Using the internet as a phone www.skype.com

[Mathew]

Looking to get a phone number has anyone ever used www.skype.com what do you think of the idea?????

[ebonybailey]

Mathew

I use skype but just for the basic free usage. its clearer and better than using say MSN Messenger I think and if its just to network with others its perfect, i do know that some people are using it and getting numbers too, one is getting a US number so that US customers can call local even though he is in the UK and as it is not a landline there is no major trans atlantic call charge for either. Worth researching I think

[Rob Holmes]

Mathew
I've used this with mixed results.

I found it best when I got a USB phone and ran it through that.

Occasionally skype is down or very busy which obviously limits useage and may mean that you can't receive calls - but it's still in Beta I believe so they are probably still assessing it's performance and hopefully upgrading.

Rob

[Mathew]

I have looked into it and I think I will give it a go. I have found a usb phone for it http://www.dabs.com/uk/Search2/Product+Details.htm?quicklinx=3L27&searchphrase=dual%20phone can anyone find it cheeper

[Rob Holmes]

Hi Mathew,

The one you've linked to looks pretty solid - heres a cheaper alternative (plastic and not dual use) usb VOIP phone that works with skppe http://www.myfreeip.com/

Rob

[creative-keyrings]

Hi There,

I use skype for my business line number, i can tell you now it is wonderful. I use the offical skype usb phone which can be found at www.play.com for £29.99.

To rent a direct line so people can call you its only £8.00 every 3months and you buy credit for about £8 which gives you a lot of calltime (espiscally to land line numbers). When you register your direct line you get a free voicemail service which is useful for when your computer is switched off.

Basically this is new technology which i can rely on and have never had a problem with.

It is the way to go and doesn't cost a fortune to use.

Regards.

Callum

[coxadmin]

Creative Keyrings

Wow - I use Skype but didn't know about the voicemail service.

Thanks for the info.

[Talkrussian]

Another option, if you're looking for Internet based phone numbers, is VOIP talk.

Look at: www.voiptalk.co.uk

Not as easy as Skype to set up, but lots of extra features.

Been using it for a while and it's very good.

Neil McCafferty

[RockLinks]

I just bought a phone number today and bought a phone of Play.com, ive been playing around with skype all day and tested it with a mic and it sounded great, i cant wait to hear what its like when i get the phone. :D

[Cornish Steve]

Hello there!

For what they're worth, let me offer my thoughts on Skype technology.

My company (the GOLD Center) offers a suite of interactive online courses in business communication. We encourage course participants to use Skype as a convenient means of contacting classmates. Let me give you a specific example of how this has worked in practice.

In our beta trial earlier this year, we taught our courses to professionals from several different countries. Each week, trial participants worked on an individual assignment and a team assignment. Most teams had members from more than one country.

While visiting India, I led an online course from my hotel room. One evening, I received an instant message from a concerned class member who needed help (the personal touch is an important aspect of our business, and our instructors make themselves available as much as possible). Instantly, I was able to establish a Skype conference call with two people from Australia and a lady from North Carolina.

Let me tell you: One of the people from Australia could hardly stop laughing for the first few minutes of the call. He really enjoyed the real-time communication that Skype allowed. He was able to talk with other members of his team and with his instructor for over 20 minutes - and it was totally free. (I don't think he ever did believe that I was calling from India!)

Having said all this, it's important to understand the limitations of Skype. In particular, you need a good data connection. Remember that upload speeds are slower than download speeds; just because you can hear others clearly on a Skype call does not mean that they can hear you just as clearly.

If the limitations of Skype are accepted, it is a wonderful tool. I've been able to take good advantage of it. I hope you can too.

Steve
www.goldctr.com

[RockLinks]

I have had no problems with it yet but i have to say i am really impressed with it so far.

[Ozzy]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/07/05/project_gizmo_voip/

It seems an Open Source Skype-type service is due for launch also :)

[dame]

Just buy a microphone from asda for £3 and your up and running, it's a brilliant communication tool and the best thing about is that it is FREE! Cool!! The reception is a lot better than your normal phone line too. :) All smiles round!!!

[RockLinks]

Its great for big companies who employ a lot of staff who use landline phones to phone an office across the other side of the building.

[creative-keyrings]

everybody should use skype :D

[RockLinks]

Yes the world would be a better place if we all had skype

[Ozzy]

VoIP in general is the way to go, and something I for one am activily reviewing for my business as a complete telecoms solution.

[RockLinks]

Yeah the Skype phones are VoIP. I think its just a case of picking the one you like best.