Free Fone, Friend
Has anyone else taken an interest in Skype? It’s been on my radar for a couple months and I have an account, but I don’t know of anyone else that uses it. For the uninitiated among you, it boils down to free “phone calls” using your computer and Internet connection. That means you’re tied to the computer and a headset unless you have some sort of hands-free kit, but hey, the price is right.
I’ve ordered a Logitech© Internet Chat Headset from ThinkGeek, and I’ll be making an effort to stay in Skype when I’m around the computer. If anyone wants to try it out, feel free to give me a ring. I’ll be the only Adam Backstrom in the user list.
I asked for a microphone for christmas
I’ve used it…primarily to make phone calls from my computer to real telephones while overseas, since it was a lot cheaper than paying long distance or cell phone rates. Worked beautifully with just regular earphones and the built-in microphone on the powerbook.
I’m not a big fan of phones to begin with, so I don’t tend to stay online with it. I prefer IM, because I can do other things while I’m typing, but have a hard time multitasking while I’m on the phone.
Matt’s the lucky one, what with a USB audio input device.
I’ll probably give SkypeOut a shot for calling POTS phones, it’s hard to beat 2 cents per minute. I like IM for most conversations as well, but there are those times when you need a live, full-duplex conversation. I like the idea of that conversation being as free and easy to initiate as an IM.
It appeals to my inner geek, in any case. =)