Skype@Home
T-Mobile reception isn’t what it used to be in my new apartment.
As I’m rather enamored with my cheap cheap grandfathered unlimited data service, I’m not interested in switching to another operator, so I’ve been investigating some options. I haven’t had a land line since 2001, when I went completely mobile. I’m not interested in paying the high taxes and fees for traditional copper telephone service, so I started looking into my Voice-over-IP (VoIP) options.
I used Gizmo project for a while, and liked that I could configure it on my mobile phones (Nokia N95, E70, E61i) to use that line while I was in the house or anywhere that had WiFi I could use. The N and E-series devices from Nokia support WPA so it hasn’t been a real issue in all honesty. But I was looking around for WiFi SIP phones to use with the big VoIP providers and they all sucked. I’m not interested in re-wiring a loft apartment to accommodate a SIP TA and buying new phones for the place, since I haven’t had an actual telephone in quite a while. So I started looking at the other options out there, and since I know people that use Skype, I figured I’d give them a closer look.
Most people know that Skype lets you make free calls from person to person using a computer. It even does video conferencing, which is really nice, especially since it’s cross platform, meaning I’m not limited to iChat AV users. But with the ability to put some money in my Skype account, and make calls outside the Skype service to regular ol’ POTS lines (just like Gizmoproject) and get myself local incoming phone numbers for area codes, countries, and what-have-you, as well as redirect those calls to other numbers easily while also getting the ability to make free Skype-to-Skype calls and even have my own outdial to call from my mobile at Skype rates, and I was well on my way to being pushed into that direction.
The real kicker though was that there was such a brilliant option for connecting to it all without using a computer.
The Philips VOIP8411B/37 DECT phone, for example.
Most of the WiFi phones out there are either very expensive, or complete trash. Most of them are both. I was almost set on getting the Linksys WIP 300 because it is pretty inexpensive, but review after review pushed me away. I wanted to like this handset a lot, because I could use it with my Gizmoproject/SIPPHONE line(s), or use another VoIP provider like VoicePulse or Lingo. Those providers allow you to connect from your VoIP gear to the rest of the phones in the world. They broker those connections and provide a lot of other services.
But I’m not interested in hooking a bunch of phones in my household up. I just need a line that rings at the house, lets me call family for cheap (or free if they use Skype on their own), and has very low international rates as well. Some people in my family will be interested to know that you can call Oman for $ 0.185. This is something that Skype does very well. Skype does some other neat stuff too: not only can you easily use it on your computer for calls and video calls, but you can also use it as a messenger, and as a presence tool. You can let your contacts see when you’re available, so you’ll know if it’s a good time to call. The Philips phone I bought also ties into that and uses the same features.
So I plugged in the Philips and configured it for my Skype account (IM or email me if you want the username we’re using) and it was instantly online and pulled my contacts from Skype, populating the phonebook on the phone. It’s cordless so I can walk around and it has very high voice quality and range. I’m delighted.
In addition, it also can plug directly into your traditional phone wiring, letting you use it for calls locally on your main number, but easily letting you do free skype-to-skype or Skype-out calls to non-Skype users at reduced rates. This is perfect for calling overseas or even cross country instead of using traditional long distance services.
So far I’m really pleased with it. I gave myself a local 401 area code number, but apparently Skype doesn’t support outbound Caller ID yet, so when I call people it shows up as “Unavailable”, which is kind of a problem since I usually don’t bother to answer calls without it and I assume most people don’t. But one of the nice things about having that line is that people can call that number (or Skype account for Skype-to-Skype users) if they want to reach either Liz or myself. Our mobile phones are all ours, but the Skype line is for either of us. And if you’re a Skype user, you can even see when someone is around, or if we’re available. Which ends the entire “is this a good time to talk,” conversation before it starts.
While I’d probably rather have a WiFi SIP phone that I can take with me, the DECT phone I got is a wonderful device that will be a good cross-over device for people interested in VoIP technology without wanting to fully commit to it. Skype’s services are quite good, and having a real phone to marry it to makes it that much more viable. I can’t imagine making all of my phone calls while sitting at a computer and wearing a headset. It would drive me nuts! So if that has been a big problem for you as well, consider the options such as the Philips.
There are WiFi options for Skype users as well, but they all look like junk. The reviews are mixed of course, but the Philips is head and shoulders above them all in terms of look and feel, not to mention ease of use.
Maybe things will change when better WiFi phones come out, but until then, I’m more than happy with the Skype service I’m getting. Plus, I got to pick a phone number that ends in “ZOMG”, so I’ve got that going for me, which is nice.