Mac users have been waiting for so long for the new Skype for Mac (with) Video, that they have turned to downloading an unreleased beta of questionable quality that is doing the rounds on the Internet. Hardly a surprise, since most consumer Macs - Macbooks, Macbook Pros and iMacs - ship with built in video cameras.

Jaanus, however, is urging patience, and saying that the new offering is almost ready and would be released soon. Over on the Skype blog he writes, “Video support for Skype for Mac will be one of our major acts this year…It’s not yet ready for primetime, but will be soon. It sounds old, but please bear with us. Not much longer to go.”

The early development version that is available on some warez sites “is extremely buggy. It may and will destroy your contacts and other data.” His words are reassuring, but Skype really needs to get its Mac move on!

Meanwhile, Jim Courtney over on Skype Journal reports that Skype has released six new toolbars for IE, Firefox, Office, Outlook, Outlook Express and Thunderbird.