Skype?

[memphismason]

Anyone here use Skype?

What are the benefits in using such a service?

[analog_kidd]

Used to use it to supplement the limited minutes we had with our cell phone after cutting off the landline. Then we got the Comcast VOIP, so I did not need Skype anymore. Now we have neither, since most of the people we call are Verizon users anyway.

Skype is pretty cool though. You can sign up for a free account and talk to people computer to computer. If you want to call someone's phone number, you have to pay for a premium account. You still have to use your computer to place the call, so you'll need a microphone. I bought one of those headsets that have headphones and a wrap-around mic as one unit.

I also bought a little gizmo from Ebay called an ActionTec Internet Phone Wizard. You plug it into a USB port, then plug in your home phone and you can place calls without the mic/headset. If you use a cordless phone, you can walk around and talk. Your PC does have to be on though.

I've also read bout Skype Phones, that will use a wireless internet connection, and does not need the PC.

I found sound quality to be way less than great, but acceptable for general conversation. There was some warbles and sometimes a delay and an occasional disconnect.

[Daniel]

You can use the iphone app on wifi. I think they are going to open it up for general data usage as well. cheap international calls.

[ukerduker]

I can call home from Afghanistan for .02/minute. Not a bad deal at all. Only a minor sound delay.

[deafdogdief]

I call some of my family members that are out of the country and it's free. I also podcast with my cohost who is in GA. We talk over Skype and record each end. There are a few cool things to do with it with conferencing as well. You can do video with it for free as well.

[Guest H0TSH0T]

i talk to people all over the world on skype, for free cant beat that, and if you do any online gaming or poker sights you can run it at the same time.

[bteague2]

I like the free video chatting, I've used it when my buddy was in Turkey and when I was in Italy. Besides that I used the phone feature to call home for cheap when I was traveling.

[Guest Swamprunner]

Good stuff, I video conference with my son in Irao FREE, because we're both members.

[Guest strelcevina]

skype is best video IM . sometimes doesn't work well on slower connections. it requires higher speed . only one to one video conference

second best is ooVoo. it works better on slower speeds and have extras like multiple user video conference and much more

easiest one is tinychat you go there and create a room ,any name you wont. up to 9 people can video conference, and best deal is. there is nothing to install. everything is done inside browser

[bteague2]

I think skype can do more then two people now, but I haven't tried it.

[Guest strelcevina]

I think skype can do more then two people now, but I haven't tried it.

you can do audio conference on skype, but not a video conference

[DaveTN]

What are the benefits in using such a service?

1. Video calls instead of just voice.

2. Free.

[Guest abailey362]

we use it for jr to talk to the grandparents most. the quality is pretty good and the lag is minimal.

I havent used it to call a land line, because I see no point in paying for it when I have a cell phone with me where ever I am. I can see where it would be nice to call intl for cheaper rates though