| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
verve
Joined: 02 Nov 2008
|
 Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 6:53 am Post subject: WiBro + WiFi device + Skype = very cheap calls? |
 |
|
I've been thinking for a while of getting the Wibro Egg for it's mobile Wifi and getting some kind of iPod touch/similar smart phone for using Skype. It'd be cheaper than a regular phone for calls plus I could be making international calls for work while I am out.
Does this seem doable? What are the limitations?
Also, I currently have an iPod touch 1st gen, so no mic port and no one stocks the mic adapters for it anymore. I would really like something that allows for multi-tasking - perhaps an imported phone that has these features but isn't white-listed in Korea?
Thanks! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
pkang0202
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 4:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| You figure the price of WiBro + getting a new phone + cost of skype out and you might as well just make international calls using 00700 + country code + phone number. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crossmr
Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| pkang0202 wrote: |
| You figure the price of WiBro + getting a new phone + cost of skype out and you might as well just make international calls using 00700 + country code + phone number. |
Except the OPs solution results not just in mobile phone calls. It is also mobile internet access.
the 1G touch cannot use a mic in the audio jack. Apparently with the firmware upgraded you can get some kind of weird dock microphone.
Not sure what that is about.
http://www.ipodtouchfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120337
I already had an ipod touch 2g. So I picked up a wibro egg and I've made mobile skype calls because I already have a skype calling plan to NA. Works great. The bonus is all the other things I can do while I'm mobile with the egg.
There are tons of useful apps for someone out and about. Maps to search for things or find bus directions, bus schedule apps, productivity apps, etc.
I'm very happy with my ipod touch/wibro combo, and when my cell phone contract is up in a couple months I'll switch it over to the iphone but probably keep the egg (and just get the smallest data package as the egg is good for 50GB).
The egg is also useful if you want to take a laptop to a coffee shop that doesn't have wifi (I run into plenty of those)
So if you've already got a skype calling plan you have at home but because of time differences would like to use it while you're out, payinig $20 for an egg, if you're going to use it for others too, isn't' really a bad deal. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Caffeinated
Joined: 11 Feb 2010
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 5:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Anyone have any recommendations for this other than the Egg? This being South Korea, I'd expect it to be pretty good (tho I'm still keeping my internet service at home). It'd be useful if I bring the laptop to work, or if I'm walking around with my iTouch. What are the other options and how much should you expect to pay? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crossmr
Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 6:00 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Caffeinated wrote: |
| Anyone have any recommendations for this other than the Egg? This being South Korea, I'd expect it to be pretty good (tho I'm still keeping my internet service at home). It'd be useful if I bring the laptop to work, or if I'm walking around with my iTouch. What are the other options and how much should you expect to pay? |
The egg is the best solution. I don't know if SK has a competing item out yet. I know with SK you can get the USB dongles for the laptop, but they don't work for the ipod touch. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dsob
Joined: 28 Mar 2010
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 1:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
@crossmr
I've read that the iPod Touch has battery life issues when using the skype app - do you have issues or have you found a workaround?
Also, how much is the wifi a month? I'm pre-korea and looking at cheap ways to stay in contact with home... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
pkang0202
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 3:03 am Post subject: |
|
|
| dsob wrote: |
@crossmr
I've read that the iPod Touch has battery life issues when using the skype app - do you have issues or have you found a workaround?
Also, how much is the wifi a month? I'm pre-korea and looking at cheap ways to stay in contact with home... |
Because of the Time Zones, I doubt you'll be making any phone calls after 11am and before 9pm.
The times where you'll be able to call home will be at night in Korea. Chances are, you'll be home so you'll be able to make Skype/Webcam calls via your computer.
Unless you need to call the US in the middle of the night there, then disregard what I said. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dsob
Joined: 28 Mar 2010
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 3:09 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I'm in the UK but I'm starting to think you are right and using my laptop will be fine... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crossmr
Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 5:12 am Post subject: |
|
|
| dsob wrote: |
@crossmr
I've read that the iPod Touch has battery life issues when using the skype app - do you have issues or have you found a workaround?
Also, how much is the wifi a month? I'm pre-korea and looking at cheap ways to stay in contact with home... |
I haven't run into any battery life issues, but you can get spare batteries here for around 25,000W.
I've made 20-30 minute calls without any appreciable difference in the battery. I'm not sure if you're planning on talking on it for hours on end or what.
All apps can be brutal on the battery at times. I've found setting myself to 1/2 brightness has done wonders. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jacksthirty
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:21 pm Post subject: wibro egg |
|
|
| Sorry, but what is this wibro egg thing? Will it give me extended wi-fi coverage for my ipod touch? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crossmr
Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:26 pm Post subject: Re: wibro egg |
|
|
| jacksthirty wrote: |
| Sorry, but what is this wibro egg thing? Will it give me extended wi-fi coverage for my ipod touch? |
It'll give you a portable wifi hotspot that works anywhere in Seoul (and even a little outside) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
verve
Joined: 02 Nov 2008
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2010 5:09 pm Post subject: Re: wibro egg |
|
|
| crossmr wrote: |
| jacksthirty wrote: |
| Sorry, but what is this wibro egg thing? Will it give me extended wi-fi coverage for my ipod touch? |
It'll give you a portable wifi hotspot that works anywhere in Seoul (and even a little outside) |
I was told by an outlet that it works in Seoul, Gyeonggi and Busan.
And thanks for the feedback folks. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
crossmr
Joined: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2010 5:13 pm Post subject: Re: wibro egg |
|
|
| verve wrote: |
| crossmr wrote: |
| jacksthirty wrote: |
| Sorry, but what is this wibro egg thing? Will it give me extended wi-fi coverage for my ipod touch? |
It'll give you a portable wifi hotspot that works anywhere in Seoul (and even a little outside) |
I was told by an outlet that it works in Seoul, Gyeonggi and Busan.
And thanks for the feedback folks. |
I don't know how far out in Gyeonggi it works. It certainly works in places like Anyang and Ilsan. Though it was a little spotty in Anyang. The location service wasn't working that well. I tried using it on a the train when I was going to Chuncheon. I wasn't out of Gyeonggi before it stopped working.
It is nice to hear that they have it in Busan now, originally I think it wasn't there. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
