VOIP

[aesmael]

Over the past few months I have been considering trying some sort of voice over IP option. Mainly, in hope that this would provide me greater freedom to stay in touch with people I know overseas, being able to call or be called by them more easily.

Currently I use Skype for voice contact and waver on whether there would be much benefit from using something else. Easier to actually make or receive calls, with less preparation, but I wonder if I would still be tied to the computer. I value the video contact Skype often provides, as voice input can make it nearly impossible for me to focus on anything else and video gives me something else to do with my eyes. Plus I just plain enjoy seeing my loves.

So far the two VOIP possibilities people have suggested to me are magicJack or Vonage. What I am trying to decide is whether it would be worthwhile for me to try a VOIP service. One of the biggest advantages suggested to me would be having a US number so that it might be possible to send or receive calls with people living there cheaply or free. Would people, frex, make use of this to contact me? Would I be able to make use of it for staying in touch with people or would they prefer other means? Or, anything else anyone things to mention or suggest, question mark.

It would take a while to set up if I do decide to, the first step being fixing things with my bank so that I would have a card actually usable for making payments online. Currently I cannot do that, which has admittedly made saving easier. Plenty of time to consider during the business of life.

Comments

[syntaxia.livejournal.com]

I've been using RebTel (http://www.rebtel.com/en/Home/) for the last three years and it's been brilliant. You're not tied to a computer, people all over the world can call you at their local number, and each side pays only local call charges.

[lost-angelwings.livejournal.com]

i have friends with both magicjack and vonage :) vonage seems to work esp well :)

*hugs*

[whimsical-esper.livejournal.com]

For some reason I prefer Skype to phones. hahah! But yeah, VOIP is really cool for folks who like phones.

~S

[lantyssa.livejournal.com]

I have Vonage and no complaints. If you want a referal let me know as sometimes they give deals for both referer and referee.