So a client and I started using Google Talk. It's free and works great. Then another client mentioned Skype and I downloaded their free version. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't think it had any real advantage over Google talk and seemed more complicated.

Has anyone used both and what are your opinions?

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Sue L Canfield
AwesomeAssistant.info
My Blog

I think that Skype is more widely used. I've got both, as well as Yahoo, MSN, and AIM. I do that because different clients use different messengers and it allows me to be flexible. I think a lot of the preference has to do with which one you learned first. Google's products tend to be much simpler, and a lot less cluttered. I love their new browser, Chrome, and use it almost exclusively, with the only exceptions being a couple of sites that don't work very well in Chrome.

I haven't used Google Talk a lot, but from when I have, it's very nice.

I use Skype for its skype-in feature. I don't use the phone much in my business and can't justify the cost of GotVMail or Ring Central. Skype serves my purposes very well. Yes, I do get some bad connections at times but I get that on my home landline at times too. If Google begins to offer dedicated telephone numbers then I will definitely consider trying it.

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

I've heard a lot of good about Skype. I am still working out what I'm going to start with. This was really helpful info!

I have the paid version of Skype $60 a year a great deal and I bought the phone as well so I can use the service anywhere in my office or home. I also have Google Talk, AIM, and Yahoo messengers. I use them to talk to clients about new projects in my freelance writing business. I have yet to land any VA positions as of yet unless you would call Keeping a blog up to date for a client. I kind of looked at that as freelance writing but I guess it could be considered a VA position. It's very part time and only 6 posts a month along with another position of answering Q & A for a gardening website, but that is more in the freelance writing field.

Okay I got a bit off the subject there, but I like both Google Talk & Skype!

I've got Skype and for the money, it's great to have a separate phone number as inexpensive as this is as well as having voice mail and several other features that are extremely inexpensive compared to regular phones for a business such as VA in which you are needing to keep the costs down.

I strictly use Skype now. I at one time had various other messenger services, but having all those programs running in the background can make your computer run slower. Skype is very widely used, so I switched over to that.

If a client doesn't want to use it then they can just send me an email.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

I use Skpe mostly. And so far it's been very useful as many people use it.

When I use Skype I don't have any connection problems at all.

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

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