Skype VOIP experiences anyone?

[FormerDittoHead]

OK, so Cyberguys.com has a deal on Skype.com compatible phones (USB $40 with speaker phone, caller ID, etc.)

With Skype, if two people each have a Skype phone, everything is free - no monthly fee, etc.

If one wants to call "regular" phone in the US and high traffic world areas (western Europe, Canada etc), it's about 2 cents a minute. There is NO minimum *monthly* fee, unlike Vonage. It's not unlimited like Vonage premium plan, but better than Vonage's $15 month / 500 minute plan (which nets out to ~3 cents/min).

An "internet / IP phone" without the "regular phone calling" option is of no interest to me.

This would NOT be replacing my current "9/11" home phone - it's just to save on my long distance calling.

I would most likely NOT be calling more than 500 minutes a month, so comparisons to unlimited plans aren't really valid for me unless I can call a regular phone, unlimited long distance for less than $15 a month.

I just want to know if someone has actually used Skype (or knew of one who did) and had any reactions to their quality and their service (if applicable).

[Hokie]

1. I have used Skype

The sound quality is very good. I do notice a slight delay sometimes. I use a PC with cable broadband connection and a headset. Don't you have to prepay to use Skype to dial regular phones? I thought it was like buying a phone card. Anyway, the gadget looks pretty neat. Of course, you can get a good USB headset for about $20 and just dial with your mouse or keyboard in the Skype software.