pd123

I searched and all I found of things of interest were from about 2004 and I think in the last few years things have improved. I just purchased a Philips duel Skype/landline phone and haven't tried it yet. I see Skype has a full year service to any phone in US/Canada for $15. My goal is to have a 2nd phone line, will this do it, will the clarity be acceptible? I know the computer must be on, can I use the Skype phone as a regular 2nd phone but turning on the Skype side, just picking it up and dialing?

pd123

Well I have a few problems with Skype now that I installed them. First of all, a technical glitch, it simply won't allow me to create an account. The software I was lead to use in their Beta 3.0. My second problem is that it changed settings and my speakers aren't working. I emailed their tech support, it seems to be the only way to get support and the auto reply said 72 hours to hear back. I don't think I will likely keep this on my computer if I can't clear it up fast. btw, I disabled my firewall for this install.

pd123

I am the sole reader of this thread I guess. I got an answer from Skype support, turns out my HOtmail email was the problem so I used Gmail and finished the install. The speaker issue is something I would have to live with, if I want to use the computer speaker, I need to go into Control Panel>sounds and switch to the computer card, if I want to use the phone I need to switch it back to the Philips that installed with the Philips phone. To my great surprise with these kinks, the Skype phone quality was supurb, too bad I have the sound issue. For a 2nd phone line backup, I think this setup is a keeper.

Thesifer

I use my Microphone attached to my computer for Skype mostly. It works great and is very clear. Like having a conference call setup in my house. I also use Ventrilo (more towards gaming though). Skype still has unlimited Free Skype "Out" until the end of the year. I've been using that also. Called my brother the other day on his cell. Worked like a champ.

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johnnymk

So what happens after the end of this year?

Thesifer

I'm not sure. Skype Computer-to-Computer will still be free. But I think it's a fee to call to a Cellphone, or Landline phone. Not 100% sure on that though, cause it's up to Skype.

pd123

I think this is the answer... "Unlimited Calling - a full year of unlimited calls to anyone on any phone within the US and Canada for just $14.95."

pd123

I think that price is good until the end of the year then it will be about $30. Check their site to be sure.

Thesifer

It's Free right now. Not $14.95 was a promotion thing posted on here a while back. Even though it says everyone on their site and even in the program that you have to pay, you don't.

You can't receive calls TO Skype from regular phones, but you can definitely dial out for free.

pd123

Maybe this helps, from their site, "I am in the US. Can I call US and Canada phones for free?

Yes, it is completely free to call ordinary phones and cell phones in the US and Canada. It’s always been free for one Skype user to call another. As of May 15, 2006, and until the end of 2006, all US and Canadian-based Skype customers can now make free calls to any landline and mobile phones in the US and Canada."

Thesifer

yep that's it

GilbertsGrape

www.bbtelsys.net

$8.60 for unlimited calls to us and Canada you get a ATA adapter to plug your phone(s) into.