Anyone using Skype?

J

JamesTXSD

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Just curious about what equipment and software necessary to "see and talk" using Skype or other similar service?

TIA for your suggestions.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
I use it - not super often but do use it. I have a mac notebook with a built in camera and microphone. I find it works much better with a headset earphone/mic combination as there's no audio feedback then - e.g. the built-in speaker and mic combo is bad. Even using headphones for the audio and the built in mic works OK. In general, it's a great tool when you have a good internet connection. Phone and/or video conferencing is easy to set up, works well and is free. If you want to test it out, PM me and we can do a Skype call.
 
I dont use it but my mom does and really likes it. See calls me on it all the time. I can not tell any difference on my end if its snipes or her cell phone. For some one on the road its a great tool. I believe all you need is a head set and a video cam if you want the face to face, but that is only for computer to computer. if you want I can give you my moms contact info and you can ask her about it.
 
I don't use it. I can't even spell it. But Pat A says in his signature he uses it. Didn't that used to be used for making automated bids on eBay?
 
i have used skype but have switched to magic jack.
http://www.magicjack.com

i have used in several countries china, africa europe.
better quality sound an i can use any computor.

you can setup any area code.

dial any land line world wide.
jim
 
My middle son, who travels all over the world, got me to subscribe to Skype in order to visit with him. My laptop has a camera and mike in the lid and speakers as well as plug in sockets for earphones/microphone separately.

If you have a fast hookup, it works well. Out at my farm, it is like a flashdance - freezes up a lot. Basically a pretty good deal. You can get your ownSkype phone number for less than $3 per month. Many businesses have Skype numbers so it's nice to call them on Skype.


I should add that I talked with him in Tibet, Bejing, Hong Kong, Turkey, Finland, Italy, Boston, Houston, and other places with no problems, basically for free.

John
 
El received a Skype for her birthday from a grandkid, and all the g'kids love to use it to chat with each other and g'ma. They love to see each other and act like hams. Nice addition to our computer.
 
Hi Jim, We use Skype. When we went to Alaska and spent quite a bit of time in BC and the Yukon, we had no cell phone service, but could usually find a wireless computer connection. So we got Skype then and it worked great. We had to have a 20 dollar headset, but that was all. We now use it with the mike and speakers from the the laptop alone and it works much better now two years later. For 30 bucks a year, you can get unlimited calling to any US or Canada landline or cell phone.

Herb

Skype number 956-233-0803
 
Yes, we use Skype, like it says in our sig line...it is always running on our iMac at home. Should probably remove iChat from the sig, we like Skype better and seldom use iChat any longer.

We mostly use it for visiting with our daughter Lydia and son-in-law Conor in Lakewood, CO, but also use it to chat with son Barrett in Berlin, Germany. Also Skype with David on Anna Leigh now and then. I think Patty Skyped Bill and El a while ago.

Your MacBook is ready to go with the built-in iSight camera and mike. It only takes a few minutes to download and install, and for the way we use it, it is completely free...Barrett has a Skype telephone number that allows him to call or receive calls from anyone anywhere on the phone, and that has a nominal charge but is still very reasonable.

Give us a jingle if you want to test whether it actually works!
 
Shoot! I just got home and see I missed a Skype from Jim!
 
OK, I just completed my first Skype call... interesting. Pat and I exchanged pleasantries this morning. There was a bit of a delay in the exchange, but that's likely the borderline signal I had this morning. Pat saw that I shaved the beard off... guess I won't be answering Skype during Naked Sailing Wednesdays. :wink:

One might have to come up with a talking protocol if that delay were a constant, but the price is right: free. And being able to see the person you are talking to is a real plus (Pat wakes up as rough looking as the rest of us, btw). If we had grandkids, this would be a must.

On my Mac laptop, no other equipment was necessary; the camera and mic are built in. I could hear Pat fine (no feedback) and didn't feel a need for a headphone. Maybe I'm behind the times here, and everyone else has already tried this?

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
I've never used Skype, but the Admiral uses it to talk to her (Expat) parents in Indonesia.

I use a product called Elluminate for my day job. It allows you to share video cam, VoIP, documents, white board, and any other application. You can share your entire desktop so the other participants see whatever you are doing on your computer.

My employer has a licensed version that allows me to connect with up to 25 participants at once. If you sign up you can use a free version that allows up to 3 participants at once.

I use it for synchronous meetings with clients and colleagues.

It would be a heck of a way to meet other C-Brat's online! We just need to get a noggin cam for Dr. Bob so he can do live installation/repair demonstrations.

Here's a link for anyone interested: http://www.elluminate.com/vroom/register.go
 
I use Skype all the time for work. I need to talk to Austria and Japan on an almost daily basis for hours on end and the cost would be prohibitive if not for Skype.

Regarding headsets: I don't know if it is the size or shape of my head, or the fact that it is hollow, but I just can't use a headset. I've tried several and none have worked. Instead I use a Polycom USB Speakerphone http://www.provantage.com/polycom-2200- ... OLL034.htm which I find works very, very well.

My 2 cents,
 
Two of my boys share an apartment down in Houston and they have set up the camera so they can walk around, eat, cook, etc., while being visible and talking on Skype.

Talking to them on Skype on a Saturday morning is great entertainment! You can really feel like you're there!

John
 
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