Guys any of you use skype?

Can anyone give me the low down on it? Ie
Costs,
Equipment required
Call quality
ease of use
etc etc?

I have a mate in OZ and he asked me today if i had Skype because it wold be easier for us to catch up on it, im a bit of a numpty when it comes to conputers so any info / pointers / do's/dont's would be appreciated.
Thanks

It's free if you're using it computer-2-computer and the only hardware you need is a mic, you might already have one built into your comp. Just go to the skype website and download it.

no cost - other than a headset
mic or headset, i paid £10 for mine
quality is excellent
really easy to use - you just need his email address

I often use it to call my daughter in Sydney NSW - even though she doesn't always have a computer handy to receive the call for free, it's still a fraction of the normal cost to call her landline or mobile.

I've also set up mine so that I can send SMS texts to her from my computer (also cheap). Any return messages go to my mobile.

As mentioned above it is free for Computer to Computer calls, most webcams have a built in mic with the added bonus of the people at the other end being able to see you. I bought webcams on Amazon.com for my parents in the states and we talk for free and they can see the little tike when they call.

You can even use a bluetooth headset if you have one, the over-one-ear-with-a-blue-LED ones for mobiles (as long as your PC has bluetooth obviously).

Mine cost me £4 from Tesco, rechargeable too

Asda do a "smart price" head set at about £3.50 as well, Cheap cheer full and not that bad. Wired doesn;t require Bluetooth

[Edited on 6/404/09 by mad4x4]

You can also use it for instant messaging, when you want to chat to the guy next to you in the office but don't want the boss to hear what you're saying about him

Most IM's are blocked at our place, but skype works as a senior manager wanted us to use it to save money on calls to Korea

Make sure you lock down the security or you'll be constantly contacted by scammers pretending to be 18 year old nymphomaniacs.


[Edited on 6/4/09 by iank]

You can also get specific phones for Skype.

I have a USB wired one, cost a few quid frome ebay, needs the PC to be switched on.

You can also get WiFi Skype phones, Netgear make one. That way you can have your 'phone' on all the time as long as you have WiFi .. also can be used where WiFi is available.

Check out this company:

http://www.voipcheap.com/en/index.html

Cheaper than Skype - free calls to most countries landlines as long as you have some call credit with them. Used it for years and is very good.