Skype Isn’t the Only VoIP Option, Right?
Posted on August 10, 2007
8 Comments
Since I finally “discovered” Skype, I’ve had the chance to use it several times and continue to be quite impressed with it. My calls to India, for example, are remarkably clear. However, the memory footprint of it is rather… chunky.
Today it (finally) occurred to me that Skype really isn’t the only game in town when it comes to simple and easy to use Internet calling (voice over IP or VoIP).
For instance, how many folks already have Windows Live Messenger (aka MSN Messenger) or Google Talk installed? Those are just two common examples of tools that can be used for not only instant messaging but also for calls. I’m sure AIM and Y! Chat offer it as well.
But you know? I’ve yet to use any of them. I need some volunteers to try this stuff out. Message me from the Contact page if you want to play!
Anyone using Gizmo? It looks pretty slick and seems to offer some inter-operability with some of the other clients. What other “simple” VoIP clients are folks using? Please drop me a comment and share?
Tags: google-talk, im, skype, voip, windows-live-messenger
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8 Responses to “Skype Isn’t the Only VoIP Option, Right?”
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The problem is that I’ve used skype for over 2years and am currently completely dependant on it.
Even if there is a better solution, it’s an integral part of how I run my business.
I find it really annoying that Skype insists on using port 80. I’ve not bothered to see if this can be fixed, I just quit letting it start at boot time since it is a resource pig. I just use it to chat with some folks in Moscow once a week or so.
@Peter - Tools -> Options | Advanced -> Connection I think is where you’d go to uncheck the port 80 action.
@Snowboardjohn - do you use the free version or pay for the various bells and whistles (and skypeout)?
I used to use skype but have since moved to a VOIP product offered by my ISP. You do have to pay for it, but very minimal charges and they have QoS on the VOIP traffic. No contention issues/jittering/dropouts etc. Much cheaper rate than a landline, no software needed, just plug your normal PSTN phone into the router. I also get a DID (Direct In Dial) number. So even though it’s not 100% free like skype it does have its advantages.
I work for Philips and I have been SKYP’ing for a while with a lot of my European counter parts in Brugges & Belgium. I am totally hooked…
As a matter of fact, I just got my Mom set up on SKYPE video so she can get her “grand children” video fix ever week or so. She loves it.
In case you get tired of sitting at the PC, Philips just release a cool new VOIP phone, VOIP8411. This piece plugs into your router, enter your SKYPE info and you are now un-tied from your computer. It also allows you to ad up to 4 extra hand sets. If you still are a land-line lubber, it has a connection for that too. Hardware runs just over a $100 or so. Just a little FYI…
Technology rocks.
Yeah, I pay for the bells and whistles: skype in, voicemail, skype out, call forwarding etc.
Because I live in Sydney Australia but do a lot of business with the States, I need an American domestic number - and skype is perfect for that.
With call forwarding, someone in the States can call my US Domestic number and reach my cell phone in Australia - while only paying for a regular domestic call. And I only pay the price of a normal cell phone domestic call in Australia - so it’s very cost effective.
Sometime skypes always down. I don’t really like it. I prefer yahoo messenger, is look better and consistent.
I prefer Skype over the 6 IM programs I have on my coumputer.
@Blogging Secret: I have Y. Messenger too, but it’s too memory hungry and slow than Skype.