I SWEAR by Pamela and Skype. I don't even have a landline any more.
We have cell phones, Skype and Pamela ONLY.
It acts as my business answering machine, my phone interview recorder,
and even my Skype video call recorder. Try it - you'll LOVE it!
Penny Haynes

Web Cam Choices

I normally use the highest quality Logitech (as of December 2008, that is the Logitech QuickcamPro 9000 for PCs and the QuickCam Vision Pro for Macs). You will get the best picture for the best price every time. The model name changes from year to year, so just review the Logitech Web Cams to find the latest ones. You can buy straight from Logitech, but I'd shop around once you find the model you want. Plan to spend from $60 to $135 dollars on a good one.

Microphone Choices

I so not spend a lot of money on microphones. Honestly, you will not be able to tell that much of a difference with internet audio and video, and people aren't expecting super high end audio from business people - only from people whose business it is to produce professional, high end audio and video. I was hired by Lifetime Television for Women to product 5 of their podcasts, and was hired while using a free editing program and a $25 microphone from Radio Shack.

Again, I suggest you check out the different Logitech microphone models and then shop around on the internet for the best buy. I shop at Walmart first. Plan on spending from $15 - $60 (although the $60 model won't really sound any different than the $15 model - the comfort of wearing it will be the only difference). WARNING: try to say away from any microphones whose earpieces move - they can cause a clicking noise on your recording while you are talking, and you can't get that out of the recording, nor can you hear it while you are recording.

Flip Video

If you want to record video to put on the internet, then this is the video for you. Simple, affordable, with good enough quality for YouTube. It is NOT good for recording things far away - it is good for short range and close up videos, which is normally what you will be recording. Check out the different product lines and prices and then shop around for the best prices. Again, Walmart is always a safe bet. Plan to spend about $85 to $230 depending on the amount of video you want to record and store on the camera, and the quality (there is a new HD - High Definition - version out as of December 2008).

There are also accessories such as tripods and mounting hardware (to put on your bike and ride around, etc.), however the Flip will mount onto any standard tripod.

RSS Readers

If you are interested in subscribing to RSS feeds on your computer, and may want to download podcasts to your iPod or other portable devices, here is a list of 20 Free RSS Readers and their reviews (the author liked Google Reader best):

http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/05/06/20-free-rss-readers-reviewed/

For a dedicated Podcatcher (meant to subscribe to and download podcasts), try Juice or iTunes.

1. You can download your copy here:
   
   - For Windows Systems, download your copy of Juice here.
   
   - For OS X 10.3 or higher, download your copy of Juice here.
   
   You want to install it and open it. Click here to view a 3 minute video on how to download, install and use Juice.


2. Other people who already have iTunes installed can use that for their Podcatcher as well.