Cheapest internet phones plus free worldwide calls

marvalous

I bought the Tesco internet phone for £9.97 last week. Is it possible to use it just as a headset via Skype without registering with Tesco Internet Phone. I tried installing Tesco Internet phone last night but when I pressed register, it said there was an error. Only really bought these for the points which I swear seem to have gone from 999 to 500!

any help appreciated

The_Bookman

....my Vaio was supplied with a headset and mike 4 years ago. I've been using it ever since. All these Voip providers include a keypad with their software, as far as I can see, so why would anyone spend money on a phone?

pixwix

I picked up a Tevion USB Internet phone yesterday at my local branch of Aldi. Haven't had a chance to test it yet (other than that it actually works), as I chucked the disk that came with it. Didn't fancy the Tevion software (plus it seemed a bit vague as to what you're actually signing up to with Tevion Internet Phone Service) but I've been assured by others it should work fine with other voip software. The handset is basic of course, but for £6.99 it has to be a bargain.

Instructions insist that the install disk must be used before plugging in the handset. Not so (unless you actually want the Tevion service) - the handset installed itself in 30 seconds on my Vista machine with no problem.

Now to find out which really is the best voip service - now there's a subject that can make your head hurt!

malarin

I can use my own handset and have free calls with Vonage.co.uk. I purchased a little gadget that goes between my phone and my Internet connection and it costs me £7.99 a month. Free normal calls and free calls to Canada and America. That is the option I chose. Calls with 0800 etc have a small charge etc. but all other calls are free. I think the gadget cost me £16.99 in the first place. Would recommend this system as I am still using it.

:j Marilyn

viticella

I have picked up one of those Aldi internet phones too. Possibly stupid question: should my laptop (an Acer running Win XP) recognise it as a device? I've downloaded skypemate and skype as suggested elsewhere, but I keep getting "power surge on usb hub port" and "unknown device" error messages.

in desperation I have run the Aldi software CD and been suckered for £10 credit, but the phone is still a "dead" device.

do you thiink the handset is a dud? should it have a light on or something on the display? I never normally have problems with my USB ports

I am frustrated almost to the point of tears here!!!!

eagertosave

i still dont understand why ppl have to use another software when most of them already use messenger softwares like yahoo, msn or icq. u can talk to anyone around the world via these for free. u can use the speaker in ur pc and for a mic u can use any headset. (the one from ur mp3 palyer or an old walkman is fine) just plug it into ur mic port in the pc. so u have a speaker and a mic. why on earth wud u need a phone costing 10-15 quid.
if u have a device that let u use the fone without turning on the pc, like the one which gets connected to the modem, that wud be agreat advantage.
to call int landlines and mobiles, u still can use yahoo.

travel_freak

Hi eagertosave,

Please could you post more details/instructions for how you can call landlines and mobiles for free using Yahoo? I'm really interested in this but not too technical so some advice/tips would be really useful.

Many thanks.

eagertosave

i didnt mean u can call int landlines and mobiles for free from yahoo. calling the computer is free and u have to pay for landlines and mobiles. but u dont need a usb fone costing 10-15 quid.

k2150

The problem with 90% of USB phones sold in the UK, it doesn't matter whether you choose a single mode (VOIP) phone, dual mode (VOIP + PSTN) phone, corded, or cordless voip phone ...
they all come pre-figured and locked in to a SKYPE account. Now I don't know why this is because Skype are just about the most expensive VOIP service provider around.

Personally I would buy any one of the phones made by Yealink because they provide the software to make their phones work not just with Skype but with
other VOIP services and softphones. Yealink phones are compatible with these ...

Services: Skype, Sipgate, Vonage, MSN, Yahoo, GoogleTalk, Voipcheap, Voipbuster, (and all other Betamax providers)

Softphones: X-Lite, Eye-Beam, Bria, SJphone, (and all the Betamax softphones)

http://www.yealink.com/en/products.asp

if you want a cheap corded Yealink USB VOIP phone that works well ...I have one and it's bullet-proof!
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Electronics/Phones/VoIP+Phone+USB+Skype-Use+-+Silver?productId=17584

If you want a better cordless Yealink USB phone with more features:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/126357

If you already have a very nice DECT phone that you use to make calls over a BT landline (PSTN) then you only need buy an ATA adaptor that will
let you use the same phone over VOIP, the beauty of this device is that your PC doesn't need to be turned on:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/106506
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cwp500

ozzyj wrote: »

I am fed up with seeing Skype being promoted by you and all, as I get a bad taste in my mouth.
Don't get me wrong, it may be fine for using the free calling with your internet connection, but beware if you decide to use it for making calls to those friends that just have a normal phone.
You have to open a credit account with £10 min. that then deducts your call charge, the problem that I found is you pay "TWICE" once to Skype who very cheekily channel the call through YOUR landline (that is if you have one) and therefore pay again to your supplier,ok mine is Talktalk, who advised me that they are charged by BT for the calls I make via Skype:mad: .
I have accused both parties of conning me without any satisfaction, except ridding Skype from my PC for ever.

Best to use Skype over the net on your PC, its not really a satisfactory means of calling landlines.