug fixes but there's no way to tell.

Honestly, if you're happy with Skype, stick with it. FaceTime is limited to a smaller number of users and Skype has better cross-platform support.

11-28-2010, 10:48 PM

I'm sticking with Skype for now due to its larger userbase. However, I could see Skype support in FaceTime soon, just as we saw AIM support become part of iChat. Apple will almost have to do it if they wish for their program to gain users.

11-29-2010, 06:32 AM

At the present time, Skype and FaceTime are two pretty different programs with really only one thing in common; both do video calling.

Skype (and iChat) both do much more than just that. All kinds of other stuff.

FaceTime, on the other hand, is one-to-one video calling that "just works" and that's kind of it. You select a name, and if the name you've selected meets the criteria (must be on an iPhone 4 or Mac, must have the program open (Mac only), must be on wifi or ethernet) -- then the call just happens and works BEAUTIFULLY.

So basically I think you're comparing an exquisite stained glass window to an exhibit of lesser stained glass windows. Not really very fair.

11-30-2010, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by vansmith

Who knows what Apple will change between now and the stable version. I'm sure it will be mostly bug fixes but there's no way to tell.

Honestly, if you're happy with Skype, stick with it. FaceTime is limited to a smaller number of users and Skype has better cross-platform support.

Yes, totally agree with you, and there is also the fact that Skype can actually support a better streaming quality

11-30-2010, 07:17 PM

I love me some FaceTime. I have a couple of iOS facetime capable devices, and my Mac, and my family is also very iOS/Mac integrated, so we use facetime. Also, my band mate Andy, and a couple of my friends. Basically, I like facetime a LOT because I use my address book across my devices (<3 integration) and I also like that I just set it up once and don't have to worry about turning it on, or having to launch some other dumb application at start-up. It just uses the built in API and opens itself when I get a call. Pretty sweet.

02-26-2012, 10:09 PM

I was happily surprised to use Face Time with a great friend in London, GB! Worked like a charm. He just bought a new Mac! Had a blast! Then we tried iPod touch(4th generation)! Also worked! But sound was very low. Have to work that one out.
Sound and video were terrific on Macs
~Wayne

02-28-2012, 03:42 AM

Reprinting what I wrote in a another thread:

I'm not sure a comparison between Skype and FaceTime is worthwhile. They're really quite different although both do video conferencing.

But that's where the comparison begins and ends. FaceTime completely knocks Skype out of the park on video and sync quality in my experience, but of course FaceTime would -- it's limited to Wi-Fi, it works only with recent Macs and iOS devices, so by self-selection its going to provide a good experience nearly all the time.

But I'm not ragging on Skype here. Yes, the video quality is ... um, a bit variable ... on Skype, but look at the range of devices it works with, PLUS it can do audio-only PLUS it can do text chatting PLUS it can (for a fee) call real phones PLUS (for another fee) they can give you a phone number ... it's a far more versatile program that kicks even iChat's rear end on everything but sync/video quality.

I have to use all three programs routinely: iChat for work, FaceTime for my increasing circle of iOS pals, and Skype for the PC laggards. I think you can tell which one I like best, but Skype is hands down the most versatile.

02-28-2012, 08:32 AM

Thanks, for your comprehensive answer. I have only recent experience with Face Time! And of course it's for Mac devices,only(iPods-4th gen, iPhones ,iPads, iMacs, and all Mac computers with a camera and WI-Fi, Again, it works extremely well and is easy to set.
But it's still a PC world and eventually I'll be including Skype into my small circle.
FiskW

Oh when I used Face Time on my iPod for experimental reasons, the sound was extremely low. Any suggestions?

03-01-2012, 07:31 AM

If I may make a simple comparison simply based on the similar functions of the apps...

I'm currently in Afghanistan and my internet is quite limited in terms of bandwidth. I just did a speed test prior to posting this and it came out to 774ms-ping, 0.95Mbps-download, 0.32Mbps-upload. ...and that's in the middle of the day, when everyone else is at work and not using the network that's in our living quarters (divided among over 100 people). It sucks to say the least and it's waaaaay worse at night, when everyone else is on the net.

I've used both Skype and Facetime, since being here and I have to say that without a doubt Facetime makes better use of bandwidth.

My determination is based on the following two points:

• At times when bandwidth is so poor Skype won't even connect, Facetime always connects.
• As for best overall quality of video conferences, from what my wife has told me, Facetime wins again. Both video and audio are clearer than Skype.

That's my .02 based on experience.