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Thread: Web Phone-Skype?

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    Web Phone-Skype?

    Could anyone advise on a decent programme for using as a webphone? I have heard of skpe, but never used it.
    Ideally I'd like to chat with family using webcams, as I'll be working abroad for a while.
    Thanks

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    Skype is the best bet

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    Senior Member RVF500's Avatar
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    I work abroad a lot and use skype to contact home. Depends on where you are but if you are roaming then your phone bill can end up being huge. The only problem is if you try and use it from work then it may be stopped by the firewall. Have a look in the skype online shop. There are phones that you can hook up to your PC. I'm looking at getting a couple when I get back to UK At the end of the week. So I can't tell you what they are like yet.

    So you will need internet access where you are staying. If you can't get a fixed internet access then I would suggest getting a GPRS data card and a local SIM as it will be much cheaper to stay in touch that way. If it is a hotel then make sure that internet access is included in the rate or the bills can soon mount up again.

    If I'm preaching to the converted then I apologise in advance.
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    Thnaks for the advice. I'll have a fixed line using adsl in my accomodation abroad, so cost should be covered.
    One question though, if I'm using a webcam for video+chat, would this be fine to double up for chat only. I'm slightly concerned about the mic? Would you suggest also purchasing a seperate headset too?

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    Senior Member RVF500's Avatar
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    I would use a headset. Where are you going? Once I check these skype phones out I'll tell you how they measure up. I use it for chat only at work here (does that answer your question?). Which is cool because they have blocked msn. The wife is online now as it happens. Nagging me at work :S

    ADSL to the accom, golden. I was lucky to have wireless included in the hotel rate while I was in Malaysia (paid by customer). If you call PC to PC then you won't have any international phone bills. The bane of my life. I ended up with a £1500 roaming bill on one trip because I had no other options. Ok, it's a business expense that I can write off at the end of the year but I still have to pay it in the first place. I would have a chat with your UK provider too. They may have price plans to reduce roaming costs and in some countries you can even use your free minutes. When vodaphone contacted me to warn me of the above then I added the feature to my plan. Cost me £3 but they applied it retrospectively to the month and it knocked £400 off. Not to be sneezed at. It may save you a few quid in case you end up having to use your own phone for any reason.
    "You want loyalty? ......get a dog!"

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    Fine, I'm looking at this: http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/90836/rb/18519681985
    I thought I'd buy two, one for home and the other to take with me. I'll setup everything before I leave. I'll be working around South Asia, mainly India and Pakistan and maybe Malaysia too. I know all places have accomodation with fixed landline and adsl. As for mobile, I think I'll jsut purchase a pay as you go local sim. Works out much cheaper!

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    Senior Member RVF500's Avatar
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    I would get a local SIM. India was very expenbsive for international calls when I was there. So internet is definitely the way to go there. Can't comment on Pakistan as I haven't been. Malaysia was pretty good plus you should be able to get international calling cards easily enough.

    Have a look at http://accessories.skype.com/section...80&secid=38893

    There is a traveller phone on the page that might be useful. I'm assuming you will have a laptop. I'm looking at one of those and a fixed phone for the PC in the study at home so I can contact the family easily and cheaply.
    "You want loyalty? ......get a dog!"

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    Thanks for the info..better get ready to spend some cash!
    Thanks again

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    Senior Member RVF500's Avatar
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    Spend now, save bigger later.

    No problem, I've been on the road internationally since 1998 and I know what it's like to be dumped in a country to try and find your own way. Can be an expensive learning curve. Have fun and see if you end up hating airports as much as I do
    "You want loyalty? ......get a dog!"

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