Do You Skype??
I have to admit, I like Skype...it works. And for Skype basic the cost is...FREE! Did I mention that it works? Forget the technology for a minute...and appreciate that Skype is cool cause it's free and it works! Skype has been on my PC for over a year now and has been trouble free.
But what is Skype? Skype is a free software package that lets you talk by way of the Internet to other Skype users anywhere in the world for free. Going beyond that, utilizing Skype's Skypein and Skypeout products you can call any phone anywhere in the world. Did I mention that it works? My experience has been clear, trouble free communication with family and friends no matter where they are in the world. Call quality will amaze you because it is so clear.
Setup of Skype is among the easiest of any application you've likely tried. The developers claimed to have planned this and it seems like they've hit the target.
What's the downside? Skype is not positioned as a telephony replacement, although I've gotten along just fine without the Baby Bells in my back pocket thank you very much! You cannot make 911 calls and there is no directory assistance.
Your PC must be turned on to use Skype or you'll need to purchase an independent Skype phone to plug in to your network. While it will work with a dialup connection to really take advantage of the software broadband connectivity is the only way to go.
What's the upside? My total cost for a year of calling...$48. A YEAR, not a month, a full year of calling anywhere which includes my Skypein number, unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada, and voicemail.
The quality of calls simply astounds people and when you realize that every Skype connection utilizes 256-bit encryption to protect your call it's even more amazing. Other goodies in the Skype bag include conference calling, file transfers and IM chat.
For the past 6 months I've been using Trendnet's Clearsky VoIP Bluetooth Phone with Skype and it's great. I can wander around the house and out into the backyard while talking on Skype and calls remain clear as a bell. While the phone's interface is a little different once you get used to the fact that it emulates the Skype interface it becomes very easy to use.
Is Skype for everyone? No, but at the rate of 150,000 downloads a day a lot of people are adopting the technology. Take some time and visit Skype's website, read through the various Skype blogs and see how it fits your lifestyle. Hardware makers have been busy releasing new products to extend Skype's usefulness. Everything from USB phone adapters to cordless and bluetooth phones enabled to work with Skype are available as well as IP gateways and PBX interfaces to enable use of Skype in small business settings.
Skype has the highest quality VoIP phone connections I've heard...and the price to get started, free, isn't so bad either. Try it...download the software and install, plug in a headset and off you go!