Different angle on the webcam question.

I'm turning over the usual integrated vs. external webcam question over in my head, but from a slightly different-than-usual angle.

I'm laptop shopping, of course. I've been on the verge of getting a couple of nice machines, only to be derailed by concerns over issues which, according to various threads I've come across, seemed severe (Lenovo EZServ warranty nightmares, nVidia graphics self-destruction...), but about which I now wonder if they were overblown. So, I'm going to try to settle my "issues" one-at-a-time, so I know what is/isn't a deal-breaker for me in a machine, so I don't waste time chewing my nails and wondering while I let good deals pass me by.

One issue is webcams. I've mostly been looking at used T61s and R61s on ebay, (though there are a couple of Dell Vostros, an XPS 1210, some X61's, and an Acer Travelmate I've looked at, too).

Want a webcam of some sort, and have passed up a lot of otherwise well-configured machines because they didn't have one. Was looking for an internal because of convenience/portability, but also because I've read stuff about cameras coming with crap drivers or bloated software that eats up system resources.

I don't want to use the cam for chat, though. Mostly, I want to record music practice/lessons. I need decent video and sound that's well-synced with the picture. Doesn't have to be standalone video-camera quality, but shouldn't need me to be two feet from the computer, either. Something that'd do okay on video and audio from, say, 4 to 12 feet (at most) away.

1. Can I do that with an integrated cam?

2. I have a nic USB mic (actually a Zoom H2 w/built-in mic that I can use as an audio interface). Can I use this for audio w/ integrated (or external) cam for video?

3. Is the convenience/compatibility (I'm assuming a built-in will be compatible w/system!) of a built-in cam worth passing up an otherwise good deal on an otherwise good machine?

4. Can I do much better w/an external cam (that won't screw up/take over my system), and, if so, what will it cost me?

I already carry around a ton of stuff, so I'm trying to keep extra junk to a minimum, but I also need a solution that'll work reasonably well.

Bonus question #1:
I've noticed some webcam-made videos have very good audio/video sync. Others, it's noticeably off (this is critical for music lessons). Anything I should look out for here? Any free software that's good for using w/audio-video capture from a webcam in this regard?

Bonus question #2:
Any machines that are noted for having especially good or bad webcams? This can't be my primary factor in picking a laptop, but it could influence things a little.

I have thought about using a dedicated, flash-based camcorder, but that's extra $$$, extra steps (transfer, conversion of files), and an extra bit of kit to lug around...

Thanks in advance for any ideas/help in this area! If you have suggestions I've not thought of, feel free to include them!

 

Crap, guys. I forget how long-winded I can be until I see myself in print. There are upsides and downsides to compulsive thoroughness, but I'll spare you the details and just say thanks, again, for reading through my long-*** post and offering any helpful ideas you might have.