Skype Questions

[Shao Feng-Li]

Ok, we're seriously considering using Skype for the main phone connection. It seems we can use a gateway and use our DECT hand set. A fairly economical set up and you can still get lan calls through the gateway.

I've read through some FAQs and can;t find what I'm looking for, so maybe some one here can help.

In order to use the set up above, does your computer need to always be on? Do you have to sign into Skype for every call? I'm kinda thinking that if you shut down your machine, you loose your Skype phone service. The Gateways connect to your computer via USB... or are there some that connect right to the router..? But then, you'd still need a way to log into Skype...

Though, the solution might be to never shut down your computer, right?

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With the WiFi phone, everything goes through the phone itself and the router. So I'm assuming that the Skype account is on that phone. Would it be possible to have two WiFi phones and one account? Can you be constantly signed into Skype on both phones?

The Gateway set up is a little more preferred, since the cheapest WiFi Phone seems to be about $100 and is only one hand set. But on the plus side, you don't even need a computer.

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At anyrate, being able to call anywhere in the US and Canada for $3.00 a month is awful appealing and will save money in the long run.

http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/subscriptions/#mexicanSubscriptionTab

I'm assuming, since you can call to lan lines, that lan lines can call you. Does Skype give you a phone number- one that you can give people to call you with? People not being able to call you would be kinda stupid.

Forgive any noob questions... as I am a noob with this stuff XD

[ich1990]

We just switched from a landline to skype about two weeks ago. We bought a GE 28300ee2 Skype cordless phone pack. You plug one cordless phone and base into your computer, and put the other cordless phone and base somewhere else in your house (it has fairly limited range, probably not more than a couple of rooms). When someone calls you, both cordless phones ring and you can answer from both. The phone set costs 60-70$ on ebay.

With this system your computer has to be running constantly. Land lines can call you. Skype gives you a phone number (or lets you pick from a list). Your computer remains logged in to the Skype service until you log out of it. Your answering machine is tied to your computer, so if you shut down your pc, you lose the ability to receive calls or messages.

Hope that helps.

[Shao Feng-Li]

That does help a lot IN my case, I might buy a gateway since I already have phones. And I kinda want a normal lan line for emergency calls, though, I've never ever had to make an emergency call...

[ich1990]

Well, you could always keep an old charged cell phone around. If I remember correctly, they can dial 911 even if they don't have service.

Also, that phone set has a land line port in it. You can use those phones for receiving both skype and regular calls while making calls solely with skype. The gateway sounds like a pretty good deal, though.

[Shao Feng-Li]

Ahh, I see. If I didn't already have brand new phones, I'd be more interested in the USB phones.

I just need to know more about the WiFi phones...

[Roy Mustang]

Well, you could always keep an old charged cell phone around. If I remember correctly, they can dial 911 even if they don't have service.

They can, but if you call 911 on a cell phone, you will need to give their your location. A lot of times, the 911 area doesn't get a fix location on where you are calling from.

This is just a tip, if anyone uses a cell phone to call 911.

[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]Col. Roy Mustang
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[Dante]

I've used Skype as my primary phone for about two years... I don't own a LAN line...
But I haven't purchased a phone for Skype either... if somone wants to talk to me and give me a ring, they just call my pay-by-minute cellphone... I decline the call, and then call said person back via Skype. System has been working out relatively good thus far.

I've thought about installing a Skype Phone or grabbing one of the Skype mobile phones, which I can use whereever there is an open internet connection.

[Shao Feng-Li]

If it were just be livin' I might do something like that XD But I'm trying to work something that my mom will like too.