Mark McIntyre <markmcintyre@spamcop.net> wrote:
> - a softphone (ie software) installed on a wireless laptop which you
> use with a headset

I have walked down the hallway while using my laptop and headset for a
Cisco Softphone or Skype call, but it is kinda heavy ;-)

A co-worker uses Skype on a PocketPC device, which is WiFi, and a headset
for that... it doesn't seem any bulkier than a Blackberry.

> - a wireless Voip phone - a websearch for that exact term will give
> you some ideas. They're quite pricey.

Youch. $200+. But I saw one at Walmart...
Philips DECT Skype Cordless Phone - $79
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=5392453

> - a "normal" cordless phone plugged into a Voip ATA which in turn
> plugs into your router. This isn't actually using the wireless at all,
> but if you already have a cordless phone it works well.

Ah, that must be what the Walmart phones are... Skype at home, but not a
handset you could carry down to Starbucks and use on T-Mobile.

> Voip requires a fairly high quality of service (QoS) to give good
> quality calls. Some routers can guarantee QoS to specific ports/IP
> addresses. Other than that I've no idea what you would need to check.

Skype wants you to turn off QoS scheduling.
http://support.skype.com/index.php?_...ndetails&_i=35
"Another possibility to improve conditions is to disable QoS (Quality of
Service) packet scheduling.
Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network Connections

Right click on the connection you are using (e.g. "Local Area Connection")
and select Properties

Untick the "QoS Packet Scheduler" option.
"

I didn't reply to the original poster because that seemed more a rant about
some telco billing issue that included not being satisfied with cellular
carriers for presumed ill actions in the future.

I wouldn't consider Skype as a full replacement for my home phone. The
Skype-out quality to landline phones is poor for me. Skype-Skype is fine,
in the US, Europe and Australia. It does occasionally freeze or break up
during video calls.

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Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5