DISQUS

Moojj · 2 years ago

I tried replacing my landline with Skype and, I'm sorry to say, it was a failure.

When my net went down I couldn't be reached and at other times I couldn't even make outgoing calls.

Also, for some odd reason, when I picked up the phone I needed to wait a few seconds before talking, otherwise noone would hear me.

Andray · 2 years ago

Just wondering, where did you get the ajax poll widget for wordpress, actually a really net one? ;-)

amer · 2 years ago

Whether any of these new services can replace a traditional line is the 64 million dollar question. Skype may not have all the answers but using a combo of services you can get rid of your POTS line and save money. I was able to do this after reading this post:

http://ltips.blogspot.com/2007/02/can-you-get-r...

ShoX · 2 years ago

Sure Skype is a very neat tool, especially for communicating to people familiar with basics of internet, but I would not rely on it. Definitely I would not kick my phone-number in favour of skype, even if the only reason is I will be found in the phonebook.

regards

Steve O'Hear (editor) · 2 years ago

@andray

The poll widget comes from wordpress.org

:)

- Steve

Andrew · 2 years ago

Strictly speaking, the poll thing is a plugin, rather than a widget. The things that WP calls widgets go in the sidebar.
Anyway, excellent decision to go with WordPress. I'm not sure whether it was Richard's or Steve's decision.

OffBeatMammal · 2 years ago

I've tried replacing the landlin with Skype via several methods...
- running the client on the PC
- using a Linksys iPhone
- using a Belkin Skype phone
- using an SMC Skype phone and running a Fonera gateway
... all of them suck
Sadly the problem isn't quality of the calls, it's the client software on the phones. It does a very poor job on maintaining a connection to the cloud.
For good measure the usability is badly thought out - call volume is low, but system noises (dialing, error, disconnect) get spewed out of the handset at max volume so really adds insult to injury.
And don't ever try to do touch-tone navigation of an IVR system.... it's not very good at that either.

Currently we're running the Fonera solution even though the SMC handset that comes with it can't even consistantly connect to te public AP let alone the private AP.

If these guys could only apply some real polish to the offering then they'd have a winner on their hands - simple, straight forward and cost effective.... sadly it appears that once the product is out the door they don't really care if it works (customer support for Linksys, Belkin and SMC have all been low in actual care though polite)

fluencev · 2 years ago

i have used the socalled skype for three or four times.
i like it
but people around me donot like it .a lot of friends of mine never heard this word "skype"
so it is a fuuny thing that i use the tool call with myself!

Mark · 2 years ago

Moojj - the few seconds delay would be due to you having too many programs running which rely on packets of data running through your ports. Things like file sharing programs, chat programs and so on would all slow Skype down. So if you need to use Skype, try shutting some of those programs down and you should see a difference.

Also try updating your sound cards.

Isac · 1 year ago

Skype is addicting, but I don't see it replacing landlines anytime soon. Unless there are some very impressive software updates or breakthrough coding to improve the sound quality, it will be inferior to cell phones. Land lines will slowly become a thing of the past in my opinion, but they'll be replaced by cell phones, not Skype. Just my 2 cents

Paul · 1 year ago

I have a land line and my skype phone numbers plugged into a zoom 5900 phone adapter
but when I call out all calls are on the land line and not my skype phone. What am I doing
wrong? I am trying to save money on my phone calls. I would prefer to make calls on skype
and get calls on my land line.

Ge · 8 months ago

If software is installed on your computer for the adapter, try setting the options to something like 'skype perferred', or look in your manuel for changing the settings. often, adapters come preset to always make calls on landlines if possible, because most people aren't willing to give them up yet (for obvious reasons explained in this article).

SMC · 5 months ago

I love smc. They have helped me make my life so much better. Many thanks to the smc crew, you guys rock!

hamada180 · 4 months ago

guys how can i use my landline on pc.? i mean is there any way ti use landline via modem,to call ?just landline,no internet ,plz if anybody can help me ,send me an email @ hamada180@hotmail.com