Skype

Freesail99 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

Anyone using Skype ? From what I read it looks to be a good deal, even works with dial up.

sevseasail · #2 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

I use it quite often and I like it. Talk to my dad in argentina and friends all over the world. You can also have conference calls.

Good luck!!

Freesail99 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

Does it work well with wifi ? It may be good to use while cruising.

drynoc · #4 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

Skype works well. My wife used it to call Europe all the time, but she gave it up when we got Vonage. They both have shortcomings, but you can call a good part of the world for free, or right next to it. Skype actually is free, but you have to pay $24.95 per month for Vonage. You can use your computer camera with Skype to see the people you are talking to.

Freesail99 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

I also use Vonage at home.

sevseasail · #6 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freesail99

Does it work well with wifi ? It may be good to use while cruising.

I do not have experience with that. Only have used it at home.

camaraderie · #7 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007

I used it extensively with wifi in harbors. The answer is YES it works well IF you have a GOOD wifi connection. If you have a flaky or slow connection it does not work well.
We continue to use skype today to stay in touch all over the world and we have a video cam set up with other family & friends so we can see each other and talk at the same time...for free!! Very cool!

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007

Vonage is a good alternative, and it has a few advantages over Skype. First, you get full voice mail capabilities... second, you get a US-based number, so that friends and family don't have to dial internationally to talk to you. You can get a Vonage soft-phone phone number, which allows you to use your laptop computer as a telephone.

Freesail99 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007

Vonage I don't believe would work wih a dial up connection, unless things changed since I signed up 4 years ago. Skype will "sell" you a U.S. phone number and you can pick the location for the number.

Thanks Cam, for the info.

sailingdog · #10 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freesail99

Vonage I don't believe would work wih a dial up connection, unless things changed since I signed up 4 years ago. Skype will "sell" you a U.S. phone number and you can pick the location for the number.

Thanks Cam, for the info.

Nope, really needs broadband, but even a good cellular 2.5G or 3G connection will do.