Skype?

**StaceyS** · 01-27-2009, 02:08 PM

Has anyone tried this service? Someone mentioned it on another board and it sounds really interesting to me. For $59.50/ year you can make unlimited calls (in the US anyway, didn't look at other countries). You can also get a cell phone type of hand set and use it anywhere wireless internet is available. I use a 10 cent a minute cell phone right now and it's starting to get expensive. I would still keep it for emergencies, but for normal calling this sounds cool.

**Nana2two** · 01-27-2009, 10:55 PM

I Have used it when i talked with my best friend that lived in the UK. Now she lives around the corner.

**phoeny_moonstar** · 01-28-2009, 01:40 AM

I use their free service. And it's good, I have no idea about the pay one.

**nvmommyx6** · 01-28-2009, 01:43 AM

Their phone systems start at $100+ and their service online is really no different than yahoo or MSN messenger and they are free!!

**Siebrie** · 01-29-2009, 07:51 AM

We use Voipbuster and VoipWise, which are free. That's in Europe, I don't know about the US. They have a fair-use policy, so after 5 hours a week you get thrown out. We have several accounts, so we can always call our family and friends in the neighbouring country.

**AdamantEve** · 01-29-2009, 10:38 AM

I have just started using Skype and I love it!

I'm in the UK (recently moved here from the US) and it is a great way to talk to (and see) my friends, younger relatives that aren't great on the phone, etc. It's really made a positive impact in my life.

Here is how it works... you sign up for an account, which is free.

Next you need:
*a web-cam (that has a speaker, it dosn't have to be from their shop) *a headset (just a simple one with a microphone that plugs into your computer)
*a purchased headset (like a cordless phone, if you must buy one)
*OR a built-in camera and microphone (if you have ones in your laptop)

If your friends have a Skype account, you can call them on their Skype accounts for FREE (zipola). This is called a skype-in call. This is the only way I use skype and I love it because I get to make video calls so I can see who I am talking to.

If the person or place that you want to call does NOT have a skype account, then you can make what is called a skype-out call. You must have money in your account to make these calls and you can sign up for services that allow you to make unlimited calls to other countries or inside your country at a fixed price.

You can also buy features like voicemail, etc. In theory, you can also play games. I only use the free skype-in service to make web calls and I would suggest you try skyping for free first, before you upgrade. Try it out and see how you like it.

Additionally:

Skype will NOT make 911 (999) calls, so you need to have some way to make emergency calls.

Also, be careful about what "mode" you are set to (eg available, away, skype me, etc). The skype me mode allows people that you don't know to see that you are online and call you.

Hope that helps.

**StaceyS** · 01-29-2009, 11:08 AM

I'd still keep my pay as you go phone for emergencies, but I thought this would be a good way to talk to my Mom & Sisters (they tend to talk a lot - and @ $.10/min it gets expensive!)