My sister has moved to Italy and I need a grandma proof Skype to Skype only solution.

My Requirements:
1) Always on, pc-free as far as actual use goes.
2) As easy to use as a phone or cell-phonebook function.
3) It needs to be something I can setup and forget. That part need not be PC-free.

At the moment I'm looking at the Freetalk adapter.

iPad or iPod Touch ?

Lucky git!



If using a wired handset (or cordless DECT telephone) is an option, then the most grandma-proof setup is probably an ATA plugged into her internet router, with the handset plugged into that. Then it will work just like a landline from her point of view.

I suggest you acquire and configure a suitable ATA and then send it to her fully set-up -- plug and talk at her end.

"ATA" = "Analog Telephone Adaptor" (eg. Linksys PAP2T series, etc..).

This will also require a voip service provider (unless you can find a Skype-locked ATA), but voip service is incredibly cheap ($2-5 monthly, or even a free service) so that shouldn't be an issue.

facetime really is quite good, and very easy to use. If she can use a mobile phone she can use facetime.

Cheers

Cris

I second Facetime. Works on a cheap[ish] iPod touch. Also has the advantage that it requires much less bandwidth and works better over high latency connections than Skype does. I use it all the time over my satellite internet when Skype can't even maintain a good connection. I use the mac version on a MBP.

Given what's in the link Glenn posted, I think he might be looking for something strictly for voice calls. Mark's ATA suggestion is the most straight-forward and bullet-proof, IMO.

Once it's set up "here" you just need an internet connection anywhere in the world to plug it in and go.

Voice calls. How quaint.

Okay, that looks like an ATA locked to Skype service. Should be pretty simple to set up and operate, then.

Cheers

The Skype preference is coming from the sister. Her, the b.i.l. and the daughter are already setup with Skype.

heh,heh, I can read that as, lucky me, or lucky her.

I believe the Freetalk is how I'll go. If there were more contacts than than just Sis, I'd look for a handset with an LCD and a phone book.

The next problem is purely mechanical. Routing new wires. I do so dislike crawling around in loose fiberglass insulation. A pox on Owens-Corning.

Wired to keep the number of failure points down.