T&T: Skype phone

[Bob DeGroot, DCH]

I've been working with Skype for a while now and found that the wireless
connection along with the computer (or phone) you have makes all the
difference. Do you use the volume control on your laptop or let Skype
control the volume? Do you use a directional microphone or use headsets?
Again, these will dramatically affect the quality of the call.

Our new HP Pavilion Entertainment PC with 64 bit processor is absolutely
horrible for Skype. Have to use headset and external sound card. I just
downloaded the new audio software for 64 bit computers and it improved my
Skype performance dramatically. There are Skype approved microphones as
well. My antique Compaq laptop, using the built in microphone, is absolutely
perfect for Skype. We've used it in Mexico (Marriott in Puerto Vallarta) and
had perfect reception.

I have the "Netgear" WiFi phone (looks like a small cell phone) so that I
don't need my laptop running to use Skype. Works fine - not as good as the
Compaq computer for tone quality.

We're installing a www.5milewifi.com booster for the boat. Remember that
with WiFi you have about a 30 foot limit from the router (with nothing
between your computer and the router antenna. And if you're not using the
most recent card (N1) you're operating with a pretty weak signal (hear cut
outs).

Don't forget the camera though. If your laptop doesn't have one built in,
then get a webcam (they're cheap) and plug it in. It's fun to see the person
on the other end of the phone or show them around the doc by pointing the
camera.

So we have four laptops, two are great and two not so great.

So, Best Buy has the approved microphones, webcams, and N1a cards. So much
for free.

Bob DeGroot, D.C.H.
M/V Spirit Dancer
DeFever 49 CPMY
Lakewood Yacht Club - Seabrook, Texas
MTOA # 1896 - DeFever Cruisers # 857
Great Loop Assoc. (AGLCA) # 427
www.BoaterSites.com
Cell (713) 876-8787
Skype: 281-506-2676 or dr.bob.degroot

-----Original Message-----
From: trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces at lists.samurai.com
[mailto:trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces at lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of
FloridaKeyz at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2009 7:23 AM
To: trawlers-and-trawlering at lists.samurai.com
Subject: T&T: Skype phone

In a message dated 2/3/2009 11:00:39 P.M. Central Standard Time,
trawlers-and-trawlering-request at lists.samurai.com writes:I have the old
unlimited SLOW
verizon air card. I recently installed skype.
It's  pretty bad phone service, cuts out alot. I will use in Canada, but
probably  not here in the states. fwiw

ditto, I have the exact same set up, with the exact same results and
conclusion.

See you on  the Waterways!
Capt. Sterling
_Trawler for Sale_ (http://floridakeys.homestead.com/forsale.html)


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