Using Skype

[muff13]

I am looking for some advice as my daughter is about to re-locate abroad and suggest that I should sign up for Skype so we can have free phone calls. While I know that you can use Skype using a headphone and speakers I would prefer to be able to use a telephone, so am wondering whether it is possible to buy something that will plug into my laptop to enable me to use my existing cordless phone. Or do I have to buy a dedicated phone to use? Sorry to be so clueless about this but you have to allow for me being a senior citizen!!

[hc4361]

You have options. You can buy something like this - lots to choose from, even sold in large supermarkets. I paid £5 for mine.
http://www.amazon.co....qid=1302805883&sr=8-2

But you know, I really do prefer the headphone set. It seems to be clearer, and leaves my hands free for waving at the webcam. Headphone and speakers is rubbish, you feel as if you need to shout and the sound quality can be dreadful.
A headset is the way to go, and of course you can use it to listen to music etc on your pc.

[VHG]

If you have a webcam with a microphone built in, and speakers on your PC or laptop then you dont need headphones.

You just talk in the general direction of the laptop and the person will be able to hear you, and you can hear the person.

We often have voice only Skype calls to our daughter in Australia and just use the microphone on the webcam, and the built in laptop speakers.

[muff13]

Thanks for the infomation. hc4361, when you say you prefer the headphone set I am not entirely sure what you mean for you then say that headphone and speakers are rubbish. I would need speakers so could you possibly post a link to the type of thing that you reccommend? Many thanks.

[hc4361]

Apologies for not being clear. This is the sort of headset I meant.
http://www.amazon.co....qid=1302818853&sr=8-5

Available in places like Curry's, Argos as well as pc shops. Very comfortable and clear sounds.

[grasscarp]

We have a webcam. Logitech. Not expensive. This has a built in speaker. We also have a set of speakers linked to our computer. This is enough to get by and worked very well for the couple of years my daughter was in USA. Without it would have been expensive and nothing like seeing/hearing her and offspring.

[muff13]

Thanks to all for your information - am not so keen on a web cam so will probably to for the headset option or the phone.

[grasscarp]

I dont know why you are anti webcam muff. I actually diagnosed a lazy eye in my little grandson from seeing him via Skype. You also get the chance to see their flat etc. I would recommend one.