Hi, I know you probably hate people getting on these forums and asking such basic questions but I really would like your help! I am trying to buy for my Dad for Christmas a Skype package but just cant make my mind up about which euipment to use! I know he wont want to change his home phone so a usb/normal new phone is not an option and I know he wouldnt want to walk around with a BlueTooth in his ear! So I have the choice of a headset, usb phone or a speaker. Ive also noticed that the starter kit comes with mini headphones, but how do they work when HE is talking, can anyone tell me more about this started kit, and what they think the best option is? I like the idea of the skype speaker they sell on this website but Im not sure if its great quality and how it will sound when being used. Many thanks!

I found that the mic/speakers combination is not the best one. It might sound good on your end, but it sure doesn't on the receiving end.

I have no experience with the starter kit or those mini-earplugs.

USB-phones - in my experience- are handy but still need a lot of work in terms of sound quality.

Best sound experience I had was with a headset.

Peace!

Arthur

If your going to spend a lot of time chatting from the PC then I would suggest a good USB headset like the plantronics USB45 etc.

If your going to leave a PC on 24x7 to run Skype and want to use it around the house then the Dualphone is ideal www.dualphone.net

I can also recommend the CyberphoneK www.voipvoice.com if a more conventional handset is required but to be honest if your going to be plugged into the PC via USB you might as well opt for the headset.

Regards,

Paul

I personally recommend a USB handset phone. Very simple to use, no need to jump around putting headphones on when phone rings and FULLY integrated to SKYPE, in other words the key pad works to accept/end call, you can dial numbers and ext (always works) add speed dials and ring tones.

Example of cheap one is here:
www.voip-interactive.com