Magic Jack or Skype?

Author Message   neal floyd Advanced Member Username: Nfloyd Post Number: 252 Registered: 09-2007 Posted From: 67.233.174.113 Posted on Thursday, June 24, 2010 - 08:39 pm:    This is correct info about Skype. You can also get a subscription for unlimited US and Canada calls for around $3.00 per month. Skype does not know where you are calling from nor do I think that they care. With this $3.00 subscription we call to the US when we are in Europe as well as when we are here in the US. We love the service. I have wired a Skype "telephone adapter into our home phones ( we have 2 line phones) so line 1 is our local line and line 2 is Skype.   Zee Ty Junior Member Username: Zed350 Post Number: 6 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 64.77.234.237 Posted on Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 07:17 am:    @David Wallace "You can call from Skype computer to any landline or cellular phone for I think 2.5cents/minute, by depositing a minimum of $10. You must make a call every six months or you lose the deposit. At 2.5 cents/minute, that $10 lasts a long, long time. " Are you sure this from Skype? Because this is also Onesuite's rates to US and expiration policy. But with Onesuite you don't lose the balance, albeit you just need to add more credits so the remainding will carry over.   David Wallace New member Username: Tenorham Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2010 Posted From: 162.40.98.74 Posted on Sunday, June 13, 2010 - 03:33 am:    I've used Skype for a couple years, and really like it. At least in CONUS, computer-to-computer calls are free. Skype conversations with deployed friends have also been free. You can do video calls. I have made extensive use of Skype's conference calling feature. A couple organizations I belong to now hold some of their board meetings on Skype. You can call from Skype computer to any landline or cellular phone for I think 2.5cents/minute, by depositing a minimum of $10. You must make a call every six months or you lose the deposit. At 2.5 cents/minute, that $10 lasts a long, long time. Or you can pay around $5.00 a month, and get unlimited calls to any telephone in the world, with this caveat: some countries impose additional fees and limitations. You get a Skype telephone number so you can receive calls from landlines and cell phones. You get call forwarding, voice mail, etc. with this service. Sound quality is usually superior to the best landlines. Video quality varies with bandwith/speed.   Zee Ty New member Username: Zed350 Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 64.77.234.237 Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2010 - 04:52 am:    Really depends on your needs. MJ is all about calling within US and Canada. Some says quality is mediocre at best some says its good. On Skype, you need to fund your account to be able to call mobile phones or landlines. Some plans are unlimited (which is actually not) to a specific country. Or you can always pay as you go.   Ernest Westwood New member Username: Ernwes Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2008 Posted From: 70.188.224.65 Posted on Friday, June 04, 2010 - 11:29 am:    www.skype.com will give you all the info you need including the software for the Iphone   Tom DeMicke Senior Member Username: Typhoontom Post Number: 1038 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 211.121.74.184 Posted on Wednesday, June 02, 2010 - 06:43 am:    Don't forget for those with an iPhone or iPod Touch, Skype turns your iPod Touch into a phone! Yes it really does as long as you are within range of an open WiFi. As for the iPhone, it's a phone already but you can still take advantage of the low cost of Skype as well. The iTunes store sells the iPod Touch version of Skype, I use it all the time and it's like having an iPhone without having an iPhone! I used it extensively on my long trip from Okinawa to Germany and back and worked like a charm!   TR Advanced Member Username: Travel_ready Post Number: 247 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Monday, May 31, 2010 - 12:21 pm:    Lester, all you need is the Skype program loaded on your netbook, internet connectivity (either wireless or cable and a headset. No adapters/modem required. Log in online and either use saved numbers to call or keyboard in the number you wish to connect to.   Ted_M Advanced Member Username: Ted_m Post Number: 295 Registered: 04-2005 Posted on Monday, May 31, 2010 - 12:20 pm:    Lester- You asked about what equipment you need to carry to use Skype on your netbook, and how to dial: There are different headsets with a boom mike built in, both corded and wireless. I have a Logitech Clear Chat Pro headset that has a USB connection that I plug into my netbook and the computer will detect this and make it the default. One can also use it to listen to music or videos. I also have a Logitech wireless headset as well which uses a small transmitter/receiver that plugs into the USB port on the computer, but I wouldn't take that on a trip as the battery has a limited amount of time before needing recharging - I use that around the house so I can be mobile and talk, or listen to music as well. There are also some other cheaper ones around that have a headset and boom mike that plug into the netbook with the small mini plugs (stereo for the headset and a mono one for the mike). I feel that the quality of the Logitech Clear Chat Pro is much better, and the comfort level when wearing them is quite good. They ware powered off the netbook (no batteries or charging necessary). As for dialing on the computer, all you do is bring up Skype and then click on CALL PHONES which brings up a keypad that you can either click on your contact, or enter the number in using the keyboard on the computer. I still have credit on my account from when we visited Germany last summer. Used it to call both the daughter on her cell phone who was coordinating things back in the states and keeping tabs on our son who was attending Governor's School in NC, and the daughter whom we were visiting in Germany. Still using the credit from home making business calls when out VOIP at the office isn't playing well with others..... Depending on size constraints that you may impose upon yourself, you may just want to look around and see what fits your needs for the headset/mike combo. I don't have Vonage, so I can't give input on that. Good luck! Any questions, let me know. Sincerely, Ted_M   Lester Green Advanced Member Username: Rtgreen5 Post Number: 322 Registered: 03-2007 Posted on Monday, May 31, 2010 - 04:05 am:    I have read over all of the posts under this caption and have a few basic questions as a novice. I have used Skype to Skype and know how it works. I also have Vonage for my Stateside service, but I have it hooked up through a desktop computer modem for cable and through the Vonage box for the telephone usage. I have no problem with both services. Now if I travel with my wireless netbook in Europe and obtain the Skype prepaid service so that I can call anywhere overseas. what equipment do I need to do this? How would I dial the numbers if I use a headset with mike and earphones? With my Vonage service to call back to the States, would I need an adapter/modem such as I have with my desktop, and would I need to carry a telephone with me? Or can I dial the number on my computer? So what I am looking for is the equipment to support my netbook Skype service to make it work while I am travelling overseas and what accessories I would need to use my Vonage service to call back to the States. I would appreciate any help along these lines as I understand the concepts but not the practical application of the services that I intend to use. Thanks   Bob radar Intermediate Member Username: Bob_radar Post Number: 108 Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 162.58.82.135 Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2010 - 04:43 pm:    Search Google with two words -> portable skype. More search there to find Forums to ask experts to answer -> "download it to the stick in Linux".   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5947 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 02:22 pm:    If someone thinks it would work, remembering I am not computer friendly, how does one do it? I can save things from files to a USB Stick, but don't know about from a Live hookup.   James C. McCants Member Username: Diamondjim Post Number: 36 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 204.116.4.25 Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 12:28 pm:    On the Skype web page, it shows only Windows and Mac as the operating systems. That may be why Linux does not load and run Skype. Jim   xLoadmaster,M.Lewis Intermediate Member Username: Cblmelga Post Number: 149 Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 76.17.91.102 Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 11:52 am:    DBM, give it a try, nothing to lose.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5946 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2010 - 11:08 am:    One last question about Skype, since I can't get to down load on my computer, would I be able to down load it to a Stick from my other computer that has windows, but download it to the stick in Linux? Then try to do it that way?   Ted Lamb Senior Member Username: Ted_l Post Number: 1022 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.189.7.202 Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 02:10 am:    It used to be law that someone who recorded a call, or put it on the air, was required to introduce a beep at some interval. You don't hear that any more in call-in radio or TV shows, but I'll theorize that the beeping that you heard could possibly have been this signal to the speaker that the call was being retransmitted.   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6315 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 09:06 pm:    Jim D, I heard the same phone call on the radio program, and noted the 'pings.' Makes you wonder how many others of the 20 million listeners also said to themselves, "Hmm...maybe Magic Jack is not what I'm looking for?"   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6314 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 09:04 pm:    TR, thank you! That's just the thing. (A similar adaptor might be available locally in a computer store or Radio Shack. Now that I know it exists, I'll look.) D.B.M, we're saving the money -- to GO visit them!   Jim D Member Username: Amdjmd Post Number: 18 Registered: 07-2008 Posted From: 68.4.72.148 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 03:07 pm:    I use Skype and have no problems. I tried Magic Jack and thought it to be inferior and returned it the next day. I read a lot of reviews before trying the Magic Jack. People either loved it or hated it, but I tried it with an open mind (wanting it work because of the cost). All of my calls had a lot of static and listeners complained. I recently heard a caller to a radio show that was using Magic Jack. It had an annoying ping sound about every 3-5 seconds.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5943 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 01:50 pm:    Cherry, just sing louder, save the extra money to send presents.......   TR Advanced Member Username: Travel_ready Post Number: 220 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 74.192.161.189 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 12:35 pm:    Cherry, I think this may be what you are looking for: http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=118&sku=40641&relatedItem=true   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6312 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 11:56 am:    John David, I'm sure the "real phone" gives excellent reception but one of our concerns is to SEE the grandchildren and let them see US during their Dad's assignment in Cambodia. That's one of the reasons why we bought the netbook with its built-in camera. It also has a built-in microphone although we may take Tom's and Jack's advice to get a headset with microphone. That would give more privacy when in public and possibly better sound quality BUT would mean that only one of us at a time would be communicating. So here's the next question: does anyone know if we can get a split feed from the computer to two headsets so we could have them operating simultaneously (like both of us being on extension phones at home when we call locally to sing "Happy Birthday")?   Bob radar Intermediate Member Username: Bob_radar Post Number: 98 Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 162.58.82.135 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 11:47 am:    John D. - - My Acer is running Windows. My Acer has RAM of only 1 Gig which is not accessable. If I were buying, I'd try to buy Acer where the RAM is accessable and upgrade it to a compatable 2 or 4 RAM.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5942 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 05:03 am:    Along with other problems. (:~#) Maybe the easiest thing to do is buy a new computer that has windows. Tommy has volunteered to help me if I can get to the base today, also Elaine's idea is good too. Like I said it's not a big problem, just something that would be nice to have. Thanks all. Cherry, hope this has helped you decide on what to get.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4409 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 195.145.135.149 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 03:57 am:    Bob, Is your Acer running Linux? Magic Jack seems to be not available for linux per Edgars post below and that is Don's problem.   John David Brooks Advanced Member Username: Johnb6597 Post Number: 385 Registered: 04-2008 Posted From: 121.55.235.75 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 03:30 am:    My parents own a MagicJack and travel frequently with it. They carry a compact, inexpensive homestyle telephone with them...plug it into the MagicJack...and make all the U.S. domestic calls their hearts desire with it. No headsets, no microphones...just an old-fashioned phone with a modern twist on how they use it.   Bob radar Intermediate Member Username: Bob_radar Post Number: 97 Registered: 03-2009 Posted From: 75.57.181.29 Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2010 - 01:32 am:    D.B.M UK- I use MJ w/ my Acer See MJ at-> http://www.magicjack.com/5/index.asp The MJ menu has selection for either mic, or for telephone. For mic, I bought the H165. I plug the Logitech 'notebook headset H165' into the Acer pink mic and yellow headset receptacles. The mic is on the same cable with the right ear bud. The H165 has a small black store box for the ear buds w mic. See the H165 at -> http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam_communications/internet_headsets_phones/dev ices/5756 Error in trying to post the above address-> make devices one word. Skype works excellent on my Acer. I also use local sim cards on my cell phone for long distance texting out and receiving phone conversation.   Tommy Towery Intermediate Member Username: Ttowery Post Number: 72 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 91.204.172.59 Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 07:21 pm:    I'm currently in the TLF at Mildenhall. Using the free wifi here, I've made about a half dozen calls back to the states in the last two days using my MagicJack. My wife talked to her best friend about a half hour with no problems. It is well worth its original price.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4405 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 195.145.135.149 Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 07:15 pm:    Don, Jesse's suggestion is great - get some local help. I doubt there is anything that Acer can do to help since the computer is probably not the problem and I doubt if they will help with 3rd-party software such as Skype.   Jesse Hinson Advanced Member Username: Seagull Post Number: 259 Registered: 08-2007 Posted From: 98.71.223.6 Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 06:52 pm:    Don, Go to the Bob Hope Center-ask some of the young military to help you. I have done that enough to know they will be more than glad to help us technically challenged senior citizens-me anyway!! While in Rota, I ask a young sailor for help-he had just completed a computer course and was very helpful. Elaine   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5940 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 03:41 pm:    Well I heard from Acer today, they want me to call on a toll line to try and clear up the problem. About 75cents a minute. I wonder if they will talk slow? Or can I listen and understand FAST. Might just set myself a limit and stick to it, like 10 minutes. Hate to have Jan think I am on some sort of chat line....   DeeDee Clarke Senior Member Username: Deedee Post Number: 626 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 67.11.180.124 Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 01:54 pm:    and if you usually take a set of Bose noise canceling headphones with you, you can get a plug in microphone and adapter to use with them.   Martha Fralia Advanced Member Username: Mjfralia Post Number: 367 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 75.141.137.233 Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 12:55 pm:    If you can't get Skype to work try Yahoo.   Jack T. Paxton Senior Member Username: Jpaxton Post Number: 834 Registered: 07-2003 Posted From: 24.27.231.67 Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 12:17 pm:    One add on that no one has mentioned. My website manager is a techie and she recommended that, when using Skype with a netbook and traveling that I purchase a cheap headset with microphone and use it when using the netbook. On our European trip last Fall I used the rig to call back to the US and you would not believe the improvement in voice clarity and reception from the phone being called. I took out a credit of $25 from Skype and still have plenty left over. I also used it to call several terminals when I could not get to a DSN line. Believe the collapsible headset/mike was less than $30 but cannot remember where I purchased it.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5939 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2010 - 10:48 am:    Thanks Edgar, I will save my money then and not buy the Magic Jack. I will get the skype figured out one day, right now it isn't one of my priority's.   Edgar Inocentes Senior Member Username: Traveler88 Post Number: 534 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 209.242.132.226 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 08:48 pm:    Don, I use both Magic Jack & Skype. I like them both. With Magic Jack, you get your own U.S. phone number so you can call any number in the U.S. for free (from your computer or laptop). They can also call your number, and if your laptop is turned off, it will send you an email with voice mail. You can also call any telephone outside the U.S. for a nominal fee similar to Skype. With Skype, it's free when you call from computer to computer (with Skype) - the term Skype to Skype. However, it costs (minimal) to call from your computer or laptop to a landline or cell phone. Unfortunately, because you have a Linux operating system, Magic Jack is not available to you at this time. However, it should be available in the near future per below article: http://blog.laptopmag.com/magicjack-inventor-plans-linux-support-improved-custom er-service-and-more   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2571 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 208.81.157.86 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 08:46 pm:    Don: Here's the link: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Skype John   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2570 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 208.81.157.86 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 08:33 pm:    Don: Open your tab "System Monitor" if yours is like mine it will say "Ubuntu Release 9.10 (Karmic)". If so, we are one release beyond "Ubuntu 8.10 + 32bit" (and yes, Acers are 32 bit machines and this is the Skype S/W we should download). Unfortunately there is a "bug" in our release that will not permit us to use Skype unless we do a software manipulation. There is info on this on the Ubuntu User site, but it's beyond my present expertise to accomplish it (perhaps your son may be able to do it once you find the info for him). Happy Travels, John   Tom Jackson Senior Member Username: Tombo Post Number: 492 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 76.106.250.199 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 07:48 pm:    Don - I am going to chime in about Skype. We called home every day at last years S&S. Cost was 2 cents a minute on our laptop. The only thing we had to buy was a microphone. That's because we have an old laptop without one. Since then we have purchased a microphone/headset for a little more privacy. It worked great calling from Spain. My daughter lives in Maine and when her husband was In Iraq, they talked almost daily for free using Skype to Skype. I don't think it could get much better? She is the one who put us onto Skype and we are more than satisfied.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5938 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 07:46 pm:    Skype for Linux Beta Grab the latest version to get the newest features. * Ubuntu 8.10+ 32-bit Ubuntu 8.10+ 64-bit * Debian Lenny * Fedora 10+ * OpenSUSE 11+ * Dynamic Static Skype For Linux My question is, which one should I download, I have done most of them at different times.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5937 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 07:43 pm:    Yes John D. I downloaded about 5 different ones, none seem to open up. I see where it down loads, but when I try to open it, it ask me for a password, which I think I know, put that in, and then it comes back saying it will down load the program, but nothing happens. I will try your link and see what happens. Thanks in advance if it works.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4400 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 195.145.135.149 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 07:07 pm:    Don, Dumb question but did you download the Skype Linux version ? http://www.skype.com/download/skype/linux/   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5936 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 07:00 pm:    Okay, I will be the first to say I don't know anything about computers, but as you know, I have a Acer Aspire one, with Linux installed. My understanding No Windows. So when I try to down load Skype, it knows I have Linux, but when I go through all the things, it ask me if I have windows or mac. I am under the impression, I have nether. Think I will just buy a Sim card next time I travel Stateside, I will forget about Skype or Magic Jack.   Carole G Intermediate Member Username: Greengal Post Number: 90 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 68.205.151.181 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 06:02 pm:    When we call Guam, we are calling Skype to Skype.   Denny Knott Senior Member Username: Degause01 Post Number: 1387 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 98.183.26.167 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 05:52 pm:    Skype to Skype is always FREE. Skype to any phone number (NOT Skype) will require you to have a credit with Skype.   xLoadmaster,M.Lewis Intermediate Member Username: Cblmelga Post Number: 144 Registered: 10-2008 Posted From: 76.17.91.102 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 05:46 pm:    Skype/ it depends on what country you call,try calling Jamaica for 2cents, it won't work.   Leland Senior Member Username: Leland Post Number: 6193 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 98.218.147.237 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 05:24 pm:    Are you calling another Skype or a phone?   Carole G Intermediate Member Username: Greengal Post Number: 89 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 68.205.151.181 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 05:23 pm:    We don't pay to call Guam. Is it because it is a US possession?   Leland Senior Member Username: Leland Post Number: 6192 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 98.218.147.237 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 05:20 pm:    US to overseas is about 2 cents/minute. I call Spang every day.   Carole G Intermediate Member Username: Greengal Post Number: 88 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 68.205.151.181 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 05:15 pm:    Skype is free calling from the US. When you use it outside the US is when you have to pay-like .02 per minute, if I understand it correctly.   neal floyd Advanced Member Username: Nfloyd Post Number: 235 Registered: 09-2007 Posted From: 67.233.135.84 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 03:43 pm:    I tried Magic Jack but could never get it to work. On feature that I thought was neat about Magic Jack was that you could change the phone number and city of the phone as frequently as you wanted on line. But if I can't get it to work! Skype-Great I use it when we travel on a Netbook and have wired it into our home phone system so we use it for all long distance. I purchased a local number from Skype and when we travel I forward our home phone to the Skype number. About a month ago we were at Souda Bay and we were checking our E mail when the Netbook rang. Answered the phone er Netbook and spoke to an old friend that did not know we were not home. Great Fun. Vonage- We had good service but they required a contract at that time. Real pain to get out of the contract and had to return their device. Skype is the winner with me. No contract.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5933 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 02:31 pm:    Well, it can't be because I don't have any money on Skype, I just loaded £5.00 on it and I still can't get it to work. Must be a computer problem, I can't be anything I did wrong..............   Irwin Rovner Senior Member Username: Irovner Post Number: 411 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 66.32.113.114 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 01:19 pm:    I have Skype on my Mac Powerbook w/built in mike and camera. It has worked great computer to computer. I love its prepaid fee system which allows me to call anywhere in the world and link into the local telephone system. It becomes a low-cost "local" call. I've used it while traveling around Europe to call Ramstein (or Spang) to check flight departures or make reservations at lodging -- and plan where I'm going to go and how fast I need to get there. For example, do I need a train all the way to Landstuhl (and on to Ramstein) or can I got to Frankfurt and pick up the free PM shuttle directly to Ramstein? Skype is my traveling cell phone -- I don't leave home without it.   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5931 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 01:02 pm:    Free is good   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5930 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 01:01 pm:    Thanks all. I do have a skype account, but it is on my other computer. I have never used it. That said, no I can't use that one when I travel, I always take my Acer. I must be having problems getting it to load. I am waiting to hear from Acer, maybe they can help. Tommy, if I make it to Mildenhall on Thursday, subject to other commitments, and you are still here, I will get in touch. Thanks. Think my main question is what phone number could I use? Can I tag on to my Sisters number, or would I have to have my own number, which I don't have. After reading the posts again, think I would be better off with Skype. Calling the States from the UK is good, but I would want to call the UK from the USA, and that won't work.   Martha Fralia Advanced Member Username: Mjfralia Post Number: 366 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 75.141.137.233 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 12:24 pm:    I also have Skype and Vonage and am very satisfied with both. Didn't have any problems getting it to load on my Acer. My suggestion is you try Skype first, it is free.   bill curts Intermediate Member Username: Bill Post Number: 97 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 67.236.53.198 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 12:23 pm:    I just spoke to my son at Osan a few minutes ago on skype. The connection was very good and he was able to see his mother and me via the built in camera on my acer netbook. He has not had time to get a camera yet for his laptop. Have had other very good experiences with skype and it is free if you call someone on skype.   Carole G Intermediate Member Username: Greengal Post Number: 85 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 68.205.151.181 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 12:08 pm:    Cherry and DBM UK, I use skype on my Macbook and our IMac all the time. Our children and grandchildren are on Guam so it is a must have for birthday parties and holidays. It is just like we are there for all those occasions. We have Vonage World ($24.99 mo) to just talk for normal every couple weeks. The children enjoy being able to see Grammy and Grandpa. Isn't technology great!   Tommy Towery Intermediate Member Username: Ttowery Post Number: 69 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 81.144.189.140 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 12:04 pm:    D.B.M UK - I have a MagicJack and it works good - sometimes breaks up with a slow wireless connection. I'm booked in the Mildenhall TLF through Thursday and could meet you at the Bob Hope Rec Center if you want to try it out. I'm in room 6521 but you can call the front desk and leave a message if that would help. I like the MajicJack. You can call the states from overseas or in the state but not overseas from the states.   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6300 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 11:47 am:    I, too, would be very interested in learning from board members about what VOIP system they find best for computer-to-computer communication. Our son and his family are moving to Phnom Penh this summer for a 2 year stint with the State Department and we have discussed setting up a schedule for communication via such a program. Not only that, but like Don, we have an Acer (netbook) with built-in microphone and camera that we would hope to use for maximum impact, especially when it comes to "seeing" and being seen by the grandchildren -- so getting the scoop in advance on what works or does not work with that hardware would be very helpful. Thanks in advance to any and all who can contribute insights!   D.B.M UK Senior Member Username: Overlandrover Post Number: 5929 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 81.145.102.64 Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 - 05:39 am:    For some reason I can't seem to get Skype to load completely on my Acer. Might be me, or a problem with the Acer. I saw at the Lakenheath BX they had Magic Jack for sale. Around $35.00. I know several board members use that. I am wondering how the MJ works. I did try to search for Magic Jack, but to many Jacks. I did read on the instructions of the MJ I would need to plug a phone in, which I know Hugh carries with him. My question I guess is, if I have a English Phone number, will it work, or do I have to have a American phone number? I don't want to buy one, if it won't work for me.