woody7
Premium
join:2000-10-13
Torrance, CA
 ·EarthLink
·DSL EXTREME
| reply to elios
Re: Skype now $29.95 a YEAR unlimited calls
Been using it (paid)for about a year, and have had no problems. Bought an inexpensive headset/microphone, and works well. Seeing that I am sitting in front of a computer or laptop most of the day, using them to make calls is not a problem.Use my cellphone rest of the time.I am only tethered because of DSL. Calls most of the time are very good quality also. Turned my dad on to it and he uses it talk to relatives for hours. And for the "price" have no complaints.Will be getting one of the wireless skyphones to see how they work. 
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BlooMe |
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shamrin
join:2001-01-08
Lexington, KY
clubs: 
 ·Insight Communicat..
| reply to Agrajag
For the rest of us, it might be helpful if some of the experts here injected some actual facts into this "Skype sucks" thread. Do you not like Skype because it is cheap, popular and easy to use or do you see real quantifiable differences for normal users? I've used Vonage, Skype and a "proper" VOIP service here in the UK and to my experience Skype compares quite favourably.
/sch
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I have no opinion, therefore I do not exist |
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redshift
Premium
join:2004-03-23
Beverly Hills, CA
| There is another category of voip users who use regular voip where this deal may be advantageous. Quite a few of my friends only use voip with a local calling area as these plans are usually cheaper than those with calling plans of all of North America. They do have friends in other parts of North America but didn't think it was worth paying more per month just to call them. At an average call cost of about 0.02 you would only need to talk about 1,500 mins in a year to justify getting this over using your regular voip provider. |
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ZOverLord
Premium
join:2003-10-20
Minneapolis, MN
2 edits | reply to Agrajag
I think another major point is at least till end of Jan 2007, the actual cost for an entire year is NOT $29.95 but it is $14.95 less than half of the topic price quoted.
From Skype:
»share.skype.com/sites/en/2006/12···mer.html
Which also might make a difference on if people think it's worth it.
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Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com |
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axus
join:2001-06-18
Washington, DC
·Verizon Online DSL
| reply to Agrajag
I've been using SkypeIn for about a month now, it was kind of dicey in the beginning because my cable connection was unstable. Then I found out that having my wireless router too close to the cable modem was the problem. No joke! Since then its been very reliable. The free SkypeOut has been nice, I'll probably sign up for this $15 plan to replace that. Total $53/yr = $4.41 per month for nationwide calling. If the $30/yr plan had SkypeIn and SkypeOut, that would be hot.
Call quality is fine, the most noticeable issue is 1 second delay, which isn't so bad but if the person on the other end has a poor quality cell phone connection it becomes difficult. I leave the computer on all the time, no problem there, but I think that when it goes in power-save mode the phone won't ring. Sounds like a feature to me, if I start wanting phone calls at night I'll turn off power save. |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
·Bresnan Online
 ·VOIPo
| reply to shamrin
said by shamrin  :... Do you not like Skype because it is cheap, popular and easy to use... /sch Hmmm, if that isn't a loaded question. I already said that I didn't like/want skype for the same reason I don't want any type of softphone. I don't want a phone system that is reliant in any way to my computer(s). 1: Another point of failure 2: I don't always have the PC on. 3: I like using a "Real Phone", so I prefer an ATA that I can connect the phone of my choice to. 4: Since the days of Dialpad and other softphones, I will no longer use any type of headset/mic combo to act as a phone. (see 3:). 5: When I go on business trips and stay in motels, I can plug my ata directly into an ethernet jack if available, or I bring a wireless ethernet bridge. Also relatively small.
Doing this, both the adapter and bridge are very small and I can have a phone within seconds. I don't need my computer or anything else. I never said I didn't want to use Skype, I said I didn't want to use anything dependent on a PC. That's just me. I can satisfy telephone needs much easier and more efficiently. Obviously, if cost is everything, which it is to some people, then many of the Skype/Softphone type of solutions are a viable alternative. Later... Mike.... |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL
|  Skype is not reliant on your computer as there are many implementations of Skype which do not require a computer.
You do not have to leave your PC on to use skype.
You do not have to use a headset/mic combo with Skype, there are many many Skype phones both wireless and wired. In addition there are many speaker phones available for Skype including a very nice model from Polycom which weighs a few ounces. Even an ordinary mic and speakers works perfectly with zero feedback, you simply check the option, "Let Skype adjust my sound device settings".
Why do you believe that Skype is dependent upon a PC, it is not.
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What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it. |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
·Bresnan Online
·VOIPo
| I already admitted earlier that there are some hardware add on's for skype. I also mentioned that I like my phones. Is there a neutral ATA that I can plug a regular phone into? i.e. pap2 type of system. Number 3: above is a very big thing to me. This way I can wire my whole house wiring to my voip. Also, if I go on a business trip, I suppose a wireless skype directly picking up the wifi would be convenient. That I do think is good.
I don't get into in network type calling. 99.9% of all my calls are going to be to POTS or Cellular phones. I think Skype really benefits from In-Network type calling. But, if Skype can be totally run independently, plugging into a router or wireless WIFI, then that is definitely decent. A neutral ATA to wire into an entire house would definitely make it worth a look at. Then again, it would be just like any other voip service. SO, it comes back down to do you like Vonage, SunRocket, Packet8, viatalk, etc... What is it that makes Skype different than a normal VOip system? Later... Mike.... |
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hawaiidude
@rr.com
| reply to 76766337
Hi, could you please point in the direction of the DECT phone you mentioned? I looked up the info on the Linksys model, but it apparently requires a connection to a PC via USB. I'm looking for a stand alone ATA-type device that doesn't utilize wi-fi. Thanks. |
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blacksurfer
join:2002-07-14
Sherman Oaks, CA | reply to christcorp
$1.25 per month and it works with the usb adapter on your regular phone. I'm sold! |
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ZOverLord
Premium
join:2003-10-20
Minneapolis, MN
2 edits | reply to christcorp
said by christcorp :I already admitted earlier that there are some hardware add on's for skype. I also mentioned that I like my phones. Is there a neutral ATA that I can plug a regular phone into? i.e. pap2 type of system. Number 3: above is a very big thing to me. This way I can wire my whole house wiring to my voip. Also, if I go on a business trip, I suppose a wireless skype directly picking up the wifi would be convenient. That I do think is good. I don't get into in network type calling. 99.9% of all my calls are going to be to POTS or Cellular phones. I think Skype really benefits from In-Network type calling. But, if Skype can be totally run independently, plugging into a router or wireless WIFI, then that is definitely decent. A neutral ATA to wire into an entire house would definitely make it worth a look at. Then again, it would be just like any other voip service. SO, it comes back down to do you like Vonage, SunRocket, Packet8, viatalk, etc... What is it that makes Skype different than a normal VOip system? Later... Mike.... »www.dlink.com/products/?pid=466
D-LINK DPH-50U Has been around for some time, one of many, can drive your house, max 5 phones ("Requires Computer"). You can even run this one as a system service so it is in the background for all users on one computers, survives logoff/logon.
Many others listed here as well ("That don't require computers"):
»us.accessories.skype.com/direct/···come.jsp
DECT Phones:
»search.yahoo.com/search?p=Skype+···ei=UTF-8
Google/Yahoo is your friend 
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Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com |
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skypesux
@telus.net
| said by ZOverLord :said by christcorp :I already admitted earlier that there are some hardware add on's for skype. I also mentioned that I like my phones. Is there a neutral ATA that I can plug a regular phone into? i.e. pap2 type of system. Number 3: above is a very big thing to me. This way I can wire my whole house wiring to my voip. Also, if I go on a business trip, I suppose a wireless skype directly picking up the wifi would be convenient. That I do think is good. I don't get into in network type calling. 99.9% of all my calls are going to be to POTS or Cellular phones. I think Skype really benefits from In-Network type calling. But, if Skype can be totally run independently, plugging into a router or wireless WIFI, then that is definitely decent. A neutral ATA to wire into an entire house would definitely make it worth a look at. Then again, it would be just like any other voip service. SO, it comes back down to do you like Vonage, SunRocket, Packet8, viatalk, etc... What is it that makes Skype different than a normal VOip system? Later... Mike.... » www.dlink.com/products/?pid=466D-LINK DPH-50U Has been around for some time, one of many, can drive your house, max 5 phones ("Requires Computer"). You can even run this one as a system service so it is in the background for all users on one computers, survives logoff/logon. Many others listed here as well ("That don't require computers"): » us.accessories.skype.com/direct/···come.jspDECT Phones: » search.yahoo.com/search?p=Skype+···ei=UTF-8Google/Yahoo is your friend Lol. those skype without computer stuff are way expensive. And those hardware are bound by SKYPE. I don't want to buy any hardware which have to use by "ONLY ONE" service. i rather get a ATA and go with the company i like and i can switch to any company i like. BTW, skype international rates SUCKS!!. it is almost double price of voipbuster in most places in the world. The NA plan price is unbeatable. But if you want to make international calls. you are paying BIG to skype. In fact, if you see voipbuster rates, it is not that bad. right now it has 120 free period to MANY other country including CA and USA. If you do not take much, like average usage, i think 30 EURO will enough run you a year of voipbuster service. 30 euro = 9 months free + 3 months per min pay. But of voipbuster, you got a real cheap international rates and also free calls to MANY MANY countries. |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL
| reply to hawaiidude
said by hawaiidude :
Hi, could you please point in the direction of the DECT phone you mentioned? I looked up the info on the Linksys model, but it apparently requires a connection to a PC via USB. I'm looking for a stand alone ATA-type device that doesn't utilize wi-fi. Thanks.
Sure no problem. Here is a link for the Philips VoIP841 »share.skype.com/sites/skypegear/···voi.html
Here is a link for the DUALphone 3088 for Skype »dualphone.net/DUALphone_3088_for···789.aspx
These phones are just hitting the market and are available in Europe. Look for the them in the U.S. by early January.
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What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it. |
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nonymous
join:2003-09-08
Glendale, AZ
1 edit | reply to axus
"Call quality is fine, the most noticeable issue is 1 second delay, which isn't so bad but if the person on the other end has a poor quality cell phone connection it becomes difficult."
Is this normal for anyone else? I do get a slight very slight delay on my voip with another provider. Enough so I stop talking over others and finishing their sentence.  But one second or very noticeable would be a deal breaker for me unless it was occasional use only.
Plus is the unlimited really unlimited? |
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ZOverLord
Premium
join:2003-10-20
Minneapolis, MN
3 edits | said by nonymous :"Call quality is fine, the most noticeable issue is 1 second delay, which isn't so bad but if the person on the other end has a poor quality cell phone connection it becomes difficult." Is this normal for anyone else? I do get a slight very slight delay on my voip with another provider. Enough so I stop talking over others and finishing their sentence. But one second or very noticeable would be a deal breaker for me unless it was occasional use only. Plus is the unlimited really unlimited? You sure about that delay time? Under tools, options, advance on the Skype Client you can set display technical information, it shows many things. Never seen 1 second delay time. I have/use many other tools that show the technical information is valid as well.
Once you set this check box, during a call move your mouse over the contact Icon in the call window, and stats are updated in real time.
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Black, Grey and White Hats Unite here -> »testing.OnlyTheRightAnswers.com |
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76766337
join:2004-09-26
Riverside, IL
| reply to christcorp
No there is not a neutral ATA since Skype does not use SIP (although it does use SIP to connect to the PSTN). There are ATA type deceives which you can currently purchase which will allow you to use legacy phones however they require a connection via the USB port and thus your computer would have to remain on.
Skype works great on wireless pocket PC's and is now being rolled out for Windows Mobile phones. Here is a link »www.skype.com/download/skype/mobile/
In Europe Hutchison Whampoa Limited is rolling out unlimited mobile broadband plans with support for Skype »xseries.three.com/features_skype_demo.shtml
What makes Skype better? For me it would be the incredible call quality for Skype to Skype calling (Skype to the PSTN is comparable to SunRocket, Vonage et al.), plus the flexibility of using Skype either on a computer, a mobile pocket pc and now on WI-FI equipted mobile phones and 3G phones.
I hate clutter and like to run my life according to KISS. What I would really really like would be a WI-FI enabled Blackberry like the Blackberry Pearl with the ability to run Skype for both IM and voice. For me Skype is perfect for international travel as it allows you receive calls from the PSTN with SkypeIn (which includes free voice mail - plus you can purchase multiple SkypeIn numbers at different locations around the world, depending on your needs). You can also make calls back to the US or major countries for roughly 2.1 cents per minute. In addition Skype is great for conference calls with participants using Skype or the PSTN. I am really not interested in video(except for family)however Skype also supports video.
Whenever possible, I use Skype for Skype to Skype calls. The reason being that the quality is far superior to the PSTN, wireless cell phones or any VOIP provider such as Vonage, SunRocket, Packet8 et al.
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What the world needs is more geniuses with humility. There are so few of us left. Do not be be hectoring or arrogant. Those who disagree with you are not necessarily stupid or insane. Nobody needs to be described as silly;let your analysis prove it. |
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redshift
Premium
join:2004-03-23
Beverly Hills, CA | reply to nonymous
I don't think the one second delay is normal at all. I had to use skype while overseas to call some family and there wasn't any delay that I noticed.
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"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause." |
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Yippz Voip
join:2005-05-04
Atlanta, GA
| Now if they would just add SkypeIn with CANADIAN numbers, I'd be hooked -- in fact, if you look at the SkypeIn forum literally every post is about wanting Canadian numbers.
Not sure what's involved and I am sure they're working on it -- but if they want to score us Vonage folks they'll need to add inbound Canadian numbers.
We're waiting... |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
·Bresnan Online
·VOIPo
| reply to Agrajag
Well, it looks like Skype definitely has it's following. From the links and info you all posted, it's still not a good option for some people. From what is posted, in order to connect it to my house wiring, the PC is required. Not the right answer.
To not have to use a PC, the answer is to use a cordless phone that according to one of the links, isn't available yet. Both links put the price of these phones at well over $200 USD. (160 euro).
Again, it appears as has been pointed out by many people, that the advantages to Skype exists in what it was originally designed for. To work in conjunction with your PC. To use more than 1 phone requires the PC. The not use a PC means only 1 phone, at a price of over $200. There is definitely some advantages for some people here, but I prefer an ATA. Using all the jacks in my house. Having true portability to take it with me. No requiring my computer to be on. Totally user configurable. etc... Skype is probably very good for some folks. Definitely not me. Later... Mike... |
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Maxo
Your tax dollars at work.
Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL
clubs: | reply to nonymous
Your latency will have a lot to do with your ISP. If you have high latency with your ISP, you will have high latency with your voip. YMMV. |
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