Skype has been one of the premier Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services for for quite some time, but until recently, Skype's Mac client was a poor relative of the more feature-rich PC versions. With Skype 2.6 for Mac OS X, however, Skype has closed the quality gap and has even debuted some new features.

Skype 2.6 for Mac OS X is primarily a computer-based VoIP service. At a minimum, you will need a headset or speakers and a microphone to place or receive calls. If you have a web cam, you can make video calls, a personal touch that is not available with simple VoIP telephone systems. Although Skype is most often used with computer systems, third-party manufacturers sell add-ons that allow you to use Skype without having your computer always on and connected. These third-party systems connect directly to your home network. Some use special Skype phones, while others are compatible with existing phones.

Skype 2.6 for Mac OS X offers free computer-to-computer phone calls, video calls, and text-based chats. New with this version is Call Transfer, which lets you hand off a call to another Skype user in your Contact list. The Group Chat feature supports up to 100 participants; you can also send files to friends while you chat.

In addition to text-based chats, you can create or participate in conference calls, which can include up to 10 participants, with one important caveat: The person who creates the conference call is the host. If you plan to initiate any conferences, you will need a reliable high-speed Internet connection.

Skype 2.6 for Mac OS X is free, but Skype hopes that you will be enticed by some of the additional fee-based options that turn Skype into a full-featured VoIP service that lets you make calls to and receive calls from anyone, not just fellow Skype users. With the SkypeIn and SkypeOut service, you also gain access to Skype's voice mail system, call forwarding and the Skype short message service.


Pros: Lots of attractive features including video calling, easy to use
Cons: Making calls to or receiving calls from non-Skype users costs extra, some features incur monthly fees

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