Google Talk vs Skype - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 09-11-2008

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?

#2 (**permalink**) 09-11-2008

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.

#3 (**permalink**) 09-11-2008

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.

#4 (**permalink**) 09-11-2008

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!

#5 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008

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!

#6 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008

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.

#7 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008

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.

#8 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008

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

#9 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008

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

#10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008

Check out www.voipbuster.com. A perfect solution for making international calls.

#11 (**permalink**) 12-16-2008

This has been pretty useful. I am just starting out and want to keep costs down. I don't currently have a home phone and was just checking out Skype last week.

#12 (**permalink**) 02-01-2009

Personally I LOVE google talk. It so easy and no fuss. Skype is something I feel I need to sit with and go through. Maybe its just me!

#13 (**permalink**) 02-20-2009

Originally Posted by AwesomeAssistant

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?

I don't use Google talk that much nor Skype but just like you I don't see any advantage of using Skype compared with Google Talk or even Yahoo Messenger. All 3 are free, can call PC to PC for free and you can chat at the same time.

Skype is over hype in my opinion.

#14 (**permalink**) 02-20-2009

Originally Posted by Rebecka Melson

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.

Exactly how I feel.....I also like the fact that you can put the Skype handset on your Web site and the US flag. Makes it easy for people to know where you are in the world and even easier to call you...

#15 (**permalink**) 02-20-2009

To me Google talk is simple, I like all things Google. I have looked into Skype but I dont see a reason to use it. What I do right now is use my cell (nationwide package, right now I have 6000 rollover minutes) when I am home, I forward my cell to my house phone and keep my headset on so I can answer quickly. On the road I use my cell.. when I am out of minutes then I will see about something different... I dont see a reason to switch, am I missing something?