3 X-series or Skypephone?

kodbel

I couldn't make out where to post this, here or in the mobilephone section, but anyways...

Could someone help me find out what's the difference between a x-series phone (ie-nokia 6120 or nokia E65) and the Skype-phone regarding the functions in skype?
As much as I can understand, Skypephone has a dedicated button, whereas you need to go through the menu for others, and the skypephone has chat option in skype which is not available in xseries(xseries has live messenger though!)
Is that all, or there is more than this?

I am looking to get a new contract, but can't decide between skypephone and nokia 6120 . I will be a heavy skype user and need to be online 24/7.. (wonder if the extra battery juice in skypephone will be beneficial??)

ChemicalBrother_2

The X-Series handsets run Skype just like any app, whereas the Skypephone has been designed especially for Skype use. It still runs, in many ways, like another app but it's tightly intergrated and doesn't close down whenever another app or two are launcher.

So, whereas my Nokia will close the Skype down if I'm using other memory intensive programs, my Skypephone doesn't. I can't comment on the battery life as my use over the last couple of days wouldn't be typical of most users. One benefit is it can be charged from (I'd imagine) any USB socket, certainly laptops and PCs.

tryingtosave_3

I'm not sure exactly how the new 3 skype phone works - Skype on x-series is sort of a clever workaround, in which normal / POTS telephone calls are made to three's skype server which then are connected to the skype network - but you're not charged in the normal way (think the number of free skype minutes might vary from package to package). I think other bits, i.e. who is online etc. is done via 3G though.

You can't make Skype out calls for example or chat. As noted in the first post, you can chat with the new 3 Skype phone, so I'm wondering if it's actually using the 3G signal to connect?

For those on the x-series package with a good unlimited deal, you can also use Fring (http://www.fring.com/) which allows skype / MSN / Google Chat functionality, including skype chat, over the 3G network or wifi if your phone has it. I say "can" as in it's technically possible and not blocked by 3, although there might be some small print they could use to prevent it in the future (despite being very happy with 3 I'm always fairly cynical with mobile phone companies!). x-series is also more than just skype of course - I still feel it's pretty impressive if you're likely to want podcasting, email, good web access (not a walled garden anymore - access facebook, flickr, you tube, bbc etc.).

I guess my advice would be to compare prices over the whole length of the contract and ask whether you'd actually use the extras the x-series would offer - that's assuming an x-series package is more expensive. If you're interested in the x-series stuff, there is a good blog from the technical team, plus a site for software / websites people recommend:

http://xseries.typepad.com/
http://next.three.com/index.aspx

bonzer

tryingtosave wrote: »

I'm not sure exactly how the new 3 skype phone works - Skype on x-series is sort of a clever workaround, in which normal / POTS telephone calls are made to three's skype server which then are connected to the skype network

Works in the same way. It's basically a normal 3G phone running skype interface and calls are routed into Skype at the three end. Which is probably no bad thing as I bet it's much more reliable than running skype directly on the phone.

I read somewhere the skype features are slightly better integrated than the x-series in that the skype phone book is integrated with the main phone book for example and it auto signs you in.

I understand also skype in/out do not work (at present at least) but you can chat.

Bonzer

kodbel

I was more inclined to X series Nokia 6120 than Skypephone, but now after considering the pros of skypephone and the fact that I won't use most of the other xseries features, I will go for the pay as you go option than the 18 month contract.
Thank you all for your input.

matt3mobilebuzz_2

Hi guys, just a quick note to say I'm on hand to try and answer any queries, the original question seems to have been dealt with but just for posterity:
On the Skypephone, Skype is always on, preinstalled and fully integrated. Skype Chat is available and Skype can be found through the multi-tasker.

Also can I direct anyone with queries to the FAQ at http://www.3skypephone.com/english/faq.html

but if you can't find your answer please let me know. You can PM me or send an email to matt@3mobilebuzz.com

Thanks,

Matt