[ladyengineer]

I have a friend heading off to New Zealand and while looking at solutions for keeping in regular contact discovered Skype mobiles. These appear to be a great solution as it would allow for my not being at home or tied to a computer to talk.
Using a skype mobile the call goes to the phone without me needing to be logged on. Is this the advantage that these phones have over another mobile which can access skype (eg iPhone) ? Do they need to be logged on to skype as you would be on the computer?

[Beowulf1]

Yes both of you would need to be logged into skype for you both to talk.

Not sure about New Zealand and if any network will allow free skype calls or would charge a fortune for the data whilst out and about.


Persoinally i would get your friend to get a mobile with a SIP based solution like nokia N95, etc.

He can then signup with a sip based provider and get a UK number which can be called no matter where in the world he is. Ok he will still have data charges unless he is connected via wireless (at his home or a hotspot) but will give the benefit that none techie family like his granny etc can just dial a local uk landline number to talk to him at local call rates (or even him call them asif it a local UK call) and those with same VOIP provider can call him free of charge.