skype.com

I'm on a college campus using broadband connected at 10MBPS.  I dunno what the problem is. 

On a shared broadband connection such as a campus, might be other users are taking up a lot of the bandwidth.

I have broadband and using a wired Logitech headphone and the calls sound like I'm right next door. I also paid the 30 Euros per year to get a U.S. phone number. This "portable" number is one of the coolest features. I'm in Baghdad at the moment but friends and family can just make a free local call to reach me no matter where I am in the world!

we've used skype and we love it, looks like they just put out a new version that lets you talk to up to 50 people at once or some such crazy number, but is definitely cool.  has anyone used it to call an actual phone, the service you pay for or has everyone just used it computer to computer?

We use the new beta version of Skype Video at work and have lots of good experience with it so far.  If you have a webcam then you are all set.  To download Skype Video go here, Skype Video.

I have a Logitech headset I bought for 19.99 pounds at Argos. Works like a charm! I even use it to listen to music when Im working.

Hmmm, sounds like the Logitech headset I bought for $19.99 at Wal-Mart! It has really good sound quality for a cheapy.

we've used skype and we love it, looks like they just put out a new version that lets you talk to up to 50 people at once or some such crazy number, but is definitely cool.  has anyone used it to call an actual phone, the service you pay for or has everyone just used it computer to computer?

I haven't used it for outgoing calls, but my friend in Germany uses it to call the States.  She says it's very affordable, but the sound quality can be a bit sketchy sometimes.  More than once she's called me, and it's been very static-y.  Plus, sometimes the delay can be really bad (how did they do it in the old days??).

I know that's not the most glowing praise, but I thought you'd want to know.

You definately need a very high-speed internet connection; dial-up or even 512K broadband just won't cut it. The faster your internet, the better Skype works, better quality and less delay. 

I haven't used it for outgoing calls, but my friend in Germany uses it to call the States.  She says it's very affordable, but the sound quality can be a bit sketchy sometimes.  More than once she's called me, and it's been very static-y.  Plus, sometimes the delay can be really bad (how did they do it in the old days??).

I know that's not the most glowing praise, but I thought you'd want to know.

FunGirl, thanks for posting, i had been wondering how it would be.  The area i live in is very sketchy for cell towers and my mobile cuts out constantly when i am at home, so annoying, was just looking for a different option. the skype you pay for is still cheaper than my mobile's international rate.

the skype you pay for is still cheaper than my mobile's international rate.

Which is exactly why my friend uses it.  Honestly, I wouldn't say it's horrible - just a little annoying at times.  But, it's definitely better than bad cell reception!

so is this Skype something you have to buy special technology to use or is it a service which works in conjunction with your land line?

I am using joytelecom for all my  calls back to the States
It's like 10-10-220 at home kinda, you dial the number and each call is 3p/minute
I have only had a few times when it did not connect, and it still charges the 3p for connecting to the service line
if you're interested here's the site:

www.joytelecom.co.uk

You just download it from www.skype.com.  Your computer needs a microphone for voice, unless you only want to use it for text messaging.  You need to pay to make outgoing calls to a normal telephone line (to US is cheap) but a call to another Skype customer is free.  For an extra fee you can also have your Skype connection assigned a telephone number.

sounds a bit silly if you ask me now that you've explained it
I can just use Yahoo Msgr w/voice for that purpose
Unless the landline calls are cheaper than 3p/minute (?)

sounds a bit silly if you ask me now that you've explained it
I can just use Yahoo Msgr w/voice for that purpose
Unless the landline calls are cheaper than 3p/minute (?)

its not silly.  We use skypeIn http://www.skype.com/products/skypein/
He bought a phone number from my area code so I can ring him for FREE.  He can buy credits to call me for next to nothing.  When I move over my friends/family can call us for FREE on the same number he already bought.  It means picking up your phone and dialing a local number.  You dont need a computer to call it.