Videoconferencing is great. I'm happy with the overall communications.
Skype's client software is poorly designed. It lacks a suitable workflow, and is clunky. It lacks polish and finesse.
In spite of several updates to the v5.x branch, the interface hasn't become any better. In fact, it went from being just annoying and unfriendly, to abusive and lacking etiquette. For example, Skype always wants to open its windows on start, rather than keeping to the systray, thus causing the user to have to manually hide the window.
The best interface I've used is in Trillian Astra IM. It demonstrates a greater level of polish and improved workflow. The skinning is great - my favorite is the Avion Pro 5 skin.
The newest beta of Trillian v5.1 build 8 has native Skype support, with texting and voice calling working. Video calling and sound event support should come soon hopefully.
Skype needs to wipe out their current interface, and start over from scratch. This early-2000's interface style they insist on using doesn't cut it by today's standards. Out with the boring, and in with something that's modern, hip, and fun to use.
review details
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- Features

- Ease of use

- Value

- Recommend to a friend? No
- Posted Sep 01, 2011 for v5.5.0.115
Skype is a good IM client but some things are done very stupidly.
I'm used to the Windows Live Messenger interface or way of doing things and the default is to have the chat and buddy list all in one window. Usually I'm chatting with only one person so why do I need to see the buddy list while I chat? At least there is an option have the chat window break off of the buddy list.
I'm not too fond of any sort of skinning so it's a good thing Skype has the option to use the Windows theme you are using. Automatic updates are a pain. I like my programs to alert me only when there is an update and I can install when I want but Skype installs updates for me. There is no way to change this setting and I remember Skype having this ability with previous versions. When I first install Skype I tell it to only install the IM client and not install Skype Toolbars. When the automatic update happens, it installs Skype with its default options and there is the toolbar I didn't want. Now I need to uninstall the toolbars which thankfully is a separate installation.
Overall this is OK for the novice user but for me I would like to have options.
review details
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- Features

- Ease of use

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- Recommend to a friend? Yes
- Posted Jun 04, 2011 for v5.3.0.111
I've been trying to use SKYPE for a few months now. Initially, I had paid for skype out and was not credited for it. It is, however, impossible to obtain a response from "support".
Since I needed the service (only VOIP service available in my area) and didn't want to wait any longer for a response from support, I paid for it again.
After a few people responded in odd ways to my calls, I called myself on my cell phone, my home phone and my office phone. The sound quality on each message is VERY poor, with dropped sound, echo and inexplicably, every "s" sounds like "sh" - I don't have a lisp.
Once again, back to "support", the only access to which is online submission of a problem.
In my experience, I get better support from free software than I do from this service, which in the end was quite a bit more expensive than advertised (having paid for it twice).
review details
- Interface

- Features

- Ease of use

- Value

- Recommend to a friend? No
- Posted Mar 28, 2007 for v3.1.0.147
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