On her Wish List, my wife asked me to set up the computer to use Skype, specifically the video portion. Of course, this requires a webcam. Any recommendations? I'll also need a microphone, too. I'll be searching the interwebnets in the meantime. Thanks for your input.
$20-50 should be fine. Logitecs a great brand for stuff like that. Dont buy her the autorotating follow you around the room HD video 400 frames a second cam. The cheap ones will work just fine.
These are my favorite webcams, you can't beat them! they have mics, come with software and are just all around a good product http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro?mco=MTI4MDI
My new webcam also came with a computer. It's called iMac to answer your question (or not): I have no idea. The last webcam I bought was 5 years ago or so... Look for something you like (design) and then search for reviews. That's what I'd do.