Use iPod Touch as phone

[MotionMan]

I assume that you can use Skype on a Touch to make calls out?

Is there a way to receive calls (Skype or otherwise)?

MotionMan

 

[Kmax82]

Skype will multitask in the background and receive calls.

 

[MotionMan]

Skype will multitask in the background and receive calls.

Ooooh. I forgot about multitasking (I only have had a 3g until now).

Ok, so, any other ways?

MotionMan

 

[HomerSapien]

Skype is the easiest and cheapest way. There is a case that contains a sim card and mike that will turn the touch into a phone. I have seen a few on engadget.

 

[MotionMan]

Skype is the easiest and cheapest way. There is a case that contains a sim card and mike that will turn the touch into a phone. I have seen a few on engadget.

Do you know how much it (Skype in the background) hurts the battery life?

MotionMan

 

[Kmax82]

Do you know how much it (Skype in the background) hurts the battery life?

MotionMan

I turn it off bc it drains my iPhone 4 quite quickly. Not sure exact stats, but I'd wager it's a good 25-35% quicker drain.

 

[MotionMan]

I turn it off bc it drains my iPhone 4 quite quickly. Not sure exact stats, but I'd wager it's a good 25-35% quicker drain.

I guess one could send a text message using one of the texting apps and have the person call you using Skype.

Thanks for your help.

MotionMan

 

[Kmax82]

I guess one could send a text message using one of the texting apps and have the person call you using Skype.

Thanks for your help.

MotionMan

IM+ will accept phone calls and record a voicemail and send you an IM when it does. So you could use that as well, if the Skype drain is too much.

 

[KeypoX]

skype drain isnt that bad. Now talking on skype drains it fast. Though maybe phone does too? I use iphone with skype and t mobile to go

 

[silverpig]

Skype is probably the easiest way. You can use Google voice to do texts, and have it forward to your skype number which would be running in the background.

There are some other ways such as truphone too but I haven't played with those much.

If only the iPod Touch had a real mic and speaker in phone-like positions.

 

[HomerSapien]

I dont think that skype causes to much of a drain, but I have only used it a few times. I was using it in germany to call home for the cost of internet use wherever I could get wireless access.

The poor wireless connection was more to blame for the battery usage. It is good if you know you will have a wireless connection, such as a hotel or internet cafe, but overall it is a crapshoot.

Edit- Another item to consider is that typical bluetooth headsets will not work with the 3rd gen touch. Maybe the new ones, but I cant say for sure on those/ The apple support forums could provide an answer pretty quick. I was using the headphones with mic that came with my moms iphone.

 

[MotionMan]

Edit- Another item to consider is that typical bluetooth headsets will not work with the 3rd gen touch. Maybe the new ones, but I cant say for sure on those/ The apple support forums could provide an answer pretty quick. I was using the headphones with mic that came with my moms iphone.

I have figured that I would need to use a wired headset.

MotionMan

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Google Voice doesn't work on the iPod Touch. Or they don't let you install it at all apparently.

 

[MotionMan]

Google Voice doesn't work on the iPod Touch. Or they don't let you install it at all apparently.

I found that out, however, I think the web interface may work. I will try it out, even if just for texting.

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

I have figured that I would need to use a wired headset.

MotionMan

Maybe not. We just the new Touch last night and there is a setting for Bluetooth. I did not have one handy to try out.

I will look into this further.

MotionMan

 

[Emulex]

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