Difference between Skype and other voice over ip phone? ?

Question

I am using Packet8, which works the same way as Vonage, Comcast, and others. I pay MONTHLY charges for the phone services, plus whatever calls I make internationally. There are some limitation on Packet8, so I am wondering if Skype is a better option for me. My questions are:

1. Does Skype work the same way as Packet8? Packet8 needs a gismo hardware box (similar to a router) for transferring data, without installing any software. I know that I will have to install a software for Skype; will I need a gismo box for Skype?

2. It does not matter if I make any international calls at all, I have to pay MONTHLY fee for Packet8. Is Skype the same way?

3. Is Skype fax enabled?

4. Are there options of adding one or more extra phone NUMBERS (not phone lines) for Skype?

5. I am going to use Skype to home phones (not Skype to Skype); will the quality of line be clear enough without interruptions or errors? I have some trouble using Packet8 sometimes.

Thank you

Answer 1

I can give you my opinions based on Skype to Skype calls only, but the quality from there to a telephone would depend on the telephone circuits.

Voice quality is excellent to and from a headset - better than telephone.  (And I wear hearing aids so I'm only hearing a small portion of that improved quality.)  No breakup, unless due to the computer I'm running it on.  (Use a slow computer, run a lot of programs, and something slows down.)

No extra box to  use a computer mic and speaker or headset - I don't know how they connect their stand-alone instruments.

I've tried a few VoIP providers and programs - Skype stands out for voice quality.

Answer 2

I have been using Skype for over 3 years, going back to the good ole days when Skype PC-to-Phone calls were free.  The latest version of Skype (version 3.8) has excellent voice quality.

1.

You do not need a gismo box for Skype (VoIP adapter, or ATA)

You just need headset with microphone, at the minimum.

That said, you can purchase a USB telephone adapter from D-Link that allows you to use a regular telephone with the D-Link Skype phone adapter.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?model=DPH...

There are many other Skype Phone adapters that allow you to use Skype without a PC:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite...

2.

Skype does not require monthly subscriptions to use.

PC-PC Skype calls are always free beteen Skype users.

PC-Phone calls require you to purchase "SkypeOut" minutes.  SkypeOut is prepaid calling.  You just top-up you account with $10.  There are no monthly recurring fees to use Skype as Pay-As-You-Go.

http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/callpho...

That said, you can purchase "Montly Subscriptions" for Unlimited calling.  But, that is "optional" for $2.95/month.

http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/subscri...

3.

There is 3rd party software services that enable faxing with Skype.  I don't know how good they are:

http://www.pamfax.biz/

4.

Yes.  SkypeIn

Get as many phone numbers, wherever you like:

http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/onlinen...

5.

Everyone's experience with Skype may be different.  There are many technical reasons for this.  But, the same holds true for most VoIP services, including Packet8.

Make sure your PC is not blocking Skype applications.  Many PC firewalls and anti-virus programs my Block Skype, by default.  If prompted by your system, say Yes, "allow this program to access the Internet"

Assuming you are using Skype behind a Nat-Router, it is very important to know how to do "Port Forwarding" or "Port Triggering" in your Router settings.  Skype allows you to use ports 80 and 443, which are not usually blocked by firewalls or routers.  But, for best operation, Skype assigns your installed program a "random" port for accessing the Internet.  Under Skypes:  Tools--> Options--> Advanced--> Connection settings page, you will see the port assigned to your installation of Skype.  For best operation, make sure your Router Firewalls allow this port through without being blocked.

It is possible if you were to purchase one of the Skype phones from Linksys that don't run on PC, they may have all of the port issues pre-programmed into the box for easiest use and no user intervention required for port forwarding.  But, if it plugs into a Router, you may want to at least be sure it is connected to the Router "DMZ" port or DMZ is enabled for the port Skype phone is connected.  DMZ just means - no ports are blocked - all ports are wide open.  This is usually last resort when nothing else works.