Hi VFB: Weather is beginning to moderate in central Oregon, though it's historically the end of February before the Bend area averages 50F for the daily high. All the snow is finally gone from the ground in town.
------- A question: we are considering dropping our landline phone and number. Our bill averages $50/mo. for basic service, and we do all our long distance very nicely over Skype Internet via computer, videocam and headset. We don't use the landline at all for long distance. For those unfamiliar with Skype, the service is free if you are talking or viewing another Skype member. You only pay something, say 2 cents/minute, if you are calling someone on a landline. This includes phones outside the U.S.A. Plans are available with a wide range of inexpensive extra features. Back to our problem, we're thinking the landline, at $50/mo. -- is too pricey for our needs. We take (a bit) of pride of never having had cell phones. We haven't needed them and the significant monthly expense. Anyone think, though, that cell phone service is where we should go? We are trying to stretch the ole dollar as far as it will go. Right now, we are looking at Skype telephones. (VOIP) These look a lot like normal telephones: cordless handsets to desktop receivers. There are also mobile models for people who already have wireless broadband access. Videophones, too. People can call a regular phone number and get you on your Skype phone. There is a voice messaging service included, etc. Link to a page showing current Skype recommended phones: http://shop.skype.com/phones/ Belkin phones are no longer listed on the linked page. Yet, they seem to get good reviews. Anyone know anything about why that's the situation? Belkin phones can be gotten for a more reasonable cost compared to the phones on the Skype site. So the question is: has anyone used any of these models? Are you happy with the functionality? Recommendations? Likes or dislikes, hurrahs or complaints? Appreciate any help, thanks. Wes Wada Bend, Oregon -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the "VFB Mail" group. To post to this group, send email to vfb-mail@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to vfb-mail-unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/vfb-mail?hl=en VFB Mail is sponsored by Line's End Inc at http://www.linesend.com
