NSOR: Anyone use Skype?

[bullygirl979]

I can work 2-4 days a month from home but I need access to a phone; I only currently have a cell phone.

Adding a home phone would cost me around $24/month which isn't really worth it, IMHO as I don't need it other than for the days I would be working from home.

I was thinking about getting a skype plan that allows you to call landlines for $10/month. Wanted feedback if anyone has used skype regularly in terms of reliability, clarity, etc.

[Deleted]

I think it depends on the computer. I Skype with my parents - at their house you can see the image clearly and the sound quality is great. On our older home computer in the office, the video quality is kind of poor, but the sound is okay. I only use the free version of Skype though.

ETA - When I Skyped with FI at my parents house, the image/sound quality was real good on my parents computer and his cell phone.

[stephbfan]

I used it before and it wasn't bad. Now I use Magic jack which is way cheaper and works great and you dont have to have your computer on the whole time.

[bullygirl979]

Yeah, I wouldn't be using the video feature...just making phone calls. So sound quality would be the important feature.

[bullygirl979]

Aug 15, 2012 12:12:52 GMT -5 stephbfan said:

I used it before and it wasn't bad. Now I use Magic jack which is way cheaper and works great and you dont have to have your computer on the whole time.

I do case consultations so I would be on my computer while on the phone.

How much is magic jack?

[doriswe]

My mom uses Skype to chat with my brother overseas and it's okay. There's usually some connectivity issues....but it could be my shitty internet service

[stephbfan]

I believe the device is $40 and it includes 1 year service. After that, they will charge you like $20 per year.

www.magicjack.com/plus-v05/

I use it because we live abroad and my ex can call DD to that phone that is on 24/7 just like any other land line.

[doriswe]

P.S. Working from home is fun!!!

[Deleted]

I use skype to make phone calls. I even pay to have a skype number. If you don't use the video, the sound quality is good. But I would use headphones to have a better sound quality. Otherwise some people might complain about the echo or the "speaker" sound.

[bullygirl979]

Aug 15, 2012 12:23:51 GMT -5 @landobiscuit said:

I use skype to make phone calls. I even pay to have a skype number. If you don't use the video, the sound quality is good. But I would use headphones to have a better sound quality. Otherwise some people might complain about the echo or the "speaker" sound.

Yeah, that sounds like the plan I would using. I would be using a headset cause I have to type while talking.

[heyney]

Have you looked into Vonage?