I use Skype every day in both chat, making phone calls and video and wanted to share some great products that help you utilize Skype to it’s full potential. In case you have been in a cave and you haven’t heard of Skype (how could that be?) it’s a Free live chat and video service that works on PC or Mac with some cool upgrades.

Once you have your account you can pay under $30/yr for unlimited calling to real phones in US & Canada and with a small investment in credits you can call any phone internationally for pennies/minute. They have more options such as real phone numbers, voicemail, call forwarding, etc. and you can read more about it on the site. On to the cool Skype Gadgets!

1. Netgear Wifi Phone with Skype SPH200W (wireless)
A cool way to go for the frequent Skype user as it allows you full freedom to connect to Skype using a wi-fi signal and make calls without a computer.  I have an earlier model of this that cost way more ($250+) and love this little guy. I took it with me to Mexico, Scotland and Hong Kong to make calls back to the states. The amazing thing is that you can be sitting poolside in a resort in Cancun and make phone calls to US#’s for basically Free if you have the unlimited call plan. To make this concept more intriguing, before I leave the country I forward my cell phone to my Skype phone number so when you call me it rings in Mexico as a local unlimited call. It’s my way of bypassing the cellular networks heavy roaming fees. The cost is $159 and have seen earlier versions for as low as $60.

2. Belkin Desktop Internet Phone for Skype F1PP010EN-SK (ethernet)
Just out, I am psyched to get my hands on this for my desk! The Belkin Desktop Internet Phone for Skype allows you to make unlimited free phone calls to other Skype users without a computer and plugs in directly to your internet via ethernet. The trick to Skype is fast speed connections and less interference so the ethernet connection is key. I like this product for it’s color screen, speakerphone and ability to utilize like a regular phone. Under $100 seems like a winner.

3. Logitech Cordless Headset for PC & Mobile Phones (bluetooth)
If you want to go hands free and use your laptop or desktops connection to the internet this option allows you to talk via bluetooth to Skype. Personally, I have tried this with various Plantronics headsets and not sure if this is ready for prime time or not. Back to my #2 point that a wired connection is always preferred to wireless for call clarity. The cool part about this is it comes with the sender usb device and with wind screen protection, 30 ft. roaming and comfortable design I am going to need to try this. Also under $100

4. Logitech Quickcam Vision Pro (web cam)
As cameras get better on desktops and laptops you may skip the webcam route and honestly I am not impressed with any web cam these days. The quality is not great and prefer to use the built in camera on my MacBook Pro for video vs. a web cam. However, this is a nice model with a good lens and microphone so if caught in a pinch can work out great for Skype. I choose Logitech since they seem to work well with Skype in my experience. $129

5. Skype iPhone and iTouch app (iphone)
Initially I was so excited to download this as it may have replaced all my other Skype devices but didn’t work out for me. The text part was excellent but not the calls! I am on a Verizon Fios fiber line with an excellent wireless N router and calls were not good. But…having Skype with me on my iphone is amazing so a must have for all Skype users. $0 Free

6. Panasonic Network Camera Wi-Fi Phone for Skype (wifi + router)
This is an unusual product and have not tried it but apparently is an Executive Travel kit with case and router aimed at business travel. I found it online and have never seen in a retail store. If you know about this please comment and comes in at $325 wow, pricey for this gadget.

7. Polycom Communicator (speakerphone)
This pocket size USB Speakerphone has two microphones, powered by USB and is easy to pack for travel. Perfect for those conference calls overseas in the hotel room and includes a neoprene case! $110

8. Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless (wireless headphones)
Sometimes you want to block out all external noises and concentrate on your Skype calls and this headphone does that in a comfortable design with 30’ cordless freedom. Just plugin the USB and you are running a 2.4 GHz wireless connection. Under $100 makes the list

9. 3 Skypephone s1 & S2 (UK only folks but looked cool)
Found these on a Skype for Business area and although targeted to non-US users I like the concept very much as it’s approaching the capabilities of a real cell phone. Works on 3G (HSDPA) has 3.2 mega pixel camera with 50 MB memory and interfaces with Facebook, Google, Last.fm and RSS feeds

10. Philips Travel Phone VOIP151 for Skype (USB corded)
For under $30, this budget based Skype phone is perfect for travel. You won’t have to mess with a wifi signal, bluetooth or wireless interference. With USB jack you plugin and make calls easily and without a big investment.

I hope you enjoyed the article and encourage you to comment. If you want to subscribe to Skype or buy Skype products I am a partner, so if you click this magic link I receive credit to buy more gadgets!! Skype – Unlimited Calls to Landlines

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