Skype with PC switched off?

Le_Petit_Lapin · 26 Jul 2006 at 11:39

Not sure is this is the right place to post this, but couldnt find another sub-forum that seemed appropiate, except maybe Network Connectivity?

Anyway, is there, or is there not a handset out there that you can plug into your router and use Skype while your PC is switched off?

Some people are telling me there is, and others are telling me there isnt. I can't find info on it, so does someone here know?

If there is one, can you link me to it?

Cheers!

Al Vallario · 26 Jul 2006 at 11:42

There are phones you can connect to a router for use with standard SIP services. Skype don't utilise the SIP protocol, though, so I guess you're looking for a proprietory solution.

Skype offer the NETGEAR Wi-fi Phone which would fit the bill if you have a wireless router, but otherwise you're looking for a router specially designed to work with Skype, and I don't think there are any of those on the market at the moment.

av.

Le_Petit_Lapin · 26 Jul 2006 at 11:53

Hmm....could use the Netgear one, but at £140 it would kind of defeat the point in using Skype in the first place.

Is there other services which would offer what I'm looking for, ie, fixed phone number over the internet, cheap calls?

FunkyT · 26 Jul 2006 at 12:14

The Panasonic KX-TG9000 DECT phone has Skype functionality and doesn't require a PC (a much anticipated product). The Philips VoIP321 is another DECT product with comparable functions (also due in the next few months).

If you're happy to consider Windows Live Messenger for voice calls check out the Philips Messenger Phone - currently available!

Vonhelmet · 26 Jul 2006 at 12:18

I'm looking into signing up for broadband with BT. They have that "Home hub" thing that's being advertised on TV at the moment. You can plug any old touchtone phone into that and get calls over your broadband pretty much for free.

Linkage.

FunkyT · 26 Jul 2006 at 12:26

vonhelmet said:
get calls over your broadband pretty much for free.

Please explain what you mean by "pretty much free"?

Vonhelmet · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:05

FunkyT said:
Please explain what you mean by "pretty much free"?

Free as in they don't cost anything if they're under an hour in length and outside of peak times.

I think you can pay a bit more to get them free at all times.

There's some numbers that aren't included, like mobiles and 0845/0870 ones.

FunkyT · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:09

vonhelmet said:
Free as in they don't cost anything if they're under an hour in length and outside of peak times.

I think you can pay a bit more to get them free at all times.

There's some numbers that aren't included, like mobiles and 0845/0870 ones.

Arguably one of the main benefits of VoIP systems such as Skype is that international calls can be made free of charge (assuming the recipient is also a Skype user). Such systems also provide number portability - pretty useful if you're a jet setter who likes to stay in touch

Chat for hours... pay ziltch :cool:

Vonhelmet · 26 Jul 2006 at 13:27

FunkyT said:
Arguably one of the main benefits of VoIP systems such as Skype is that international calls can be made free of charge (assuming the recipient is also a Skype user). Such systems also provide number portability - pretty useful if you're a jet setter who likes to stay in touch

Chat for hours... pay ziltch

Aye, the BT thing isn't like Skype in that respect... still, it's an option.

squawkBOX · 26 Jul 2006 at 14:21

You could always do what I do.

Use sipgate for a free incoming number, so if you have any SIP software or hardware then you can utilize that.

Calls between sipgate customers are free and if you want to outbound call then you can pay for that if need be.

http://www.sipgate.co.uk/user/index.php

Le_Petit_Lapin · 26 Jul 2006 at 14:56

squawkBOX said:
You could always do what I do.

Use sipgate for a free incoming number, so if you have any SIP software or hardware then you can utilize that.

Calls between sipgate customers are free and if you want to outbound call then you can pay for that if need be.

http://www.sipgate.co.uk/user/index.php

Ooh....that look exactly like what I'm looking for.

Outgoing internet calls and a standard number that can be dailed from any landline.

Could you provide a bit more info and give an example of what kit I'd need to buy?

FunkyT · 26 Jul 2006 at 15:10

Le_Petit_Lapin said:
Ooh....that look exactly like what I'm looking for.

Could you provide a bit more info and give an example of what kit I'd need to buy?

I'm using an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA)... it's a Linksys PAP2 (unlocked) and a standard Panasonic DECT. This allows me to use any SIP based VoIP service.

Have a look at the Betamax products e.g. www.voipcheap.com as they allow you to ring a number of international landlines at zero cost. You also get a VoIP-In virtual number... just be aware that they're liable to change the outgoing rates without notice :mad:

branddaly · 26 Jul 2006 at 16:11

Le_Petit_Lapin said:
I can't find info on it, so does someone here know?

If there is one, can you link me to it?

Cheers!

You telling me you posted in the forums and didn't even check the shop!?!!
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/VOIP.html

Le_Petit_Lapin · 26 Jul 2006 at 16:31

branddaly said:
You telling me you posted in the forums and didn't even check the shop!?!!
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/VOIP.html

I was asking if there was an VoIP service that gave me a number that can be dialed into and that can be used to dial out from, that uses a phone plugged into my current router, that doesnt need the PC to remain switched on.

Now...Skype doesnt offer the service if your PC's off, and those ZyZEL routers are a bit pointless on their own given that I dont want to change my router, just plug a device into it.

Also, I hadnt a clue that there was even an alternative to Skype (ie, SIPS) when I made this thread in the first place, so those items in the shop meant nothing to me.

Wheres the problem?

Edit: So....for those who bothered to read the thread

...if I sign up to Sipgate, buy one of their phones (given that I have no SIPS devices at the munite) and plug that into my router (and probably do a bit of port forwarding) , I should end up with what is in effect a landline that simply uses the internet?

FunkyT · 26 Jul 2006 at 19:57

Another alternative is www.jajah.com

At the moment you inititate the call online, your phone rings and then the phone rings of the person you are calling. They're planning to have the Jajah service intrgrated into phones in the near future... it's worth remembering that Jajah to Jajah is free :cool:

FunkyT · 27 Jul 2006 at 09:36

I don't think this is available yet but would do exactly what you want: http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/images/creative-skype-phone-large.jpg

Just a pity it's not a DECT phone

leaskovski · 27 Jul 2006 at 09:54

FunkyT said:
Another alternative is www.jajah.com

At the moment you inititate the call online, your phone rings and then the phone rings of the person you are calling. They're planning to have the Jajah service intrgrated into phones in the near future... it's worth remembering that Jajah to Jajah is free

How does that work then?? Do you get spammed via the phone afterwards?

FunkyT · 31 Jul 2006 at 08:39

leaskovski said:
How does that work then?? Do you get spammed via the phone afterwards?

I've not used Jajah (yet) but have never been spammed via the phone over the 2 years I've extensively been using CPS services...