Skype Offers Free Skypeout

**Rishad** · 05-15-06, 04:54 PM

SkypeOut is now free, until at least the end of 2006. If you’re in the US or Canada, you can use SkypeOut to call any landline or mobile number in both the USA and Canada for free.

If you’re in the US or Canada and calling any other country, OR if you’re in any other country and calling landline or mobile numbers in the US or Canada, the standard SkypeOut rates apply.

Read more here.

Special thanks to FallN for posting the information on the board.

Source: skype.com

05-15-06, 04:57 PM

Thanks a lot for the "official" heads up. :approve:

goodguy20k · 05-15-06, 05:01 PM

I just got that email... Coolness! Now if only my poor X5 had Wi-Fi...

HowardS · 05-15-06, 05:04 PM

I have Skype on my Axim X30h, but how does it work? I assume I need a headset!??!

Is there a Skype for dummies somewhere around here?

ilovewasabi · 05-15-06, 05:16 PM

so do you have to have a PDA phone in order to use this service?

edge777 · 05-15-06, 05:18 PM

Certain service providers are having difficulty as Skype tried to determine if the originating IP is coming from the US or Canada. If your IP starts with a 7, you will likely have difficulties until they work it out.

It works great for me (on my PC and my Axim), and I've never bought Skype calling credits. Now I finally have a reason to tweak the BT on my Axim X51v. I just installed the latest Broadcom BT hack (to allow for headset use). The audio in is good (if not a bit quiet), but the mic input from my Motorola H500 headset has a buzz to it.

At any rate, for those wanting to use a headset with your Axim X51 or X50, you can get the Broadcom BT Stack (here) (Version 0.38). Just be sure to follow the directions carefully, and do all the backups first.

edge777 · 05-15-06, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by ilovewasabi

so do you have to have a PDA phone in order to use this service?

No, all you need is a microphone. Although, for better quality, you can use a headset (there are many different kinds which connect to your PC, I use a USB one which is great).

With a PDA, like an Axim, some come with built-in in microphones (which work okay, but if you don't use headphones or earbuds, you may get feedback). However, if the volume isn't too high (2 or 3), hold your Axim X50/51 upside down and use it like a phone (the speaker is by the toggle, and the mic is on the top left, so then it works just like a phone).

Dell also sells a corded headset for the Axim, and of course, if you can hack the BT, you can use a BT headset.

**Rishad** · 05-15-06, 05:23 PM

Yup works great for me too!

HowardS, you don't really need a headset.

ilovewasabi, you can use the service on your PC too if you want.

FallN · 05-15-06, 06:03 PM

Hi all,

I just want to let people know that your IP doesn't have to start with the number "7" for you to be denied free calls. I myself have Earthlink broadband with an IP of 208.xxx.x.xx and cannot use the free service. I know a bunch of other people who do NOT have "7" as the beginning number of their IP that have the same problem as well.

This issue is widespread encompassing some of the largest ISP providers on this country: Comcast, Roadrunner, Earthlink, Bell South, Verizon, you name it.

I just hope Skype steps up to the plate and fixes these issues before a tens of thousands more people sign up for Skype under the promise of "free calls" and are denied.

stormloader · 05-15-06, 06:07 PM

I just tried it from my x51v... works GREAT! Free calls for emergencies (or clearer connections than cell phone sometimes).

**ksong12** · 05-15-06, 07:02 PM

OMG OMG OMG! Are you serious! Awsome! Thanks for the heads up!

marksj · 05-15-06, 08:39 PM

Works great for me.I have been using skype for about 2 yrs now.I have never paid for skypeout,but have used pc to pc to call our daughter in Canada.I downloaded skype to my ax51 today and called my daughter to check out the connection.Worked great(did not even have headphones)I was also able to call her while my wife was talking on the pc to pc with her at the same time

superatrain · 05-15-06, 08:39 PM

:D OMFG prank calls here I come!!!

Who needs a cell?
Just walk a few feet, connect to an open AP, instant phone... :P
I don't have a cell, so I won't mind the lack of incoming...

klomp10 · 05-15-06, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by superatrain

:D OMFG prank calls here I come!!!

Who needs a cell?
Just walk a few feet, connect to an open AP, instant phone... :P
I don't have a cell, so I won't mind the lack of incoming...

If you need someone to prank call here is Bill Gates'sphone number 1-800-dollars*.
Go ask him if his Vista is running.

This is great news though, stinks no international though.

ingiro · 05-15-06, 09:14 PM

[QUOTE=superatrain]:D OMFG prank calls here I come!!!

[QUOTE]

I guess assholes still exist. Dude seriously grow up!