Skype, computer phone

[tcrist]

My ex-wife uses the free version (on the computer with the camera) for her calls to her family in Europe. She likes it a lot but does not use it as her primary phone. It does lock up once in a while and then she just Skypes them back later. I do ont know anything about the pay version or the headset/bluetooth stuff.

As far as it locking up. She has found that it has always been her family in Germanys connection.

I use the Comcast tripple play stuff and it works great until the power or Comcast craps out then I don't even have a phone line. I went and got a minimal cost "GO Phone" for emergancies.

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by tcrist

As far as it locking up. She has found that it has always been her family in Germanys connection....
.

I should add that when I say "works all the time"... it is simply as good as your internet connection.

[Bobcat]

First off ... I`m a techie illiterate . A friend is deploying on 1/18/10 and is looking for a way to stay in touch while on board ship ... somewhere in the mid east . He isn`t sure where he will be ( marine ) . He isn`t sure his cell will be cost effective back to the states ... or even work , and isn`t sure about having regular computer access . If he does , will Skype work for him ? If not ... any suggestions ?

Bob

[4RE KLR]

Originally Posted by Bobcat

First off ... I`m a techie illiterate . A friend is deploying on 1/18/10 and is looking for a way to stay in touch while on board ship ... somewhere in the mid east . He isn`t sure where he will be ( marine ) . He isn`t sure his cell will be cost effective back to the states ... or even work , and isn`t sure about having regular computer access . If he does , will Skype work for him ? If not ... any suggestions ?

Bob

My niece is in the military. My aunt sent her a Magic Jack and a cheap $10.00 Walmart phone. It works like a charm and cost $0.00.

They cost $39.?? to buy it and that includes the first years service. From then on you have to pay $19.00 a year. I bought one two years ago and use it almost everyday. It works as good as any phone I have ever had. Again, it cost only $19.00 a year. NO monthly bill and no extra taxes BS.

If you get the Magic Jack and send it (or let him take it with him) all calls into the US (& Canada) are free. No per minute and NO TAXES. No monthly bill at all.

RON:
I know this thread is about Skype... but he asked for suggestions. I was not trying to hijack the thread

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by 4RE KLR

I was not trying to hijack the thread

No foul...that's good advice for him.

[Wayne Maybury]

OK here is a question from the middle ages; what is Skype?

I see Magic Jack ads on TV all the time but I wonder how can they do it for $29.95 a year?

Wayne

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by Wayne Maybury

OK here is a question from the middle ages; what is Skype?

Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service and, in some countries, to free-of-charge numbers, are free, while calls to other landlines and mobile phones can be made for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.

http://www.skype.com

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by computerworks

I should add that when I say "works all the time"... it is simply as good as your internet connection.

The many elements of your net connection, your power, your computer, Skype's servers...

I have no argument against Skype and such services except when people think about using them as their only phone link, including emergency needs. You want to talk to your agents in Iran for "free"? Be my guest.

(Edit: Ha ha ha, I typed that last line before reading Bobcat's last post... )

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by Gunner

You want to talk to ...

Also good for Grannies to see their grandkids across the miles...free version also supports duplex webcam calls.

Bobcat....the Skype technology will work just fine... BUT, there are many instances where the ISP blocks the ports used by services like these...and makes them not connect. It'll cost your buddy zero to try it, though.

[48ford]

Got a magicjack for $19.95 a year and it works good. In the news today, they said in three months they are releasing a new jack for you're cell phone. It has the cell phone providers in a huff because it uses broadband and does not count on you're minutes used. The signal goes over the net verse their towers.
Magicjack has a 6% market share in only 3 to 4 months of operation.
Some of you may want to check them out. If you sign up for the second year when you first start the second year is $9.00.

[Gunner]

Originally Posted by 48ford

Magicjack has a 6% market share in only 3 to 4 months of operation.

Just like, say, Napster did. One regulation change and they're history.