Skype Reviews

PC Magazine posted this review for Skype on December 03, 2003.  In general they seem to like the service...

"Unlike other VoIP systems we've tested, including the IM-based voice chat from AIM, MSN, and Yahoo!, there was no perceptible lag time, an impressive feat. Coupled with the high-quality audio, that makes this a truly usable replacement for phone calls, as long as both parties have broadband."

This indepth review for the Skype PC to PC Voice Over IP, from PCStats.com, gives the service goods marks.  Best of all the service is free.  The reviewer goes into detail about how the service works and the installation process.  In usage tests the service gets good marks for the quality/price category.

Pros: Offers free domestic long-distance calling to other Skype users. Has some of the cheapest international rates available anywhere. Offers safe, encrypted calling, with excellent quality. Local Number Portability (LNP) is available along with voice mail.

Cons: Requires a decent computer with a hard-wired DSL or Cable connection. Cannot communicate well wirelessly. No call forwarding, or 911 service.

The bottom line: If you make tons of long distance domestic calls or if you make less than 500 minutes of calls to non-Skype users, then Skype is the provider for you.