Can I make iPad1 facetime ready?

I have no idea if this works, but a quick google search turned up this blog entry that describes how to get Facetime working on an iPad 1. There's no way of getting a camera connected and working with it AFAIK though.

Confuzzzed said:

This was probably discussed ad nauseum in 2010, but can the iPad 1 be modified in any way to allow facetime and/or skype? Not sure what the term would be but can I use a USB adaptor and hook up a webcam? As I said, I can't find any threads from 2010 that may give an answer to this and apple.com don't have much information either in Communities. Thanks for your help

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Just get an iPad 2....

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A camera accessory was under development (iClops, I think) but it was cancelled. There is no way to upgrade the iPad 1 with FaceTime.

honestly,

buying a used iPhone 4 or an iPad 2 are the only robust solutions. The iPhone 4 could be locked (and thus cheaper) since Facetime works only via Wifi anyway .

Confuzzzed said:

The camera on the iPad 2 sucks though...but having had both the iPad original and the 2, particularly with iOS 5, the UI lag on the original makes its usability frustrating IMHO so the iPad 2 is really the only way forward...

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What UI lag would you be referring to on the iPad 1? I use an iPad 1 on iOS 5.01 every day and have never experienced the kind of lag to with you refer. If you are talking about graphic intensive games, thats entirely another issue. The iPad 1 is still a very usable device for day to day use, email, surfing, even gaming. I would go so far as to say its a bargain if you can find one used for a decent price. I am not disputing the advances evident in the iPad 2, it excels in many areas beyond the iPad 1, but then you would expect that in a hardware refresh.

Not to continue too far off topic, but I'd just like to back up the OPs UI lag claims on the original iPad. A large number of original iPad users (myself included) experienced a massive slowdown upgrading from iOS 4 to 5. In dinky tasks like Safari and Mail, my iPad 2 (technically, my wife's) now feels like it is several generations faster than my iPad 1, where before the differences weren't as noticeable.

Anyway, I've tried a few cheapie Logitech webcams plugged into my iPad via Apple's USB adaptor, and none were compatible with it. All gave the "USB device requires more power" message.

If you are considering an iPad 2 for FaceTime use, I can honestly say that the front camera is OK for FaceTime performance. The rear camera takes decent video. But for still shots, both cameras are utter garbage, even in decent lighting.

I also had lag but to be honest didn't realize it until I got the iPad 2. Once I saw how smooth it was I was very surprised at the performance of my original iPad.

Yes... you can sell ipad 1 and get iPad 2 with more money. Making and modifying the iPad 1 will be much much harder.

The original request mentioned Skype. You can run Skype on the ipad1 but the person you call cannot see you. If they have an ipad2 or use a computer you can see them. Audio works ok both ways.