Internet phones?

[zepp]

I bought my mother a phone to use on the internet (Skype enabled) as she uses skpe all the time to family across the pond, the US and Canada. She has been told by someone that the other person must also be using a similar phone rather than just microphone and pc speakers for it to work.
Is this the case? as if it is then she may as well go get a refund.

[Sakara Drinker]

I don't think so. So long as Skype is set up at the other end then I shouldn't matter what you are using. Could be talking crap though.

[Scuby]

If it is really using Skype, then it doesn't matter what the other end is. If she's paying for the extra Skype services then she can talk to any "normal" phone too. If not, Skype won't differentiate between different clients.

David

[PW1664]

AFAIK, there are two types of SKYPE phones, a usb phone that is mearly an extension of your PC, the only difference between this and a headset is (1) it looks like a convensional phone handset. (2) It has some additional functionality, keypad, etc, meaning you're not tied to the pc keyboard.

The other is a WiFi phone that can be used at any internet hot spot. incl. your own radio network, without the need of a pc.

Obviously, to use skype the other party either needs a skype account, how they access the voice data has no bearing on how accessskype.

You can ofcourse skype to convensional landlines and mobile for a charge by purchasing credit.

[CotoChris]

I use skype on voipstunt. As far as I know it doesn't matter what phone the receiver end has, it has never been a problem for me.

[zepp]

Thanks for the replies. I will tell her to give it a go then.
I really must learn more about technology and gadgets.

[jon wright]

I use Skype, but have been using voipcheap more recently. (VoipCheap - FREE CALLS to regular phones over the internet!) I can call my brother on his mobile in LA for free and most countries landlines are free too.