Skype???

[dilbert]

What's the score here?

How many normal people have a VOIP phone? Of those who is using Skype vs the alternatives? If you don't have a VOIP phone, are you thinking about getting one?

[ThePassenger]

Sadako uses Skype on his laptop. Seems to be find bandwidth wise on ISDN or better (it uses bugger all itself, but with web browsers and other stuff going).

Looking at getting the Netgear WiFi enabled unit as a replacement for our land line.

[n3il123]

I use skype, generally on a skype to skype basis (rather than skype to landline) and it is ok... call quality can vary depending on what time of day etc (guessing that this is todo with internet traffic etc) also make sure that you buy a decent quality phone as some that I have had are pretty shocking

[dilbert]

n3il123 said:

I use skype, generally on a skype to skype basis (rather than skype to landline) and it is ok... call quality can vary depending on what time of day etc (guessing that this is todo with internet traffic etc) also make sure that you buy a decent quality phone as some that I have had are pretty shocking

Funny actually. I just bought a cheap chinese one, just a bit more than a tenner. It seems to work ok with the test function, but I'm going to give another one to the olds. We'll have to see if it works out, that's why I only wanted a cheap one. If it does, maybe I'll spend a bit more!

Edited to add;

I guess it would be smart if you could get a mobile that detected wireless hotspots, and used VOIP as appropriate!

Edited by dilbert on Thursday 28th December 15:32

[leorest]

I use Skype for calling home when I'm travelling. Skyeout is cheap enough for international calls. Example, 30 minutes UK to Canada came to just over 30p. Not sure it's a 100% replacement for a landline, as you need the PC with Skypesoft' up all the time, but it does allow you to go for a cheaper package and use Skype for dialing out.
It's also usefull for confusing people with caller ID as SkypeOut is displayed as international!

[ThePassenger]

leorest said:

I use Skype for calling home when I'm travelling. Skyeout is cheap enough for international calls. Example, 30 minutes UK to Canada came to just over 30p. Not sure it's a 100% replacement for a landline, as you need the PC with Skypesoft' up all the time, but it does allow you to go for a cheaper package and use Skype for dialing out.
It's also usefull for confusing people with caller ID as SkypeOut is displayed as international!

Leo, something to look in to is the standalone skype phones are machine independent. Although you need a Skype client on a big box to top up the SkypeOut / SkypeIn stuff. Just an FYI, dunno if that'd be useful for you

[Marki]

I have skype on my laptop ,, i just had a 45 min chat with my Brother in the UK and i must say the call quality was first class .

Its a great system , i just use a headset

[zumbruk]

My mother lives in the USA and I use Skypeout to talk to her once a week. Our BT phone bill has plummeted - no wonder the telcos are all worried about it.

I just plugged a microphone & speakers into the PC (both out of the junk box, hence free). The quality is about 90% as good as a landline, which given that it's about 10% of the cost is fine.

[kevin63]

I use Skype on my laptop and my pocket pc, both work great and i use a combined headphone and mic for the laptop and don't need either for the pocket pc, but i do tend to use a ear piece with it, to stop feed back and i can hear better with the ear piece.

[leorest]

ThePassenger said:

Leo, something to look in to is the standalone skype phones are machine independent. Although you need a Skype client on a big box to top up the SkypeOut / SkypeIn stuff. Just an FYI, dunno if that'd be useful for you

Thanks for that info. When you say "standalone" I presume they are a "box" running the Skype client (if that's the correct terminology), which connects to the Internet not requiring a PC running all the time, if so then that is of interest. For my use I don't mind having the PC running all the time but I mentioned it earlier 'cause I know this is a killer flaw in many peoples eyes.

[trevorw]

leorest said:

ThePassenger said:

Leo, something to look in to is the standalone skype phones are machine independent. Although you need a Skype client on a big box to top up the SkypeOut / SkypeIn stuff. Just an FYI, dunno if that'd be useful for you

Thanks for that info. When you say "standalone" I presume they are a "box" running the Skype client (if that's the correct terminology), which connects to the Internet not requiring a PC running all the time, if so then that is of interest. For my use I don't mind having the PC running all the time but I mentioned it earlier 'cause I know this is a killer flaw in many peoples eyes.

Have alook at these www.skypestyle.com/skype_wifi_phones.htm They run the skype software on the phone, No need for a PC just a WiFi connection.