Communication via Skype is gradually replacing other types of communications - landline and even mobile phone calls. After all, the advantages of using such computer programs are obvious - reliability, simplicity, accessibility, additional features in the form of a video call, etc.

Skype phone further expands user capabilities. With it, you can make calls via Skype without using a computer, making it as if you were calling on a regular phone. This is especially true for those who have to make quite a lot of business or personal calls.

Advantages of Skype phones

Using a Skype phone, you will not experience any inconvenience or difficulty, because to make a call you only need to select one of the subscribers contained in your address book and press “dial”. There is no need to turn on the computer, connect the phone to it, stay near the monitor during the entire conversation and hold the microphone.

The phone takes all Skype contacts from the system server, and therefore those users whom you added to your Skype contact list will also appear in the phone book of your device.

If your Skype phone supports video calls (and almost all modern models have this feature), you can also make video calls, just as if you were sitting in front of your computer monitor and webcam. At the same time, the handset provides significantly greater comfort of use, high image clarity, sound quality and the ability to flexibly adjust microphone sensitivity.

How else is Skype phone convenient? First of all, its ability to combine calls via Skype and a regular landline. That is, you can use it either way. Similarly, you can receive calls from Skype users or subscribers of city telephone networks.

Why should you buy from us?

If you want to purchase a Skype phone, then in our store you will always find a wide selection of devices from domestic and foreign manufacturers. The assortment includes models with a different set of functions and capabilities, presented in different price categories.

If you don’t know which Skype phone you need, the advice of our consultants will help you decide. You will be able to personally experience the operation of this or that device and make sure of its quality and reliability.

Here you can buy not only a Skype phone, but also accessories for it, as well as receive consulting support and assistance in setting up and connecting the device.

The options may be the following:

1. Currently, it is the most common among mid- and low-cost phones. It is quite easy to install any program on a phone with this OS if it supports it.
2. This application can be installed on iPhone 4 and all subsequent models. You can also install on older versions of this OS, namely 5th and 6th.
3. Windows Phone. At the moment, this system is not as popular as the previous two, but it is gaining popularity at incredible speed. Supported from version 8.
4. This is the least popular platform due to its distribution only in the United States. However, there is a full-fledged Skype client for it.
5. Nokia X. There is no separate Skype program for this operating system, since this service is provided in these devices.
6. Amazon Fire Phone. Phones of this brand already have Skype installed during initial setup.
7. Windows Mobile. The first Nokia smartphones were released with this operating system. Unfortunately, for owners of such phones, Skype is not available for them.
8. Almost all push-button phones were produced on this platform. However, in 2013, the developers stopped the Skype Lite for Java servers, so it is impossible to download this program for them.

You can always download the Skype client if you have Internet access and Skype exists for your OS. In this case, you can always download it from our website.

The popularity of IP telephony services is growing every day: more and more new operators, services and programs for communicating via the Internet are appearing. Hardware manufacturing is growing rapidly. Today, in the high-tech market, the user is offered phones that connect to the USB port of a computer, and equipment that can be connected directly to the network. There is also high-tech equipment that provides a whole range of services: voice conferencing, video channel, data transfer, etc. In general, the choice is rich, and you can simply get confused in all this abundance. To prevent this from happening, we bring to your attention the materials in this chapter, which is devoted to hardware for Skype telephony.

After reading it, everyone will be able to navigate the variety of communication tools for VoIP telephony. You will learn what minimum set of equipment is needed to communicate via the Internet using Skype and what equipment exists that provides higher functionality. You will have a clear idea of ​​what you need to buy and then what to do with it.

Hardware for Skype telephony

A sound card, microphone and headphones are the minimum set that will ensure voice communication over the Internet; without it you are unlikely to succeed. In this section, you will become familiar with the types of equipment, consider the differences between similar models, and also learn how to connect devices to your computer.

Sound cards

Sound cards have become an indispensable part of a modern computer; they convert sound into a digital signal and vice versa. Since no one will likely need a PC without the ability to listen to music and record sound from external devices, almost all modern system (motherboards) have a built-in sound card on board, which provides very decent sound parameters.

The sound card outputs are located on the back panel of the computer. For example, in Fig. 2.1 you can see the outputs of a standard sound card on the motherboard.

Rice. 2.1. Sound card outputs are marked with a circle

In addition, some modern motherboards are equipped with multi-channel sound cards that have not three, but six outputs. You can see an example of such a board in Fig. 2.2.

Rice. 2.2. Multichannel sound card outputs

Many users are not satisfied with the capabilities of built-in audio processing cards, so they install sound cards purchased separately. An example of such a map is shown in Fig. 2.3.

Rice. 2.3. External Sound Card

Now you know the main types of sound cards and can easily find the outputs you need. Let's figure out what they are responsible for. As you probably noticed, the outputs differ in color, so finding the one you need is not difficult, and next to each of them there is an icon informing about the purpose of the channel.

For example, to connect a microphone, look for an output with a microphone icon, which is usually pink. Connect headphones or speakers to the line output, it is green. If you need more detailed information, please refer to the card instructions. So, we will assume that you have a sound card. However, as you will later find out, under certain conditions you can talk even without it.

Headphones

If you want to hear your interlocutor, you must have a voice playback device. Standard desktop speakers may be suitable for this purpose. However, when a person is not alone in the room, he is unlikely to want others to know what he is talking about. In addition, the sound from the speakers can disturb other people. The way out of this situation is to use headphones.

In principle, you can have absolutely any headphones, for example from your CD or Flash MP3 player, but if you want to completely isolate yourself from extraneous noise, I recommend purchasing closed-type headphones. For example, such as in Fig. 2.4.

The quality of the headphones will naturally affect the sound quality. If you need headphones only for communication, almost any will do, because the human voice affects a very limited frequency range, which even inexpensive models can reproduce normally.

Rice. 2.4. Example of closed-back headphones

Microphone

Since you are going to communicate two-way with the other person, you will also need a microphone to transmit your own voice. Finding such a device will not be difficult, because almost any one will do. For ease of work, it is better to use special computers equipped with a stand that will allow you to adjust the height and angle of the microphone.

In addition, there are microphones that are attached to clothing or with a headband. So you won't have to move it to turn to the side. But in general, the situation with microphones is the same as with headphones - as long as it is convenient for you to work.

Headsets

Despite the fact that using headphones (speakers) and a microphone separately has its advantages, in most cases it is more convenient to use combined devices - headsets. In appearance, they resemble headphones, to which a microphone is attached so that it is always near your mouth. In Fig. 2.5 you can see a classic closed-back headset.

Rice. 2.5. Analog headset

As you can see, at the end of the wire there are two plugs: one of them is inserted into the microphone jack, and the other into the headphone jack. As a result, you get a very convenient device for negotiations.

In other cases, you will also need to talk with others, then you should use a headset with one earphone, as in Fig. 2.6.

Using this device makes it possible to work “on two fronts”: you will simultaneously hear both the interlocutor via IP telephony and the people around you.

Please note that the devices discussed above had an analog interface, that is, they were connected to a sound card. In addition to them, there are also digital ones that allow you to do without a card. In Fig. 2.7. An example of a digital headset is presented.

Such devices are connected via USB and free you from the need to use a sound card. Decide for yourself which device suits you best.

Rice. 2.6. Headset with one earpiece

Rice. 2.7. Digital headset

Audio switch

If you use a headset and audio speakers on your computer at the same time, you have probably encountered the problem of switching the signal between these devices. The PC Headset Speaker Switch, developed by Plantronics, can solve these types of problems. This is a compact and stylish device that can be located in any convenient place and is capable of switching the audio signal from the headset to the speakers and back with one click of a button.

The device connects to the connector of a sound card from any manufacturer and does not require preliminary settings.

To use and share video captured from your camera, you may need a special device called a webcam.

Webcams

If you want to stream video when communicating on Skype, you will need a webcam designed to capture video and send it live. The official Skype website recommends using cameras of the highest quality (High Quality Video) or standard ones (Standard Webcams). For example, the Logitech Quickcam Sphere AF camera allows you to capture high-quality video (Fig. 2.8).

You can limit yourself to a simpler device - a standard camera. Its main advantage is its low cost. But, naturally, the video quality will be much lower. In Fig. Figure 2.9 shows a standard camera for communicating in Skype Logitech QuickCam Chat.

By connecting such a device to your computer, you can transfer your image to your interlocutor while communicating via Skype.

Rice. 2.8. Logitech Quickcam Sphere AF webcam

Rice. 2.9. Standard Logitech QuickCam Chat

As you already know, to conduct a conversation over the Internet using Skype, you only need headphones, a microphone or a headset. However, the development of IP telephony does not stand still, which has led to the emergence of devices with much higher functionality. Many manufacturers began to produce devices specifically for Skype. Outwardly, they resemble ordinary phones, so you don’t have to think long about how to work with them. If you use Skype telephony services quite often, then purchasing such a device will be quite justified.

Phones and devices for Skype

This section will briefly talk about technical tools and innovations in the field of Skype telephony. On the Skype website you can find a more detailed description of the equipment, various components and add-ons for Skype. Enter the email address http://www.skype.eom/intl/en/mobile/#panelPresetl in your browser's address bar and the Skype website page will be displayed on your screen.

Wi-Fi phones for Skype

Nowadays, wireless technologies based on the Wi-Fi standard have become widespread. Wi-Fi technology, abbreviated from English Wireless Fidelity, literally means “reliable wireless communication”. The peculiarity of this wireless communication standard is its fairly high data transfer rates, as well as its large signal range. Therefore, it would be strange if Skype manufacturers did not take advantage of the new technology. Without going into technical details, let's take a look at the new products that support this standard. As an example, consider the Skype-certified Belkin Wi-Fi phone, model F1PP000GN-SK (Fig. 2.10).

Rice. 2.10. Certified Skype phone F1PP000GN-SK with Wi-Fi technology

Other certified models for Skype that have appeared recently are also of interest: Edge-Core WiFi Phone for Skype (WM4201), NETGEAR WiFi Phone for Skype (SPH101) and SMC WiFi Phone for Skype (WSKP100). These devices are wireless Skype phones that allow you to work with the program anywhere you have access to a Wi-Fi network. This could be a cafe, a hotel room, an airport, or just a home or corporate Wi-Fi hotspot. On the Skype website you can get additional information about new models and even buy them in the online store.

The phone has built-in software for working with Skype. This makes it possible to use all the main voice functions of the program, such as Skype to Skype calls (Calls between Skype subscribers), SkypeOut (Calls to regular phones from Skype), SkypeIn (Call to your own Skype number), Skype Voicemail (Skype Voice Mail). On the pages of the book a little later we will talk about all types of calls.

The phone has a large color display, which clearly displays the Skype contact sheet, which is automatically downloaded from the server. The Edge-Core WM4201 is easy to set up and use and complies with the 802.11b wireless standard specification.

Your phone has built-in software updates so you can always use the latest version of Skype. The Edge-Core WM4201 package includes a headset, a USB charging cable (220 V) and software updates.

Wireless Skype phones without connecting to a computer

In addition to Wi-Fi devices for Skype telephony, there are also cordless phones. They connect directly to the telephone network and do not require a computer to operate, which is their main advantage. An example of a Skype phone of this type is the Dualphone 3088 model (Fig. 2.11).

Rice. 2.11. Skype phone Dualphone 3088

The Dualphone 3088 is a wireless phone for Skype that does not require connection to a computer and provides communication within a radius of up to 300 m from the base. You just need to connect the Dualphone station to the broadband Internet, and you will have a great opportunity to talk to friends via Skype for free. Using low SkypeOut rates or telephone network operator rates, you can make calls to regular phones to any country in the world. The popular Skype user interface, large color display, excellent sound quality and easy software updates directly from the phone make the Dualphone 3088 a user-friendly and attractive solution.

New Skype phone 3 Skypephone

3 Skypephone is the first mobile phone that allows you to make calls, open and chat for free, with just one click. In Fig. Figure 2.12 shows the appearance of Skypephone 3.

The phone can be used to communicate with all Skype users, regardless of whether they are using a computer or a mobile phone.

By moving your list of Skype contacts to your phone's address book, you can easily manage them, no matter what type of Skype call you make. At the same time, you can use all the main functions of Skype, including displaying online status, call history and Skype chat.

Rice. 2.12. Phone 3 Skypephone

The phone is based on BREW technology. The abbreviation BREW comes from the English name Binary Run-Time Environment for Wireless, which translates as “application development platform for mobile devices.” This technology allows mobile phone owners to quickly download and run applications without using the phone's processor. It not only provides users with high quality communications, but also provides a full range of modern services - from ringtones and screensavers to full-fledged multimedia applications, including games, videos, etc.

On April 24, 2008, Skype officially announced the release of the first public beta version of the Skype client for mobile phones with Java support. Skype can work on many phone models made by Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. In the near future, this list should expand significantly.

The version of Skype for mobile phones allows you to use simple and group chats, create a list of contacts with presence status display, receive calls from Skype subscribers, make Skypeln calls. Unfortunately, the Skypeln and SkypeOut functions are currently available only to residents of seven countries, including Russia. This significant limitation on outgoing calls is explained by the operating principle of the new client. Contact list support, chats and call initiation occur via a GPRS connection. The calls themselves are made through a local gateway, to which the subscriber’s phone is dialed via GSM channels. This method is designed to make communication reliable and high-quality, which a GPRS connection cannot provide. Naturally, the call fee increases by the cost of the call within the cellular network. At the same time, as practice shows, Skype calls to long-distance and international destinations still remain significantly cheaper than calls at the rates of cellular network operators.

In any case, the appearance of the official Skype client for mobile phones is an important event and a big step towards Skype users. Today it is in the testing stage and is not available for all phone models.

Currently, there is a tendency to combine all types of communications into a single whole. Mobile phones have the Internet, the Internet has telephone connections, etc. Skype combines a variety of communication methods. They will be discussed in the following chapters of this book.

This ends our acquaintance with additional devices that can make life easier for Skype telephony users, as well as expand the range of available services.

In this chapter, you learned about specialized equipment that is designed to work with Skype. With its help, subscribers communicate with the interlocutor via a voice channel, and in networks with sufficient bandwidth, you can even organize video conferences.

The minimum kit required to work with Skype includes headphones, a microphone and a sound card. It may be absent or not activated if there is a digital signal converter in the headphones and microphone. Such headsets are usually connected via a USB port.

In addition, there are a number of specialized phones designed for conversations on Skype. They can be roughly divided into groups, which were described in this chapter.

The development of electronics has led to the creation of devices that can connect to the Skype network via wireless interfaces, such as Wi-Fi. There are devices that can forward calls from Skype to any landline or mobile phone.

The information received will be enough for you to decide on the necessary equipment for communication via the Internet or other data networks. You can easily find it on the Skype website.

The next chapter will look at probably the most popular service in our country for communicating via the Internet - Skype. You will learn how to set up a connection through this operator, as well as what additional features you can take advantage of when you become a Skype subscriber.