Looking for a QUICK answer, sorry, not for me but a friend of mine.
I've briefly seen their laptop which is a Compaq Presario V6000 widescreen. Above the screen there are two "mic" symbols where the sound comes out of. Also, there are two sockets at the front below the keyboard. One is for headphones and the other presumably for a "mic" input. The confusing THING is that it has the same symbol as for the OUTPUT speakers mentioned above!
So to use Skype, does this laptop have a built in microphone or not, or is a plug in one required?
I at LEAST know there is no built in webcam so with Skype in mind, what do you suggesy they should buy (and where does it plug in socket wise).
Thanks everyone
Based on specs I see http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF06a/12139188-78299199-78308301-78308301-78308301-78867421.html, I believe it does not have a built-in mic.  So, a headset would be a nice addition for using Skype. 

I occasionally use Yahoo! Messenger's PC-to-phone calling feature and use one of these inexpensive headsets: Rosewill RH-001 3.5mm Circumaural MULTIMEDIA Stereo HeadsetThanks soybean, appreciate that.
I'll tell them to get the mic headset.
Regards