Skype 2 review

Sometimes the best things in life are free--such as Skype 2, the latest version of eBay's newly acquired VoIP service. Skype 2 tacks on free video calling between Skype users and other neat additions to its long list of cool features, which include conference calling and an IM client. You can also add low-cost inbound/outbound calling, voicemail, and call forwarding to analog phones. The Skype dashboard thankfully remains free of advertisements, and the quality of Skype-to-Skype calls is still high. Though the quality of landline calls hasn't improved, Skype 2 continues to be an overall excellent option for anyone seeking to make free phone calls.

Installing Skype 2 is beyond easy: download and run an executable file, follow the few steps in the setup wizard, and you're done. The first time you launch the program--which pops up in an IM-like, dashboard window--a handy Getting Started wizard appears, taking you through a test call and helping you import contacts from address books it detects on your system. You'll be able to hear and see your callers using the audio or video devices (microphone/speakers, USB headset, Webcam) that you've already connected to your computer. Spend a few bucks on a device like the Actiontec Phone Wizard, and you can also use your analog phone.

All access to and adjustment of Skype 2's features happens through the dashboard window. The window is segmented into three main tabs: Contacts, Dial, and History. To place a free call to another Skype user, just click the name in your contacts list. If you've purchased credit to SkypeOut, which begins at 10 euros (currently just under $12 U.S.) and includes low rates for international locations, you can reach landline phone numbers by either clicking a number you've saved to your contacts list or by using the electronic keypad in the Dial tab. To redial a name or number that you've already called, click it in the History tab. The dashboard window is also where you can initiate other features, such as conference calling for up to five people; IMing with other Skype users; call forwarding for up to three numbers (if you have SkypeOut); and voicemail retrieval (if you bought a voicemail plan, which starts at 3 months for 5 euros).