Well, I've tried out Skype 1.4 and it *seems* to work well enough... except for the Skype PSTN adapter (USBB2K) that I have

It seems that kb2kskype and usbb2k_api will "help" with older versions of skype, but 1.4 broke (or does it even support?) the "API" to kb2kskype (X11 messaging as I understand it).

So really it doesn't work, so I cannot use my phone adapter.

Now I wish I'd bought a regular SIP adapter (the Linksys unlocked seems to be available for $60) then hookup it up to Yahoo! Voice (which supports SIP) and away you go!

After the pain and misery on Linux so far (I'm currently rebooting back and forth into windows?!) Not to mention the benefit of having a PC-less solution, means I'll use up what little credits I have with Skype and switch over to Yahoo Voice (cheaper anyway!) ASAFP.

When if ever will Skype support SIP!? (When Hell freezes over?) I cannot wait that long...

I would love a Skype to SIP gateway as well (other than through POTS) but I do not think it's ever going to happen as it may open them up to more competition.

Hi kpnut, the problem with the first release of 1.4 is it did not have API support at all which is why your device was probably not working. Give it a go with the version we released today (1.4.0.64) and let us know how you get on. If you're looking for something computer-less why don't you take a look at our Skype hardware phones? Something like this?

- Ryan.

I've just tried the latest Skype 1.4 Beta with the latest usbb2k and kb2kskype, and it finally seems to work as well as the windows version, so congrats and thanks.

As to buying proprietary, Skype-only hardware, you'll forgive me for the lack of interest!

It really reminds me of Microsoft in the early days - trying to lock people in with proprietary protocols (Netbui etc) eventually (it took a while) they realised that by supporting open standards (TCP/IP etc) they gained just as much popularity if not more.

It's really obnoxious to *force* people to using your system (lead a horse to water, etc). It's far better to offer a more compelling, or as compelling product and let people choose.

If Skype supported SIP (open standard), they'd gain customers, not lose them, they already have a massive community, and that certainly wouldn't diminish as a result of becoming open instead of closed.

I perfectly agree with kpnut. Skype is great but it's unfortunately closed and this is really an handicap when speaking about development speed and peripheals support. I think skype's protocol is good enough to become a new all over the world recognized standard for VoIP, and no one says that Skype should not earning from the services it gives customers (ability to call traditional phones, voicemails etc...).

I know that this decision is not to be taken from Skype developers here in this forum, but an opening to the open source and the open standards communities will IMHO benefit Skype's business...