Easiest and cheapest way to use Skype without a PC

Kido

My brother is working abroad but wants to keep in touch with my parents via Skype. Although they do have a PC, they don't want to leave it on all the time on the off chance he rings. With his lifestyle being a bit hectic, he never knows when he's going to be able to Skype so we can't necessarily arrange a time.

I know you can get specialist Skype phones (we have got one but it's getting very unreliable) but I was wondering about maybe a cheap smart phone or tablet being a better option. Just something that has WiFi on it and will alert them to an incoming Skype call.

As my parents are quite elderly, I just want something that's simple for them to use and is going to be reliable and can sit next to them on the coffee table so they don't have to jump up and down to get to the phone. The display isn't important as once they've answered the call, they can switch the PC on and talk to him over that.

Can anyone provide any suggestions or advice as to what might be the best option.

jassi_9

Kido wrote: »

My brother is working abroad but wants to keep in touch with my parents via Skype. Although they do have a PC, they don't want to leave it on all the time on the off chance he rings. With his lifestyle being a bit hectic, he never knows when he's going to be able to Skype so we can't necessarily arrange a time.

I know you can get specialist Skype phones (we have got one but it's getting very unreliable) but I was wondering about maybe a cheap smart phone or tablet being a better option. Just something that has WiFi on it and will alert them to an incoming Skype call.

As my parents are quite elderly, I just want something that's simple for them to use and is going to be reliable and can sit next to them on the coffee table so they don't have to jump up and down to get to the phone. The display isn't important as once they've answered the call, they can switch the PC on and talk to him over that.

Can anyone provide any suggestions or advice as to what might be the best option.

Any smartphone can have skype on there

Go with an Android smartphone.....apple will steal their pictures

Cisco001

Tablet/ Smart phone
good budget one would probably cost £80 - 100

GunJack

jassi_9 wrote: »

Any smartphone can have skype on there

Go with an Android smartphone.....apple will steal their pictures

but, to be able to use skype you'll need a phone (or tablet) with dual cameras. Single-camera phones invariably have the camera pointing away from the user...

7" tablet like this would do it for £35:-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Screen-Allwinner-1-5GHz-Android-Tablet-Blue/dp/B00IBBJKIS/ref=pd_sim_ce_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=10QWDBXZFEF4YWBC7WJ0

GunJack

sorry, should have said dual cameras to use the video calling (but assumed that was what they were after )