Get your free Net phone calls here

Exploring the ins and outs of making free phone calls through the Internet with services ranging from Jajah to Ooma.
The New York Times

The story "Get your free Net phone calls here" published August 4, 2007 at 6:00 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[pretenderkc]

incorrect report regarding Skype

the author wrote: "You and your conversation partner have to sit at your computers wearing headsets, like nerds."

the above statement is incorrect report.
Skype and most SIP VoIP company have ATA where you can use your old regular telephone to make and receive calls.

you can go to SKYPE website and check out their SHOPPING AREA.
it has all the hardware where you and the receiver don't need to sit in front of computer to have a conversation.
this makes Skype and SIP company the same as landline telephone company.
ATA ranges from $30 and up depends on how fancy you want to get with your VoIP.

this story should be revised so that readers have the CORRECT information.

[renegade600]

skype

I agree with the previous comment. Skype is not a service for nerds and you do not have to sit at your computer to use it. Both parties do have to have Skype software installed unless you pay 30 bucks (Skype unlimited for US and Canada)a year to make calls to landlines and cellphones or you can just purchase minutes to make those calls.

I have skype and I use a wireless handset that I purchased at the local Walmart.

I wish cnet and New York Times would check their facts before posting stories with incorrect information.

[pretenderkc]

skype does not need computer

also, just to expand on RENEGADE600 post.

you can purchase a phone made by LinkSys model CIT400. this phone will eliminate the need of computer to use Skype. the phone itself has Skype running inside. thus, it's like a mini-computer with one purpose in mind...that is to run Skype. other manufacturer such as Netgear, SMC and others also made this type of handset.
the handset costs about $130 which will eliminate the computer. you do, however, need high speed internet for quality voice calls; else, the voice will be too choppy or sounds like you're talking under water.

[amateuruser]

Headset not required

if your computer has built in mike and speaker. In fact, if you have
a webcam and use Skype your live picture goes out to computer
conversations even when the other party/ies doesn't have a
webcam. BTW, even when I had to use a headset I didn't feel like a
nerd....

[mortsahl]

Inaccurate Skype info

Skype doesn't necessarily tether you to a computer and headset. Actually, you don't even need a computer to use Skype -- just a broadband connection.

With something like the Linksys CIT400 cordless handset all you need to do is plug the base unit into your router. That's it. The phone is also a dual line, cordless phone using DECT ... plug a landline into the base station and it becomes an everyday around the house handset.

[Lets Succeed]

R U Anti-VoIP?

This story doesn't seem very VoIP friendly. I couldn't help but wonder if this article was written by a land-line advocate (or AT&T shareholder)...
At any rate, there is another provider not mentioned in your article that does provide reliable VoIP service, via an ethernet connection (no computer needed), using your current telephone (or anyone else's because the small DTA (Lynxus box as well as the VIDEOPHONE (additional $199, if desired) is transportable) for $199.95/yr. (which equates to $16.58/mo.) on the annual plan, or $24.95/mo. on the monthly plan (HOWEVER, months 2,3 and 4 are only $14.95/mo)! These plans cover unlimited local, long distance (US, Puerto Rico & Canada AND WORLDWIDE to other Customers)! This price also INCLUDES 9 custom calling features (voice mail, call waiting, 3-way calling, call forwarding, etc.) See for yourself by copying the following link into your browser:
<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.globalinx.com/?bNew=True&#38;strRIN=L292115" target="_newWindow">http://www.globalinx.com/?bNew=True&#38;strRIN=L292115</a>
PLEASE REPLY WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS. THANKS.

[overtonewiz]

Disinfo on Skype reporting

I signed up for Skype. Took less than a minute. Found my brother's
name in 20 seconds, saw that he was online and called him. He lves
in Belgium, I'm in Cali - btw. He answered right away. I was
shocked by the sound quality. I have a 2003 G4 PowerBook and did
not need a headset. Please use more accuracy with your reporting.
Sounds like 'someone' got a little lazy and did not actually check
the services themselves.

[RF engineer]

VoiceStick

You for got one, and probably the best - Voicestick. You don't have use your web browser. You get a local US number and you dial from your phone or cell. You tell the system what phone you are dialing from and it intercepts the call and puts you into their system. From there, it kinda like a pre-paid system, but global unlimited for $25 month. We have used it for a year and love it.