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Lilly

208 posts

Master Geek
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#12538 22-Mar-2007 17:17
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Hi everyone,

I have a question about VOIP phones and how these can be used with my laptop.  Firstly my internet connection is through vodafone vodem which I gather through reading bits and pieces on here is probably not the best set up.  Unfortunately it is all I have so I would like to make the most of it if possible.  So I have been looking into handsets and was looking at the WiFi ones that are now available.  I contacted a seller about these, just to check that I am not able to use them since I use vodem, and the guy I spoke to gave me the impression that I maybe able to get a wireless modem which will probide me with a hotspot.  So now I'd like to know if this is possible and if I need anything else as well to do this.  If not then what is my best option?  I have lots of friends overseas, which means expensive phone bills or not much contact with them.  Any help would be greatly received.

Cheers Lilly Smile

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grant_k
3539 posts

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  #64716 22-Mar-2007 17:31
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Hi Lilly,

The simplest and probably best option is to use Skype on your laptop with a headset.

Because of the high latency in your Vodem's connection to the internet, the lag will be quite noticeable, but no more so than using a WiFi connection through your Vodem.  The WiFi idea won't really benefit call quality at all, it just means you are not tied by wires to your laptop.

To avoid being tied by wires when using Skype, I am using a Wireless Headset which is great and it costs less than the WiFi Skype phones I have seen.  I can also listen to music anywhere around the house at very good quality.

If your friends / relatives don't have broadband, or are not willing to install Skype, you can use SkypeOut to call them for a cost of around 3.5c NZ per minute to any landline in most Asian, European or North American countries.  And by getting a SkypeIn number at a cost of a few Euros per year, they can call you back via a local phone number in whatever overseas country you chose (with a few minor exceptions).

I hope that helps.

Cheers,
Grant.

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