LF recommendations for VoIP cellphone

[robkelk]

I've noticed this fine long weekend that wi-fi access is free on the trains, and thought "why should I pay for long-distance calls while in transit, then?" This would require getting a VoIP wi-fi device, which I understand means "a VoIP cellphone" nowadays. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which VoIP cellphone I should look at (or avoid)?

I suppose I could alternately use a USB headset with my wi-fi-equipped laptop. Does such a thing exist, and if it does, what software does it work with? (I want to be able to call anyone, not just Skype users...)
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[Sweno]

I assume your laptop doesn't have both Microphone and Headphone inputs?
I have a pair of Creative Labs HS 800's(amazon.com) but they are more geared to being comfortable over an 8-hour gaming session. They would look a little strange on the train.

what is your price range?
what style of headphone do you want?
* over the ear (massive, poofy, and comfortable)
* on the ear (old normal headphones)
* in the ear (seems to be the new standard)
What style mic do you want
* boom (thing on a stick that sits in front of your mouth)
* cord (again seems to be the new standard)
What OS is on the laptop? I have had a lot fewer issues with hardware under Win7 than XP. More than a few things that required custom drivers (that never worked right, or didn't play well together, or came with software I didn't like) just work under 7. Given my experience so far with 7 I would expect 0 problems with a usb headset, but paired analog input (one plug for mic, one for headphone) is the best way to avoid the potential issues all together.

All this is assuming you don't have bluetooth on the laptop. If you do I would suggest trying out a jawbone icon(amazon.com) it is more expensive at $75. But it is tiny, weights nothing, and they have some of the best noise reduction tech on the market, which means great sound for people you are talking to. The only downside is that people either love or hate the way they fit. I like the way it fits, and will happily pay for not to have something heavy hanging off the side of my head (yay California hands free laws).
-Terry
-----
"so listen up boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today"
TF2: Spy

[robkelk]

My laptop (an Acer netbook running WinXP) does have mic and headphone jacks, but my father is also looking for this sort of solution and he doesn't have a laptop at all.

Price range is nearly irrelevant - it'll be a company expense. (But $500 per person for an entire solution is likely the upper limit.)

And both my father and I don't really like putting things into our ears... we're old-school that way. That's why I was thinking a VoIP cellphone rather than a Skype/laptop solution in the first place.
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[Wiregeek]

skype on android on HTC Incredible?

(the Hero is probably cheaper, but the Incredible is so damn shiny.. so very.. very.. shiny)
"No can brain today. Want cheezeburger."
From NGE: Nobody Dies, by Gregg Landsman
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5579457/1/NGE_Nobody_Dies

[Sweno]

ahh, well it it seems both my suggestions are less than helpful.

I have heard good things about the Incredible, but I haven't got any personal use out of one, so I can't say anything definitive.
-Terry
-----
"so listen up boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today"
TF2: Spy

[Morganite]

I'd mention that you can get bluetooth usb adaptors. (And tiny ones too; the one I'm currently using is about the size of a usb connector.) Except... yeah.

(Though I wish I knew why the audio quality I'm getting using a headset with one now really sucks. It was a lot better under windows xp. >.> )

-Morgan.