What's always bothered me about Skype is that the founders come from Kazaaz (sp?) and that is a bug, spyware infested mess. How do we know they aren't doing the same thing with Skype?

I'm so happy that Skype is now available for the Mac. I hope to be able to try it soon. I've tried it on the PC and it's great. The only downside was having to be on a PC to use it, but now it's can be a totally Mac experience.

My biggest problem with it is that you must have a skype name to communicate with. What I mean is that it doesn't appear to have any ability to make an IP connection to another device. I want to call a device like an IP telephone by IP. I don't think I can do that with Skype.

Besides that, why should I use this program when iChat has the same ability. I know it's not the same protocols, but still.

There is no way iChat(AOL IM) is comparable to Skype voice quality, althought skype doesn't has video function. And the connection is way better than iChat!! for 110% sure!!

Guest, is that based upon your own experience? I happen to find the quality of iChat A (no V ) to be second to none.

because if you only have access to audio and not video you can't have a audio chat between mac and pc using ichat.

Skype seems to function well and offers cheap computer to phone calls, too. Problems arise, however, when trying to purchase SkypeOn Credit, which is rquired in order to call phones -- I have yet to be able to complete a purchase and I am not alone in this -- check out the Skype forum at their site, where you will read all sorts of horror stories, including multible charges to credit card accounts and still no credits received. Just as ucky is Skype's "live help" -- the "send" button doesn't work in Safari. Again, according to numerous reports in Skype's forum, numerous users who are able to get through to the live help are simply told to wait, or call back later, or even have the connection cut off, presumably as a way of avoiding having to give a straight answer.

Skype is not really ready for general use just yet. Amongst other problems its payment system fails to meet minimum consumer standard.<BR>
Phone and other communication systems must work to a level were you can depend on them, otherwise they are just toys. Nice toys granted - but just toys.<BR>
Skype uses a third party to collect payment for its skype-out service which is a very important part of the system - if you are concerned about general usage. Unfortunately Skype does not really have any influence on this partner which means that if a problem arises in the payment process, then Skype is incapable of devicing a solution.<BR>
What that means for the user is (as many people have experienced) that the skype-out at best can be described as a dangerous venture or in other words - just a toy.<BR>
You can't rely on it because you have no recourse when Skype fails its obligation regarding payments.<BR>
At this time my bank accordingly to their fraud department has Skypes billing partner listed as fraudulent which means that I too am barred from using skype-out since there is no acceptable way for me to pay for the service, and so it remains for me also - just a toy.

I was told Skype is dangerous because anyone can 'break in' and get important information from your computer or steal your idenity? Is this true?

Skype has fraudulently charged my credit card. I do not know how they obtained my credit card information. Many people are having similar problems. PLEASE BE AWARE! I would not recommend patronizing a company who is allowing this to happen.

JP