I still don't get why so much Hype on Skype?

Anyone that isn't a college kid or total cheapskate can simply get Vonage, 8x8, or any other true VoIP solution and have unlimited incoming and outgoing calls in the USA for $15 to $30/month.

Since Skype is ONLY free for PC to PC, why bother? If you make any calls, it is cheaper to use a real VoIP service and no hassle - use a real telephone directly connected to your broadband line.

No hobbiest bs of having to leave your PC or Mac turned on, use a headset, and race for the phone.

With any other VoIP solution you can simply plug any phone (including wireless) into the ATA and take your VoIP call anywhere in the house or office.

Further, with services like sipdiscount.com offering FREE outbound dialing and then services like Gizmo offering inbound flat rate phone number service for $4/month, the hacker/hobbiest can easily put together their own unlimited inbound/unlimited outbound to US VoIP solution (using a real SIP ATA and telephone) for $4/month.

Your comments on Vonage are completely US-centric. Skype hype is valid because the whole world ex-US are paying high rates for long distance, and are talking to people in countries other than the US.

A call from Singapore to Italy, or Hong Kong to Japan is not going to happen without Skype as the domestic carriers do their damndest to keep market share and high prices.

I got the Linksys CIT200 cordless Skype phone over Christmas, and it is brilliant. Full colour display of your contacts list and status, along with the ability to dial any number with SkypeOut at 2 cents a minute. That is considerably cheaper than any monthly VOIP or wireline subscription offered.

Just as importantly, the presence feature allows those challenged by time zones to call only when the distant party wants to be called.