Recent Articles‎ > ‎

Replace your Cellphone with Skype and Save Hundreds of Dollars w/iTouch

posted Sep 10, 2009, 7:06 PM by Danny Eusebio   [ updated Sep 10, 2009, 7:10 PM ]


If you're that college student trying to get by, then this handy tutorial is something you want to read. If you haven't heard of Skype, then you need to use the internet a little more than normal because your you've got low blood levels of internet radiation in you. Skype is a voice over IP phone service which allows you to make calls over--wait for it--the internet. Not only that, but basic services on Skype are free, and some of the more useful features I use are dirt cheap. So stop using your conventional phone and start using Skype to start saving hundreds of dollars each year. And no, I don't work for Skype and I'm not advertising for them (directly).



Your tired of spending hundreds of dollars on your phone plan. You are ready to find an alternative phone plan that only cost about 90 dollars a year (with unlimited calling anywhere in the US). Also, you have an iPod Touch 2G and near constant wifi access.

Pre-Requisite: 
  1. iPod Touch 3rd Gen (~$199.00)(Link)
  2. Wireless Internet ($$$)
  3. Earphones with Remote and Mic ($30.00) (Link) [the NEW iPod Touch will come with this]
  4. Skype Service or some comparable service ($30/year + $60/year) (Link)
  5. Download the Skype App from iTunes. (Link)

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1: Buy all the items that you need. If you have most of these items, then you're in good shape. I had everything except for the earphones with remote and mic. I purchased mine from Amazon. You can purchase them from Apple also. If you're trying to save money, then there are some generic versions of these earbuds with mic that you can buy at Meritline.com (Link). They cost about five bucks with free shipping. There quality is questionable on the other hand.

Step 2: Once you have a Skype account with all the proper hardware listed above, then download the Skype App from iTunes. Once you download the program, sign in with your Skype account you created. Next, type in a number that you can call. At this point make sure your earbuds with mic are plugged in. It isn't necessary to move the mic piece close to your mouth. The mic will pick up your voice as it dangles normally. Then, make your call.

Step3: If you did everything correctly, then you'll here a dial tone and hopefully get someone to pick up on the other end. Viola, now your making calls on your iPod Touch.



Important Notes: 
  1. This only works for iPod Touch Second Generation.
  2. You don't need to by a subscription from Skype, you can call other Skype users for free.
  3. You can't make 9-1-1 calls with Skype.
  4. I use a Pay-as-you-go phone as backup. I take longer calls with my iPod Touch-Skype.
  5. You can receive calls on your iPod Touch as long as its connected to the internet and your Skype program is running.

Benefits:
  1. If your a college student always on campus, this will be handy.
  2. I only pay about $90.00 a year for Skype service (this includes 12 months of calling and a phone number). You can get away not purchasing a phone number, but then when you call people, no number will show up.
  3. If you pay roughly $70.00 a month for your phone plan, you pay on average $840.00 a year. Whereas this tutorial will cost you about $90.00 a year. You can see the difference.

Comments