Skype

Yubz USB Skype Phones

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These aren't new but they are interesting in that they focus on what feels and works well. I doubt replicating the quality of the original analogue phones that these phones have as a source of inspiration was their original intent but they are designed to be ergonomic and user friendly. I think products like these are a statement that not all new forms are an improvement.

The Yubz talk online series works without the need for a software install, comes in 4 vivid colors (Jet black, Alpine White, Russian Red, Lemon Yellow) and works with either a PC or a MAC. The focus of the product would be software like Skype but I assume it would work with most voip software.

Link.

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Skype Phone Adapter

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Do you have a favorite old telephone--maybe that old rotary phone, or your house cordless phone? Use this handy adapter to connect it to your PC. The SKYHJA has standard audio in/out plugs on one side and a regular old phone plug (RJ11) on the other, essentially converting your old phone to a speaker and mic to use with Skype.

Find here. Via Swissmiss.

Lexaphone Skype phone

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If you are a heavy user of Skype or MSN for voice calling an investment such as this might make some sense for you. AT $70.00US it's more expensive than some alternatives. Great styling on the device, reminiscent of some of the work down by Braun ages ago (their calculator and more recently the calculator on the iPhone).

Simply plug it into your computer's USB port and dial anywhere in the world for free! Lightweight and compact, it's great for use with a laptop when you travel.

$70.00US

Iogear USB Optical Calling Mouse

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This lightweight 800 dpi mouse from Iogear pulls double duty as VoIP device. Designed with a built-in microphone it works with all Internet call programs such as Skype and MSN Messenger. Very convenient.

$19.99 US at Amazon.

SoonR Talk and Desktop For Mac

SoonR allows you to connect your mobile phone via the web to your Skype account or your PC where you can look at files, email, and appointments. They just recently released a Mac OSX client which integrates with the notoriously slow Spotlight allowing you to search your mac via your mobile. Products like this sound absolutely cool in theory but in practice they usually disappoint. Roaming charges and the mobile interface itself might make this something more for those obsessed with the gee whiz factor than any real usefulness. A quick bluetooth sync and a wap browser might be more than enough for most. More info. on their site.

7 Gadgets For Using Skype on The Go

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Though mobile contracts are generally far more agreeable here in Asia, than what I have seen in Canada or the US, I still used to get nailed by hidden roaming charges whenever I was traveling around the region. For some reason it didn't occur to me that accepting a call or sms would cost me so much money. I learned my lesson the hard way and bought a cheap Panasonic mobile phone for use when I am traveling - pop in a cheap local sim card and I am good to go. Now with the proliferation of cheap or free wifi through-out Asia we now have even more economical options (I don't mean to make this sound like this is something that just happened yesterday). If you find yourself in some strange Asian city on business, I often advocate getting out of your hotel room and doing some work in a local café (and not the familiar Starbucks). With Skype we can save the phone charges and still keep in touch with contacts all while enjoying the local version of a Latté. There are a number of products that make using Skype a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

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Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset

Gadgets For Using Skype on The Go 7. Bluetooth head sets are pretty common these days, with some differentiating themselves in terms of form factor, ergonomics, and features through software. I could never get used to using my Sony Ericsson headset simply because it never felt right and looked far too much like something that belonged on the set of Star Trek. Also, the process of pairing it to my phone was a pain - far too cumbersome. The Plantronics Voyager 510 may arguably not have made much improvement in terms of the way it looks but like the Motorola Talk & Tunes Wireless Internet Calling Kit it makes innovations in terms of usage.

The main improvement that the Plantronics introduces is it's support for the new Bluetooth V1.2 protocol, which allows multipoint connectivity so users can switch easily between Bluetooth devices. For us this means that this headset can function simultaneously as both a headset for Skype (via your laptop) and your mobile phone - it will be ready to talk on whether your cell phone rings or if your skype phone rings. A solution to a problem we new existed but had begrudgingly adapted to. It's quite interesting that so few companies have caught on to this seemingly simple feature. I think this will be replacing my Logitech USB Headset though I still won't wear it out in public. About $42.00US at Amazon

Sponsor: Skype lets you make free calls over the Internet. It’s free to download and you can add on voicemail for a weenie fee.

VoSky Call Center Review

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Gadgets For Using Skype on The Go 6. David Pogue has an excellent review of the VoSky Call Center for Skype. This product differentiates itself from the others in the series as being the ultimate in mobile - ultimate because you never actually have to take it with you. You leave the VoSky Call Center at home and use your regular mobile (or alternatively a local sim card in your mobile) while traveling.

"Then, when you're out and about with your cellphone, you dial home. After the designated number of rings, the Call Center's recorded voice answers. After you plug in your password, she prompts you to touch the desired speed-dial number, and off you go. You're talking free to your aunt in Antigua, from your cellphone, courtesy of your home phone and your PC."

You can read the full review here or watch the video - login will be required (David Pogue is a pretty animated guy). The Vosky Call Center for Skype is available for about $80.00US at Amazon.

Sponsor:Skype lets you make free calls over the Internet. It’s free to download and you can add on voicemail for a weenie fee.

NETGEAR Skype WiFi Phone

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Gadgets For Using Skype on The Go 5. "A mobile phone that enables you to make free Internet calls to anyone else in the world who has Skype." Their brief write-up succinctly sums up what this device does and if it actually becomes available, it's planned for mid 2006, then this will be the most appealing approach to using Skype on the go. It's features and design certainly look appealing - pre-loaded with Skype (including the Skype interface) and ready to use with a wireless network out of the box. I'll be looking forward to this one if and when it is released. The phone faq and the general product page. The sign-up form to know when it will become available.

Sponsor:Skype lets you make free calls over the Internet. It’s free to download and you can add on voicemail for a weenie fee.

Logitech Premium USB Headset 350

Gadgets For Using Skype on The Go 4. This headset is what I use when I make calls via Skype - they are nothing fancy but I can confirm that they do work and sound great. The fact that they work seamlessly on my Powerbook was a primary consideration for me. One of the touted features of the Logitech headset is it's microphones ability to filter out unwanted background noise which is supposed to provide the highest possible sound quality. I have used these in cafés with no problems - certainly recommended. They are listed for about $50.00US at Logitech.

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