Todd Allcock wrote:
>
> "SMS" <scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote in message
> news:4806296c$0$36383$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net...
>> Todd Allcock wrote:
>>
>>> While the Fring service itself is not particularly popular, if you
>>> can only have one VoIP app available, it might as well be Fring's,
>>> given that versatility.
>>
>> It's a good service, which has been available for Symbian and WinMo
>> based handsets for a while. I agree with 4phun that it's about time
>> they added the iPhone to their supported devices. However to call
>> fring a leading VOIP provider is a stretch of the truth that only
>> 4phun could manage!
>
> It's Apple Fanboy-speak. If Wendy's Hamburger restaurants offered free
> WiFi for iPhone users, they'd be the "leading fast food restaurant chain."
>
>> Note that fring only works on unlocked iPhones, "All you need to start
>> enjoying the pre-release fring for iPhone is an “opened” iPhone with
>> the Installer and a WiFi access." So for most users, unwilling to hack
>> their iPhones, fring is not an option.
>
> True, but that's a necessary evil to having this as a true VoIP app
> rather than a "Talkety" like dial-around service, which is more
> complicated, yet essentially no better, than using a calling card.
>
>> For now, those that want VOIP on a mobile platform should stick with
>> Symbian-based, or Win-Mo based devices.
>
> True, but frankly I doubt many people choose their phone based on what
> will work well with VoIP. Even if you travel overseas often, you could
> always tote a dedicated WiFi VoIP handset for those uses. VoIP on my
> mobile is a convenience for the few times I need it (it came in handy in
> Mexico a few months ago- $0.02/min. VoIP beat hell out of $1.49/min.
> roaming!) but I certainly didn't choose my phone solely based on VoIP
> capability. (But it's VoIP and remote terminal capabilities did allow
> me NOT to bring a laptop along.)
>
>> For the iPhone, until it catches up with the other mobile platforms in
>> terms of capability, stick with something like Voicestick or OneSuite
>> for low-cost per-minute VOIP worldwide long-distance, but you use up
>> your peak minutes on your plan.
>
> Which is fine domestically, but this will allow jailbroken iPhone users
> to call via WiFi overseas, reducing roaming charges or the need to deal
> with the hassle of local prepaid SIMs.

Perhaps, but just as in the U.S., Wi-Fi isn't sufficient for adequate
coverage. It's actually worse overseas where there isn't nearly as much
free Wi-Fi. With some free Wi-Fi networks requiring Microsoft SideKick
to work, this further lessens the value of Wi-Fi. You really need a
prepaid SIM overseas if you're going to have even moderate use. Which of
course rules out the iPhone unless you have it unlocked.

Where I'd like an iPhone size device is at the hotel to use the hotel's
Wi-Fi rather than haul along a laptop. Alas, many hotels still have only
wired access, including the last hotel I stayed at in Asia. So I'd have
to also haul along a pocket router to use a device without wired capability.

> Which is a great thing, particulary for those planning to use payphones
> or local SIMs, but if WiFi is available, VoIP is still preferable, IMO.
> For short trips, buying a $30 SIM to avoid $30 in roaming charges is a
> false economy.

Yes, this is true. At least in Taiwan the local SIM is not $30, it's
around $10.