Ian's (almost) daily recap of what spikes my interest

So, you need to check out Skype. This is nothing new but I can't figure out why it hasn't caught on sooner. This is just like AOL instant messenger except that you can initiate (and receive) voice calls through your computer. This isn't like the Net2Phone garbage from the late 90's. This is crystal clear full duplex audio that rivals a traditional landline phone and certainly a GSM phone.

The cost of using this service is free so you can chat to anybody no matter where they are in the world so long as they are online. For free. FREE! F-R-E-E.

To call a landline it costs 1.7 euro cents to any landline in the US or in Western Europe. That is damn cheap. I have not yet chewed through my 10 euro credit that I purchased 6 months ago when I signed on.

They will soon be doing skype in. I'm beta testing this service and I'm the happy recipient of a NYC phone number that if people call and I'm online, I can pick up from my computer. If I'm not online, it goes into voicemail.

Check it out at www.skype.com

It will really change your world. If you want to see me online, send an email to East34thStreet@yahoo.co.uk and I will give you my screen name. Then we're off to free phone calls...

-Ian