First of all, I'm considering getting a Skype Phone (USB, VOIP) for my other place. Skype offers free PC to PC calls, and fairly cheap long distance calls (1.9 cents per minute) - My main use would be PC TO PC, but since I don't currently have a phone in the other place, I thought this was the next best thing.

I've tried finding stuff that would tie my regular phone line from the old house through a wifi network, and then be able to use it at the new place, but couldn't find any thing like that.

So, the next option, as far as I can tell, is VOIP. Any one know what kind of quality of service skype offers, etc?

Next topic..

Microsoft has started to push the 802.11a standard again, for its Media Center PCs and XBOX 360 systems. They claim that both operate at the same speed, but the 802.11a 5ghz system is less crowded or noisy. 802.11a has been plagued from the beginning, however, due to it not being able to shoot data for long distances. That could also be a reason why its less noisy, because other 5ghz phones and such aren't able to make their signal from your neighbors to you.

I've personally never used 802.11a, but have used B and currently using G. The problem with wireless G is that your actually average data rate is around 22mbps, and it's halved with each and every wifi device connected to it. The main problem is that routers were built to run every thing off of 1 channel. They should have had multiple channels, one for each connection. In that configuration, each device would have somewhere between 22mbps or higher.

For the internet, for most people at least, that configuration would be fine for several computers, as most people only have between 1 and 7mbps connections. At 1mbps, that means you could probably connect at least 20 PCs to it like that. At 7, maybe three.

For LAN stuff, like transferring large files, or streaming hi-def content, etc, there could be a problem. Some people are saying that if you can't get a wired connection to your media center or xbox 360, then let the 360 have its own access point, if using 802.11g. That'd be fine for most people, as their wireless system should cover their area, but for me, I have the router in one place, and 360 in another. So, I would have to buy 2 access points, another outdoor wifi antenna, and some expensive cabling and adapters.

There are also a bunch of super wifi systems, that claim 72mbps, 80mbps, 150mbps, but who knows how well they really work. The worst part is that in most cases, you'd have to convert the whole network to that system, which could cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

I broke down and bought 2 skype phones the other day, one for each of my places. Wal-Mart has two different ones. One was a no-named for for $24.99, and a US Robotics one for $29.95. I figured US Robotics would probably be better than the other, although none in the $25-$40 range has many features. The next up probably would be around $45, which would be a speaker phone, and then as high as $100 or more for dual or cordless, and then around $300 for wifi (independent of a pc) version.

Signing up to Skype was fast and simple. The drivers for the phone required a reboot for one of my pcs but not the other. Set the programs to boot with windows each time, and you're all set.

I used the search function on each phone, to find each of my accounts, and then added them as a contact, which was easy. There is a "contacts" button on the usb phone, which shows a list of contacts, and then you just highlight the one you want to call, and then press the green/send button.

Call quality was good calling pc to pc, at least on my network, but I'm guessing that has more to do with both phones being on the same network. Next, I made a call through a real phone. Call quality degraded a bit. Voices are a little lower and fuzzier some times.

The bad: Skype is a bit buggy. Some times, I have to try 2 or 3 times before the number or contact goes through. It'll act as if it's dialing and then say "WAIT" and then the skype program would minimize, until you try to call again.

Calls are a bit delayed and occasionally echo lightly in the background, which can confuse you or make you say "what?" Also, skype hates it when two people try to talk at the same time. It gets major noise breakup. So, if you're using skype, make sure that the other person is done saying what they have to say before you begin your sentence.

Also, unless you're willing to spend around $60-$100 for a cordless, you'll have to be by your PC to send and receive calls. If you're willing to spend $300, they have one that will make use of any open networks. Not quite as good as a cell phone in that aspect, but in any area where there's a wifi hotspot, you should be able to use it.

The good - PC to PC calls are free, PC TO Phone calls in the USA are free until the end of 2006. Also, you do not have to have a usb phone. You can use your mouse and keyboard as a dialer and a headset to talk with.

You can get a local access number in 14 countries, for 30 euros a year per number. If you have a friend in another town or country, then you might can save them some money by going that route. Calls inside the US are going to be 1.9cents per minute, and you'll buy $10 worth of credit with each purchase. So, it's pretty much prepaid.

If you buy a number, you also get free voicemail!

International calls vary in price, and also start at 1.9 cents a minute and up.

30 Euros = $38 US Currency.

Conclusion: If you already have a phone or cell phone, or use a phone a lot, then you probably wouldn't want to use this service, as the quality isn't quite as good as a real phone. However, if you don't use a phone much, or if you're paying too much for what you get, you may consider going this route.

I currently do not have a phone at my other place. So, I'll soon be getting a skype number for a year to try it out and a little bit of credit, to make calls. I don't want to have to pay $150+ for the phone company to install a new line, $25+ a month to keep the phone on, and then pay for whatever calls I make, because I just don't make a lot. For just $100, you can get a usb phone, a phone number for a year, voicemail service, call waiting, caller id, 2 $10 credit vouchers (1.9 cents per minute calling phones, 0 cents per min pc to pc) and still have $12 left over for a 750ml of booze :/