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I've got to do a load of travelling soon for work and I need to find a cheap way to call back to the UK from the US, possibly other locations.
My current mobile is a cheap PAYG which I can't do much with and I'm not allowed to install Skype on my work laptop - company policy. So I'm guessing that a new handset and Skype might be the best route.
If that is the case, I need to find a handset / software combination that allows Skype (or similar) calls for as low cost as possible and functions as an MP3 / simple camera / wi-fi enabled unit.
I've already got an iPod and the obvious choice is an iPhone as a replacement - but it is a whole load of cash for the hardware and for the contract per month.
Does the collective wisdom of STW have any other suggestions of hardware / software that are cheaper and enable the wish list above that I can also use my iTunes music collection with?
Thanks!
You can use an ipod touch with skype. Personally I use Fring on a Nokia which works well and covers all my messaging bases, but I already have the handset.
there is a different version of skype called vbuzzer which is so easy to set up and use. Im in the UAE and have a lot of problems using skype to a landline but vbuzzer works a treat.
using skype through a handset be aware that the skype is free but if u connect through your phones 3g network you will be charged the internet rates. Make sure u use a WIFI connection.
you can get Skype on window mobile 6.1 devices.
[url= http://www.gsmarena.com/skype_finally_available_for_windows_mobile_61_tested_here-news-559.php ]here tested on the HTC Touch Diamond[/url]
Your data costs while roaming in the US may be very high.
I have recently bought an Aspire Acer One (£190 from expansys uk) on which I have installed Skype. Mrs S has used Skype to contact her business partners for a while, yesterday was my first Skype video call to her from London - it really is a gret bit of kit and free when used over the hotel wifi network.
The netbook has a 3g SIM card slot for roaming.
You should be able to buy a data only SIM whilst in the US, prepaid with x GB of data for a lot less than the cost of calls or roaming data.
I also have a WM6 device but havent tried an skype on it yet.
Using one device for everything always means some sort of compromise. Keep your iPod for the music, get any Nokia or Windows Mobile Smartphone that has wi-fi and download Skype or another VoIP application. Just remember that wi-fi kills the battery so make sure you are fully charged before you go calling
OK - Thanks guys. I'll have a look about for Wi-Fi enabled Windows mobile devices or investigate the iPod touch.
Thanks again.
I asked a question about this a few weeks ago (search for it) as most of my calls are made to people abroad and I use skype for them already. It got similar responses. One thing though, 3 appear to have a pay as you go option where you pay no data charges (with basic handsets too). You have to top up something like £15 every couple of months though (for other calls sms etc) to qualify. Skype-Skype and Skype mobile calls are obviously free. My handset is dying slowly and I think I'll try this option when it finally goes. Maybe an option.
Lower tech but probably cheaper overall would be a US SIM card for your regular mobile plus one of the international calling cards that does cheap UK calls.
That said it's pretty damn tight of your company not to allow a reasonable amount of personal calling back to your spouse/family when they're asking you to stay away from home.
ps. is it just Skype explicitly disallowed? Google Chat works nicely too, and just needs a browser plugin to work straight from gmail.
We can't install Skype on the work laptops, and hotel phone bills are allowed up to a point - I thought that I would try and get around the situation for the least amount of money! Most of the hotels have Wi-Fi that we stay in so I thought that this would be the best way to connect up.
I was thinking of replacing my old iPod anyway which is why the iPhone / iPod touch is in the list of potentials - if I wasn't looking for a new music player then they wouldn't be due to the cost. If I can carry one less device around that would be good.
I'd recommend searching ebay for a second hand Nokia N95, and then buying a large capacity microSD card. Make sure you're using the latest firmware and have it unlocked, then you'll have a great phone to run Fring for Skype, play MP3s, great camera, GPS, wifi to save on data costs etc etc That setup worked well for my brother travelling around South America.
skype on the iphone is great - I use it all the time when travelling. I might be selling my iphone 3G if that's any help...
I use Skype on an iTouch, with the Apple headphones and mic. It can take a couple of tries to get a connection, but once you've got one it seems fine.
Skype on the Touch is probably the best option, with a Griffin SmartTalk to give you the microphone, (£12), then you can use any 'phones you like, I use Denon AH-C252's, (£25). The Touch avoids any financial embarrassment from forgetting to turn off data roaming. You can only use Skype with wifi on the iPhone anyway. [edit] You can also use Shazzam with the Griffin jobbie, which is a brilliant little app for finding the name of a piece of music, then download from iTunes if available. [/edit]