Via Pocketpcmag.com

Skype is a free program you can download from www.skype.com. It enables you to make free phone calls anywhere in the world over the Internet, computer to computer. I have enjoyed using Skype on my desktop, laptop, Tablet PC, and Pocket PC. I had a problem with it on my Pocket PC (Dell Axim X50v) and found a solution that I’d like to share.

The problem was that while the person I was talking to sounded as clear as if they were on the other side of my desk, they would complain of an echo and hearing their own voice. This is caused by the microphone and speaker being too close together resulting in an annoying feedback loop on the Pocket PC.

This dilemma really makes the utility useless on a PPC. I’ve had people hang up on me. To remedy the situation, I got a Bluetooth headset, and the problem virtually disappeared.

The headset I use and recommend is a Motorla HS850. It’s the smallest one I’ve ever seen; it’s comfortable, and it really works amazingly well. Just push the multi-function button, give a voice command, and you are connected. Or when there’s an incoming call, just push the button and you are connected. Although I’ve never tested its limits, you are supposed to get up eight hours of talk time between charges. I think the street price for one is about $99 now.

And, the moral of the story is not to buy a PDA without both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Skype has recently expanded its services. SkypeOut has been available for some time now. It’s a prepaid calling service that allows you to make long distance calls for about $.03 a minute to any phone number anywhere in the world over the Internet. The person on the other end doesn’t have to have a computer, just a regular phone.

SkypeIn is a new service and so is Skype Voice Mail. SkypeIn allows you to purchase a phone number that anyone can call from anywhere in the world. Of course, the caller would pay any long distance fees charged by his carrier to reach your local number. The annual fee is 30 Euros or 10 Euros per month. You get a free voice mail box with this service.

If you haven’t used your computer or PPC for VoIP yet, give it a whirl. I think you will be impressed. You can download Skype for free at www.skype.com. Then all you need is a headset and a microphone connected to your computer. You won’t even need that with a Pocket PC or most laptops. But remember that I do recommend a Bluetooth headset for optimal PPC VoIPing.

Between wireless phones and VoIP, why would anyone want to maintain an expensive landline any longer?