What is Skype?

Skype is the leading VOIP (basically Voice over the Internet) supplier. It allows you to talk to anyone in the world for free if they have Skype, or for a nominal charge to a telephone. For more information visit the skype website on http://www.skype.com

Do I need a computer to use a Skype Phone?

Yes, you do need a computer. It must be running windows 2000 or windows XP. If you call someone using Skypes 'Skypeout' service, the call goes over the normal telephone network and the receiver does not need a computer, just a telephone.

What do I need to run Skype?

You need a computer running the latest versions of Windows (XP & 2000), Linux or Mac OS X.  Your computer should have at least the following specifications.

• 400 MHz processor
• 128 MB RAM
• 15 MB free disk space on your hard drive
• Sound Card, speakers and microphone
• Internet connection. Any broadband connection or minimum 33.6 Kbps dialup. GPRS is not supported for voice calls. Results may vary on a satellite connection.

What Skype Telephones do you have?

We have a range of four telephones. These are

The Skype Stick. This is a 128M flash drive combined with a USB headset. If you plug the Skype Stick into a USB port the headset is detected automatically. You can then run Skype from the embedded drive and make and receive calls.
The Skype USB Phone. This is a USB corded phone. Installation is simple, plug it into the USB port, load the supplied driver, load Skype and you are ready to go.
The Skype Phone 'Desk'. This is a Desk Phone. It has a nice Hands Free function and backlit display. It uses the same driver as the Skype Phone (above) and is installed in the same way.
The SkypeBox. This box interfaces your household telephone with Skype. It plugs into your USB port and uses the same driver software as 2 & 3 above. Normal telephone calls and Skype calls may be made and received when using the SkypeBox.

What Telephone should I buy?

That depends on your application. If you travel a lot and have a laptop the Skype USB phone or the Skype Stick are preferred. If you have a desktop then the Skype Phone 'Desk' or the SkypeBox are the better choice. To Choose between the Desk Phone and the Box decide whether you would like to use your house/office phone or not. The box does free up space on your desk as you only need one phone for all calls.

Is Skype Free?

You can download the Skype software from Skype for free. Go to http://www.skype.com/download for a download.

What computer do I need to Run Skype?

You need a PC running Windows 2000 or XP to use our Skype Phones. Skype also runs on Linux and Mac but you will need to use a headset or the Skype Stick. The computer needs the following minimum specification :

• USB port or active USB hub
  
• 400 MHz Pentium II or faster IBM-compatible PC
  
• Memory: At least 32 MB RAM
  
• At least USB 1.1
  
• Dial up connection (at least 33,600 Bit/s) or ISDN/DSL or other broadband Internet access
  
• Hard drive space: At least 60 MB

ISDN/ADSL or other broadband including wireless ie. Iburst or Sentech, is preferred. On a dial up connection voice quality can suffer.

What voice quality can I expect?

Voice quality varies depending on a number of factors. Generally Skype to Skype calls are excellent, Skype out calls are good as well, it is often difficult to tell the difference between a Skype Call and a normal telephone call. The reason for Skype's popularity is that it was written from the roots up to be a voice application and the quality is better than average for VOIP.

Having said that, often when the Internet is busy  voice quality can get choppy,  it is however, usually acceptable.

Should I use a Headset or a Phone?

Firstly if you are going to use a headset, use a good one! Voice quality suffers on cheap headsets. Voice quality is superior on our Skype Phones or our Plantronics Headsets, they have noise and echo cancelling built in.  People are used to talking on a telephone so there is a lot of familiarity when using one. Telephones also ring when there is a call coming in so you have less chance of missing a call. Using a headset has the advantage of keeping your hands free, if you make long conference calls or are on the phone for more than 2 hours a day, a headset is the preferred option.

If you have an entry-level headset by all means use it on Skype and test out the service, we are confident you will love it! When you are ready, buy a phone or a Plantronics!