Any Skype users here?

[XS650]

I just got a new Asus eee100h netbook (small laptop with 10 inch screen). Wife and I travel a lot so the small size is convenient as well as the 5 hour battery life.

It came with Skype installed, so I tried it and got hooked. So far the sound quality seems better than a normal phone. I went whole hog and got my own phone number for incoming calls and paid for a years use. $59.50 for a full year including unlimited phone calls to the US and Canada. It works anyplace you have a decent internet connection, so we will be able to phone home on international trip for no extra cost.

 

[moribundman]

I have been using SkypeOut for 1-1/2 years. It works generally to my satisfaction.

 

[dorkiedoode]

nice been looking at those netbooks. its in the plans to get one and use skype as well =)

 

[crinkles]

skype is grounds for immediate dismissal at my work as it leaves a huge gaping hole in your security system for anything to enter. that's our IT policy at least... Could be that they want to discourage people from using it.

When I did use it from home owth Skype out, the quality was terrible and I think SKype ripped me off in overcharing me... never used it again, and I don't miss it.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Been using it for close to 5 years. The quality varies, but is generally OK.

 

[VaderSS]

Been using it for about a year now. I have a number that people can call in. Works great as long as the internet is not too spotty. I have used it over sattelite connections offshore, and as long as a web page will load at all, even very slowly, Skype works well. If the internet cuts out at all though, there goes your call.

 

[Cutehumor]

is this different than VOIP?

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: dorkiedoode
nice been looking at those netbooks. its in the plans to get one and use skype as well =)


The one I got works well as a speakerphone with it's built in mic and speakers. It sounds better than a lot of purpose built speakerphones.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
is this different than VOIP?


It is a VOIP (voice over internet) system but doesn't claim to completely replace your regular phone. For instance they emphasize that they don't have 911 service while some other VOIP systems (Vonage, etc) do offer some form or 911 service.

 

[BearZDefect]

Originally Posted By: XS650
doesn't claim to completely replace your regular phone. For instance they emphasize that they don't have 911 service while some other VOIP systems (Vonage, etc) do offer some form or 911 service.
And thus you also escape some of the endless taxes on a regular phone bill.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: BearZDefect
Originally Posted By: XS650
doesn't claim to completely replace your regular phone. For instance they emphasize that they don't have 911 service while some other VOIP systems (Vonage, etc) do offer some form or 911 service.
And thus you also escape some of the endless taxes on a regular phone bill.


Makes sense, thanks.

 

[SrDriver]

I too have used Skype in both a Linux and Windows Vista environment for both computer to phone and computer to computer calls and use my web cam computer to computer.

Unlimited calls in the United States or Canada to a regular phone cost $2.95 a month and it is free from computer to computer anywhere in the world. We use it quite a bit without any issues.

Main reason that companies don't like it being used @ work is of the bandwidth issues + they actually expect you to be working I guess?

Cruse ships too don't like you using Skype because of bandwidth issues.