Account needed for ichat?

[djsound]

I have ichat but but cant seem to use it. How do I create an account for it? You dont have to have a .mac account or something do you? That would mean you have to pay to chat? Im lost...thanks.

 

[Jaffa Cake]

You can set up a trial .Mac/Mobile Me account for free, and continue to use it for iChat even when it's expired.

 

[J@ffa]

You can also use an AOL instant messaging screename. You may have one already, in which case it'd be quicker than setting up a .Mac/MobileMe account, but it's all the same!

 

[siurpeeman]

you can also sign up for an aim account at aim's website.

 

[26139]

yeah...

Welcome to chatting on the internet. We have these things called accounts.

 

[kkat69]

Amazing what happens when you actually try to use the tool.

Hmm let's add an account. OH MY what account type? Let's see what the drop has to show me...

Mac.com.. hmmm no I don't want to pay for that.....
AIM.. hmm that's free
Jabber.. free again
Google Talk.. again free.

Looking at the tool kinda answers the question. However of the 3 free options, only 1 really takes advantage of the video chat, and I'm pretty sure unless it's Macs/iChat your talking too, it won't do the 4 way conferencing. If one of them is a windows user they won't be able to join the 4 way.

I know my response is kinda harsh but come on, the tool itself answers the question.

 

[ltldrummerboy]

^^^
If you're referring to AIM as the only free alternative to support video chat, think again. I can do a video chat with my Mac-owning, Gmail-using friends through iChat.

 

[Aperture]

You can set up a trial .Mac/Mobile Me account for free, and continue to use it for iChat even when it's expired.

What happens if your trial expires and someone else buys .Mac and wants that name? Surely Apple has to provide it to them...?