Intial Skype review positive

Well, I must say I'm impressed by Skype

Today I got tired of talking to my friend in Ireland on MSN and wanted to talk on the phone. However, our phone plan isn't great and day time rates would likely be outragous I sought an alternative solution. I had heard great things about Skype: it has cheap rates, good quality, and high availability, allowing calls to be placed from computer to phone, or between computers for free.

I was painlessly able to download and install the application on my Linux workstation (don't be afraid, clients are available for Mac and Windows users two) register an account, and buy credit (only required if you plan to make calls to actual phone lines rather than other computers running the Skype client). I was even able to chose between using my credit card, Paypal or a few other options that I can't know recall.

Within 5 minutes I was able to call my friend, or would have been had he gave me the correct number. After he came back online and gave me the correct number, I called, and started what was to be a clear fifteen minute conversation, costing me a meger $0.38 or $0.025/ minute.

My only complaints are that the prices are only displayed in the application or web account manager in Euros, and that you can only buy credit in the ten Euro installments. There is however a Beta Skype product for $7.95/month (likely USD) allowing unlimited calling. It is only available for the Windows clients though.

I'd likely subscribe to a VoIP service if I was controlling the bills, but for know this is a good option. I'd be interested to hear what anyone else has to say about Skype or other VoIP services.

I'd be even happier to add you to my Skype contacts list if you have, or plan to, run the Skype client. It is free if you are only calling between computers :)