View Full Version : Skype phone - fantastic!
Stuart Wright
27-05-2005, 2:49 PM
http://www.dabs.com/uk/productview?quicklinx=3L27
All it needs now is an answering facility and I'd get one.
I believe that this the start of a boom in VoIP.
pringtef
27-05-2005, 4:01 PM
This looks really cool, and would make a welcome break away from my having to sit at my laptop with headphones in to prevent feedback!
Think that's going on the end of month order list!
RekalinSimms
09-06-2005, 2:24 PM
VoIP is going to be huge. It's going to continue growing as the technology becomes more consumer friendly. I have SunRocket which is a newer VoIP company, and I have been very happy with them so far. It will be interesting to watch VoIP grow as we move forward.
That is the exact Skype phone we are using, very good and more to the point very cost effective. :smashin:
BTW you can get a answer phone service but it requires a subscription. I believe it is currently the BETA version.
Dr Diversity
09-06-2005, 2:42 PM
£80 is a lot for a phone these days. I will wait for the price to drop. Love the idea of a cordless Skype phone though. I don't like being tethered by a cord to my PC!
I've had little problems with feedback. Even with a cheap old mic, & sound going through Av system, I manage to sit up to 15 feet away & chat to mates with no problems.
mcfarfs
09-06-2005, 10:55 PM
Thats really good...so you can use it as a normal cordless phone as well as for Skype?
It'll be great in the future if everyone gets Skype, free international calls!
Although if you have a bandwith cap, then it might cost just as much if you go over your monthly usage allowance....
hornydragon
10-06-2005, 12:15 AM
in the next 12 months there are going to be some big developments in domestic telephony, DECT phones with MMS and blue tooth as well as GSM cababilities skype as well and possibly intelligent routing that will aloow one handset network to call skype, fixed line and mobile numbers from the cheapest provider automaticly.................About time too.......
Although if you have a bandwith cap, then it might cost just as much if you go over your monthly usage allowance....
I expect the bandwith use to be minimal as Skype works on modems as low as 33K
rOAdeh
10-06-2005, 4:28 PM
www.voipbuster.com - free voip based calls to landlines in loads of diff countries, tho mobile rates etc arent that cheap
bigpockets are selling an ok looking voip phone for 29 quid or something i think.. more details on thedvdforums
www.voipbuster.com (http://www.voipbuster.com/) - free voip based calls to landlines in loads of diff countries, tho mobile rates etc arent that cheap
bigpockets are selling an ok looking voip phone for 29 quid or something i think.. more details on thedvdforums
Looks too good to be true.....it shows free calls within UK ? Hope I'm wrong
Looks too good to be true.....it shows free calls within UK ? Hope I'm wrong
:censored: :censored: :censored: Hell....it works !!! I've just phoned half a dozen people in UK at no cost !!!! Who's picking up the cost ? . Made my day this has :thumbsup:
** UPDATE **
Recieved following mail that look like you need to buy 1 Euro of credit for full use. From the way it reads I can assume only 1 off payment ?. Anyway I have used for more than 1 minute per call so far no probs
Hello VoipBuster tester,
>
>Thank you for downloading VoipBuster. You can now call loads of international destinations for free!
>
>However, there are some limits to our free call-policy. To counter the misuse of our network, and to reserve capacity for our genuine testers, free calls are limited to 1 minute per call. To enjoy full and unlimited free calls, please sign in via our website and buy 1 euro worth of credit :
>
>http://www.voipbuster.com/en/buycredits.html
>
>We wish you lots of fun with your free phone calls!
>
>The VoipBuster-Team.
>http://www.voipbuster.com/
Henry
13-06-2005, 11:58 AM
www.voipbuster.com (http://www.voipbuster.com/) - free voip based calls to landlines in loads of diff countries, tho mobile rates etc arent that cheap
bigpockets are selling an ok looking voip phone for 29 quid or something i think.. more details on thedvdforums
It works!!! The interesting thing is that it my sister who lives in NZ can use it to call the UK for free. Although NZ is not on the free call list, you can call from there for nought!
Does anyone know of any VOIP phones that are compatible with this? Most of the ones I've tracked down (including bigpockets) seem to be branded as Skype phones. I don't know whether that means that they only work with Skype or with any VOIP package.
RekalinSimms
13-06-2005, 1:56 PM
I wonder if Skype will become a thing of the past as the VoIP industry expands. As VoIP becomes more regulated and reliable, will it completely overshadow Skype technology?
What would be interesting for me is if they do a version that will run on my PDA, now that would be very useful combined with the wireless networking capabilities of the PDA you would have an instant cordless phone - or am I missing something :confused:
Edit - interesting, just found this (http://www.skype.com/products/skype/pocketpc/)
Stuart Wright
19-06-2005, 9:14 AM
I wonder if Skype will become a thing of the past as the VoIP industry expands. As VoIP becomes more regulated and reliable, will it completely overshadow Skype technology?
You can call landline using Skype at lower rates. Skype uses VOIP, doesn't it? So there is no difference between Skype and VIOP Buster except the costs. And the VOIP page is very confusing. The rates pages does not indicate whether the cost is in pounds or pence and for how long. :thumbsdow
GrahamC
19-06-2005, 9:16 AM
What's Voip and what's skype heard those two words a lot but what do they meen. :confused:
What's Voip and what's skype heard those two words a lot but what do they meen. :confused:
VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. Basically, it just routes your telephone call over the internet at a much cheaper rate than calls from most land lines would cost. Effectively, you can dial a telephone number from your computer and have a conversation with someone who doesn't necessarily have a computer.
Skype is a proprietry brand offering VOIP services at a cost. Voipbuster is, for the most part and depending on where you are calling, free.
My sister uses it to ring home from New Zealand at no cost.
So there is no difference between Skype and VIOP Buster except the costs.
Stuart
My understanding of the rates on VOIP is that it is per minute and in euros/cents. I'm just not sure whether the Skype phone will work with VOIPBuster.
Tejstar
19-06-2005, 9:58 AM
So for anyone using voipbuster - you can make free calls to landlines around the world? Is that correct?
Stuart Wright
19-06-2005, 10:29 AM
So for anyone using voipbuster - you can make free calls to landlines around the world? Is that correct?
Only to a few countries. Not the UK. Their website is a bit misleading IMO.
Skype is the same, but already has a bigger community. Skype, however, doesn't offer free calls to any landline.
Skype's rates (http://www.skype.com/products/skypeout/rates/all_rates.html)
I'm a big fan of Skype, but there are going to be lots of alternative solutions joining the existing ones, I'm sure.
Tejstar
19-06-2005, 10:35 AM
Thanks for clearing that up Stuart. I've downloaded Skype and find it very user friendly, the only problem I'm finding at the moment is that I'm not really using it that much as I don't like to be tied to the pc when making calls. I may have to invest in the cordless solution you pointed to! :)
suniil
19-06-2005, 8:55 PM
I believe there are several providers in UK who offer VoIP calls (a few listed below)
a. Vonage: http://www.vonage.co.uk/
b. Gossiptel: http://www.gossiptel.com/
c. Callserve: http://www.callserve.com/Homepage.asp
Protocol used: SIP (session initiation protocol)
Good free (soft) phones
a. SJPHONE (http://www.sjlabs.com/sjp.html)
b. XTEN (www.xten.com)
c. MSN (windows) messenger
IP Phones / ATA (these can be hooked into your home router)
a. GrandStream BudgetTone
b. SIPURA http://www.sipura.com/
c. Zyxel Wireless SIP VoIP Phone
If you get configuration details from service provider, it is simple to configure any of the above said phones to their service.
Only to a few countries. Not the UK. Their website is a bit misleading IMO.
Not sure you are right there Stu ? I've been calling UK landlines no prob, although I'm sure this is only for a set period of testing before charges come in ? Site shows these countries as free :-
Free calls to any regular phone in:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
China
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
United States
100% Free, no call setup!
Best thing is for anyone interested , to just try it. Only takes 5 mins to download & setup, no credit card details required etc. What have you to lose ;)
Tejstar
20-06-2005, 8:25 AM
Best thing is for anyone interested , to just try it. Only takes 5 mins to download & setup, no credit card details required etc. What have you to lose ;)
If that is true (no cc details) then I’ll give it a try. As you said, there’s nothing to lose! :)
mjcairney
20-06-2005, 5:59 PM
I use this phone (http://www.firebox.com/index.html?dir=firebox&action=product&pid=1025) and have had no problems at all - talk to my wife's brother in Washington DC every week - recommended.
Cheers,
Martin.
I use this phone (http://www.firebox.com/index.html?dir=firebox&action=product&pid=1025) and have had no problems at all - talk to my wife's brother in Washington DC every week - recommended.
Cheers,
Martin.
Do you know if this would work with VOIPBuster ?
mjcairney
20-06-2005, 6:34 PM
I'm sorry but I just do not know.
Cheers,
Martin.
I'm sorry but I just do not know.
Cheers,
Martin.
Fancy trying it for us?:)
What about this:
http://www.call18866.co.uk/index2.php ?
Seems to work using your ordinary phone, no PC required. Free calls, just a 2p connection charge per call. Is it too good to be true?
tino79
21-06-2005, 9:15 AM
We're quite excited about VoIP - just put up a page with basic info and a few pointers as this really could change the way we communicate.
http://specialreserve.co.uk/voip/
Plus there's nothing complicated about it which means that it should be accessible to everyone. Also what will it mean for the likes of BT who probably make a mint out of overseas calls?
Also what will it mean for the likes of BT who probably make a mint out of overseas calls?
There still making money out of supplying the broadband connection in the first place. Either to us directly or through selling it onto other companies who then sell it onto us.
BigRD
21-06-2005, 10:42 AM
I'm just starting to dabble in this. So far I've registered with www.18866.co.uk and am enjoying UK calls for 0p/min with 2p connection charge. Calling my sister in Cyprus costs 3p/min. My last monthly bill was £1.23 :thumbsup: I've left the call cost message on so whenever I make a UK call I hear "zero P per minute" then the phone rings.
I've also used this service as VoIP to landline and it works fine. I just need friends and family to start adopting Skype/VoIP.
Some ADSL wireless routers already support VoIP handsets.
Ideally a bluetooth VoIP handset would suit me best. I'll maybe wait and see what comes about over the next few months or so. In the meantime I'll keep using the headphones.
There still making money out of supplying the broadband connection in the first place. Either to us directly or through selling it onto other companies who then sell it onto us.
There was a documentary about Skype recently where the company is taking BT to court over the fact BT still charges £10 line rental per month for Broadband, even though you don't want their phone service for talk.
mjcairney
21-06-2005, 1:16 PM
Fancy trying it for us?:)
How do I do that?
Cheers,
Martin.
dejongj
22-06-2005, 6:05 PM
Don't forget to checkout Sipgate as well, you get a local geographic number for most areas in the country, have all the usual VOIP feature i.e. free VOIP-VOIP calls as they have agreements with most global providers...Also it comes with answerphone if your computer is switched off to which you have remote access etc....
In my case it works perfectly with Asterisk as well, plus my IP desktop phone and my two WiFi IP phones (cordless...)...
Remember that if your are 'serious' about VOIP you should check the QOS settings on your broadband router to ensure that other applications can 'grap' the bandwidth whilst you are on the phone....Without it better not do anything else on the net like downloading those big files if you want to preserve sound quality...Now I have set it up on WRT54Gs the sound quality stays perfect!
rmxdirect
27-06-2005, 2:29 PM
There are two Cordless Option available herehere (http://www.rmxdirect.co.uk/section?SID=d273fe1144cc2b14a3c1b22e7474a8c2160:48 01&secid=36155) . The first allows you to use your standard telephone as a VOIP phone as well as for making and receiving normal calls. The second is a Cordless phone that can be used with both normal and VOIP calls.
dejongj
27-06-2005, 2:57 PM
There are two Cordless Option available herehere (http://www.rmxdirect.co.uk/section?SID=d273fe1144cc2b14a3c1b22e7474a8c2160:48 01&secid=36155) . The first allows you to use your standard telephone as a VOIP phone as well as for making and receiving normal calls. The second is a Cordless phone that can be used with both normal and VOIP calls.
That kind of cordless is open to debate :rolleyes: You have to plug it into a phone port and/or USB port of the PC AND have a PC switched on...Hhmmm hardly cordless to me....
Check out the WiFi examples for true cordless and pc less internet telephony...
ataylor
06-07-2005, 1:47 AM
problem with skype is that they dont interconnect with other voip networks, and since other provider have started to all talk to each other, it might be better to opt for a open provider, any voip/sip based guy I guess.
That way you dont even need a PC just broadband, and you can sit in your garden with a normal handet, you know your dect phones, and be on voip, can use devices like the grandstream ATA486,
Andrew
CENSORED
30-07-2005, 7:38 PM
Just got myself one of these with the M34 dongle. http://www.home-phones.co.uk/asp/product.asp?recorprod=1&product=431&cat=109&ph=&keywords=&recor=1&SearchFor=&PT_ID=1 I was told by the supplier that it was Skype only but according to the phone literature it is also SIP compatible. Check out the Siemens website for info and closeups of the display, the S range does EVERYTHING!
dejongj
31-07-2005, 9:06 AM
But your computer still needs to be switched on.....Why not save yourself a bundle, get an ATA adapter and plug any type of normal phone directly in your network....Perhaps even get a Homeplug and you can plug it straight into your living powersocket...
Really don't understand why you get so excited about something actually such old technology with limited functionality....
CENSORED
31-07-2005, 10:55 AM
But your computer still needs to be switched on.....
Erm.....well, my PC is on all the time anyway. And even if it isn't, the phone can still make and receive regular calls.
Why not save yourself a bundle, get an ATA adapter and plug any type of normal phone directly in your network....
I already have a normal phone.....this one!
Really don't understand why you get so excited about something actually such old technology with limited functionality....
There's nothing to understand, I'm not getting excited! As for limited functionality you're right, they forgot to include a camera and mp3 player, the idiots!
It's a cordless phone for Christs sake!
dejongj
31-07-2005, 11:10 AM
Erm.....well, my PC is on all the time anyway. And even if it isn't, the phone can still make and receive regular calls.
PC on all the time, shame on you....Look after our environment will you!
You probably life at your mum and dad, not having to pay the bills :grin:
CENSORED
31-07-2005, 5:53 PM
I haven't lived with my parents for the past 20 years!
dapex
26-08-2005, 10:37 PM
OK then, all these VOIP firms let you ring normal landlines etc but I would really like one that people could ring me on from their landline. I have cable internet and so my landline is only used for voice calls. I curretnyl pay NTL £25 a month for landline and I also get unlimited free UK landline calls 27/7. If I can find a provider like voipbuster that gives free calls to landlines, but also gives me a phone number so that I canbin my analgue line I would be a very happy man, I would gladly buy a new router with QOS and then just plug my normal dect phones into it....
dejongj
30-08-2005, 7:52 AM
sipgate.co.uk gives you a free geographical 'landline' number....Nothing stopping you to use one provider for incomming calls and another for outgoing...Or a third, fourth, etc...
lol, i never even thought about using 2 different providers.... You may have sorted things out immensly.
Cheers
dejongj
30-08-2005, 8:10 AM
I do that all the time, I mean overlooking the simple solutions ;-)