Ive been using SkypeOut for a couple of years as the work number which works a treat because i redirect it to my mobile so i dont miss any calls. The problem i have though is that i cant actually run Skype on the computer because if anyone called while it was running then i would have no way to actually answer the call.

I do have a cheapy USB corded skype phone but it doesn't work properly: When i plug it in the puter tells me it would be better used on a USB2 port which its already plugged in to. When i make or receive a call through it neither party can hear anything and when they do its very echoie. I also have a headset which actually works well but isnt really ideal as when plugged in all music and sounds come through it too.

Now im looking for a cordless skype phone and could really use some advice with there being sooo many to choose from. I do not want it to be a 'dual' phone because that would just make things complicated so i basically just would like a cordless phone that i can use for skype use only, that will work whether im running skype or not and whether i have the comptuter switched on or not, (the broadband is constantly live so even if puter is off the broadband is still going). I would need it not to interfere with the rest of my computer functions such as having the music im playing going through it.

Can anyone shed any advice or recommendations please? For those who dont know me i am based in the UK

Many thanks in advance

If you're limiting yourself to Skype, then I don't know what to recommend.

However if you move to a 'proper' VoIP service, then I can highly recommend the Gradnstream GXP-2000 as a desk phone and a Siemens C460 as a cordless (this one does have the Voip/PSTN option, but obviously you'd only use the VoIP).

If you want a recommendation for a hosted, Business class VoIP provider, let me know

I've also been using Skype, since 2004, and I wouldn't do without it - it's fantastic, because I can also divert calls when I'm out the office, and it has saved me a fortune when calling the Mexico Office from the UK, although when I have to phone mobiles, it starts to clock up.

I use a plugged in VoipVoice Cyberphone K, which is wired and plugs into the USB socket - It's very clear, never had any problems.

If you're looking for a phone that won't intefere with existing sound (music), then it really needs to be USB VOIP phone, not a soundcard VOIP phone, as it will contain it's own dedicated sound card that operates separate to the internal one. Maplin is your friend here. They do VOIP wireless handsets as well as VOIP speakerphones. If you're going for speakerphones, best to pay a little more, as the cheap ones can have poor sound quality.

My advice would be to buy and try. Maplin offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you're not happy with it, so retain the original packaging, and don't spill coffee over it. Oh, and don't forget to subscribe to their mailing list to get money off vouchers!!!! Look at their website for more details.

OH! if you're using a skype-in number, you may not always get a reminder that it has expired! Keep an eye on the expiry date and don't forget to renew, otherwise your customers will think you've gone out of business - Happened to me last week!!!!

I can see the attraction with Skype as a plug-and-play system.

A business-grade VoIP allows the extra features such as multiple extensions, hunt groups, voice (IVR) menus, voicemail (retrievable online/email/phone) and business SLA. From memory this is as low as £3/month.

There is a £15/month package which has unlimited UK calls, 10 extensions, voicemail, groups etc.

Obviously for people just wanting to use Skype as and when, and if they don't need transfer facilities or a multi-location system, then Skype is great

Cheers guys

@ William - I can certainly see the attractions of what you are recommending but ive found Skype to be perfect over the last 18 months. It allows me a permanent office number which when diverted allows me to be reached by customers no matter what country im in at the time at very little cost with voicemail should it be needed. Its never let me down yet
I will certainly look at the other options but the last thing i want to do is change the office number as that only confuses people.

Skype-in is great Brent although your right about the notifications. Thankfully i do keep a record of when the expirey is due the same as the credit balance. I'll definately take a look at Maplins, i keep forgetting about them and always end up going to PC World LOL.

Yeah, the skype-in also comes in handy because you can get international numbers, so customers in another country can call you at rates local to them if they don't actually use Skype. I have one for Mexico, one for the USA, and of course one for the UK. Sorry rest of the World, I'm just not ready for you yet!

When I'm in Mexico, I use the divert feature to my cheap pay as you go Mexican mobile phone, so I just end up paying a local skype mobile call when someone phones me - Lot cheaper than using the UK mobile. Amazing what can be done these days! What will they think of next. Supersonic passenger air travel?

I definately wouldn't be with out it. I decided to go for this phone from Ebuyer.com and i should get it tomorrow. Theres nothing like having new toys to play with

My new phone has just arrived and its great! Really simple to setup and it works a treat. Now i can finally have Skype switched on during the day and still be able to receive business calls, im so excited

I can just imagine you sitting by the phone waiting in the hope that someone will phone you, so you can check it works.

Are you kidding? Ive called everybody i know and had them call me back already