This could be the functionality that sends Skype mainstream. They’ve just announced Skype Voicemail – which provides fully-featured offline voicemail capabilities; and SkypeIn – a fixed line number interface to your standard Skype account.
Both features are the kind of standard functionality that you’d take as read with a mobile or a fixed-line service, so that fact that they’re now available with in VOIP form is a further step towards equivalence. Add SkypeOut, and the service is beginning to look like a genuine business-class replacement for a fixed-line service.
The only downside I’ve found so far is the need for a dedicated headset – although the sound quality through the built-in microphone on a Powerbook is reasonably OK, it’s a bit wearing on the other party if you’re constantly dropping in and out.
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From a SKYPE fan … and PowerBook user.
Headsets are no big deal. Adequate ones range from $15 to really quite good ones at $40-50. BUT, if you have a PowerBook, the main issue is that the “line in” port on your laptop is not a microphone connect.
You’ll need a nifty gadget from Griffin Technology that will adapt a mic input (from the headset) into a USB port on your PowerBook. They do cost about $35 … but it’s a lot cheaper than having a PC and needing a soundcard! Here’s where to find info.
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/index.php
Thanks for the pointer – the Powerbook line-in port had me confused for a while, as I’d assumed that it was a mic-level input. I guess a USB headset is the ultimate answer…
My colleague at work suggested USB bluetooth dongle (£14.99 at PC world), with a bluetooth headset. We’ve all got one of those already havn’t we !!
I havn’t tried it myself, but his opinion is that this is now equivalent to his mobile because of the hands free.