Skype Questions

[DirtyOldMan]

I am considering getting a LAN wireless SKYPE phone device connected to my home wirelss LAN router so that I can make calls without having to go in front of PC. My reseach has shown me 2 makes Buffalo and Logitec.

Questions below :-

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1. Anyone of you have been doing any research on it or have you already using one or own one SKYPE wireless phone. What brand and any recommendation and comments ?

2. Any SKYPE service we can use so that caller from all over the world can reach me using even an non-IP home. I am sure if that is the case I would be assigned with a IP phone number where caller can use it to call. Anyone has experience and knowledge in it don't mind sharing ?

3. What is the possibilities of future handphones all incorporate SKYPE features with it so with just one phone we can have both SKYPE and normal mobile phone functions.

Thanks in advance.

DOM

[x|men]

A non-ip phone basically need to dial into the PSTN network, while your IP skype phone dials using the TCP/IP protocol. As such, an non-ip phone can only recognise a valid "phone number" and not IP address. Unless your skype router (voice capability)assign a pvt phone number to your Skype phone and a connection to the PSTN network.

I believe there is a possibility that Skype feature is incorporated into mobile phone as an alternative way for communication. However, there are still security and latency issues that need to be address when it comes to the WWW.

[SunDevil]

Dear DOM,

Here are some of my thoughts :

1. There are just too many makes and models out there for you to choose from. Basically there are 2 types..namely USB and cordless Skype phones. If you wanna plug your Skype phone into your wireless router, you have to get the cordless ones. I'd think any from the brands that you mentioned in your original post is good enough.

2. Not too sure what you're trying to ask here...but if you're wondering if any Skype users can call you on your non-ip phones (landlines and mobile), then the answer is yes, but they will have to purchase SkypeOut credits to do that and they will be charged per minute for the call.

3. The future that you're referring to is already here. Check out Fring. I am currently using it on my Symbian 60 Nokia and it's call quality is pretty decent. Latency will only be an issue when you have crappy internet connection. Otherwise, I would think the call quality is as good as those from our current mobile networks.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

[DirtyOldMan]

Dear DOM,

Here are some of my thoughts :

1. There are just too many makes and models out there for you to choose from. Basically there are 2 types..namely USB and cordless Skype phones. If you wanna plug your Skype phone into your wireless router, you have to get the cordless ones. I'd think any from the brands that you mentioned in your original post is good enough.

2. Not too sure what you're trying to ask here...but if you're wondering if any Skype users can call you on your non-ip phones (landlines and mobile), then the answer is yes, but they will have to purchase SkypeOut credits to do that and they will be charged per minute for the call.

3. The future that you're referring to is already here. Check out Fring. I am currently using it on my Symbian 60 Nokia and it's call quality is pretty decent. Latency will only be an issue when you have crappy internet connection. Otherwise, I would think the call quality is as good as those from our current mobile networks.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

Thanks for answering me and for 2 below let me clarify what I wanted to ask :-

Can a non-SKYPE user call my SKYPE using their normal analouge phone ?

In Japan a SKYPE phone (cordless ) costs some JPY19,000 that that may come to Spore $300 or more. It is quiet expensive in fact. wonder is the codeless SKYPE phoen in Spore costs lower ? Any idea ?

Thanks.

[SunDevil]

DOM,

Non-Skype users can reach you on your Skype from any landlines or mobile provided you have a SkypeIn number. I did some research and found this site, where you can get a SkyeIn number for Japan. You might wanna check it out for more details cos' I don't understand Japanese.

I think I saw a Philips Skype Cordless phone selling for around SGD$270 in Challenger when I was walking around last weekend. Judging from the pricing that you gave, I think it should be cheaper in Sg.

Cheers!

[IkuTube]

Other VOIP Phone in SLS:

a. Linksys WIP320 - About S$260

b. SMC WSKP100 - About S$240

There are some cheap USB skype phones from S$30 - S$60.

[Travelin' Man]

Thanks SD and IK. :thumb:

I also learn something too. Maybe can help me install one to talk to all my future non-existent overseas boyfriends? Almost all I think would not know how to use the internet. I like 'em dumb (translated to working class, sincere and not that bright) and beefy with thick fingers. I am soo... going to get slammed for this remark.

[SunDevil]

Hi Travellin' Man,

Over here, we don't provide outcall IT services, despite what others may tell you.

That said, you don't need to be a networking guru to be able to make calls from your cordless Skype phones these days.

Most of these devices are "plug and play". You only need to locate any unused LAN port on your wireless router, plug the cable in and you're all set! :thumb:

Edited March 18, 2008 by SunDevil

[bukitpanjang]

Thanks SD and IK. :thumb:

I also learn something too. Maybe can help me install one to talk to all my future non-existent overseas boyfriends? Almost all I think would not know how to use the internet. I like 'em dumb (translated to working class, sincere and not that bright) and beefy with thick fingers. I am soo... going to get slammed for this remark.

actually i kinda like that...

hahahaha

big burly men... dabbling in IT gadgets...

yum.

on another note...

if the non-existent overseas boyfriends happen to be young, you can offer them a non-existent PSP slim, which exists and sold locally, which includes the latest updated firmware (from your friendly neighbourhood seller, who can install a "friendly" version of the firmware) which will include a skype function.

so all your non-existent overseas boyfriends need to do is connect to an existing wireless network and skype via the psp slim and attached mic/earphone.

they can also entertain themselves when you're not with them.

[bukitpanjang]

3. The future that you're referring to is already here. Check out Fring. I am currently using it on my Symbian 60 Nokia and it's call quality is pretty decent. Latency will only be an issue when you have crappy internet connection. Otherwise, I would think the call quality is as good as those from our current mobile networks.

i have problems with my fring on my nokia e51. it installs fine... and can do the test call... but on my pc i have a few contacts on my skype... but on fring, the other users do no appear...

its frustrating really because it seems no one else experience it...

[SunDevil]

Bkt Panjang, Skype supports simultaneous login and you sure have a strange problem there.

I am currently using the E51 too and have no such issue

Maybe you should check if you got the latest Fring.

Do let us know if you still face the same problem. Will try to help you troubleshoot.

[bukitpanjang]

Bkt Panjang, Skype supports simultaneous login and you sure have a strange problem there.

I am currently using the E51 too and have no such issue

Maybe you should check if you got the latest Fring.

Do let us know if you still face the same problem. Will try to help you troubleshoot.

thanks SD

oooo

e51 user also ah... i realize its the best business phone i've ever used... super slim... light... but still big enough for my hands...

anyway i not too worried about using fring on my e51... since i seldom use the wireless ability... free wireless@sg sucks... and starhubs wireless service seems to be very ex...

on the other hand... are u using any wireless broadband services? or anyone using any wireless broadband services?

rite now if i do use free wireless outside, i use my fring for my msn chat only...

[bukitpanjang]

1. Anyone of you have been doing any research on it or have you already using one or own one SKYPE wireless phone. What brand and any recommendation and comments ?

here's a youtube link of me testing out my skype over psp.

in terms of price / value i think this is definitely a lot better + cheaper for me as compared to getting a dedicated skype phone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O9tMDDgXZY

if dun wanna use the psp speaker... use a headphone...

the psp mic is sold for around $60sgd or less hopefully.

in a nutshell.

SKYPE IS FOR

- quick chatting (on the pc it works like msn basically)

- very high quality video chat on the pc (seriously the quality of video chatting on skype is ten times better than on msn video chat. but only with a logitech webcam. my microsoft webcam does not give me the same quality as my cheapo logitech webcam on skype.)

- it is targetting on users who wanna chat to their overseas friends (like i do) for... free~!!! in fact yahoo messenger and msn also allows you to chat in the same way as skype. and they are for free also.

SO WHY USE SKYPE?

- like me, the quality of voice chat is high

- i have a separate account for work matters and its great since in the office they use a dedicated VOIP/Skype phone, and i can use any skype enabled device.

- if i wanna video chat i can do it on the pc. if i wanna just chat to my fren i can use my psp (but will have to buy the mic firs la... but that one later la...

- if i get free wireless access outside, i can chat to my fren freely using my skype on psp. something u can't do unless u carry around ur dedicated VOIP/SKYPE phone... but i dun think u wanna carry that and a handphone with you. (which is why, if you carry handphone you might as well install fring and chat like above)

Edited March 21, 2008 by bukitpanjang