Stayin’ in touch: Free and cheap tools I use to communicate

The world has become a smaller place, primarily because of the communication tools at our disposal.

Internet based (need a computer for both parties)

There are several pieces of free software that you can use to connect via the internet.

Skype – Free! I use it for videocalling. This is probably as close as it gets to actually being there. Seeing the other person real-time makes a huge difference.

 

Eyejot – Free! Think of it as video email. The great part is that you don’t have to install any software on your computer, its all web-based.

e-mail – Free! I use gmail for most of my emailing. It is by far the fastest email service. Try to reduce the amount of email because it takes the longest to say the least amount of stuff. Try eyejot instead.

e-cards – (mostly) Free! Great for those special occasions when you cant actually be there.

Gtalk – Free! The clean chat interface is not cluttered with ads (AIM hint! hint!) and you are less distracted during the (precious little) time that you get with your loved one. Did I mention you can also use it directly from Gmail.

Part Internet based (need a computer for one party)

Gizmocall – Free! Great for calling up to 10 minutes a day. Also, like Eyejot, you dont have to install any software but the Flash/Flex plugin is a little fussy and does not load all the time.

AIM – Free! Get AIM phoneline and you get a free US incoming phone number. Any call to that number gets routed to your AIM

Yahoo Messenger – Cheap! A good way to call someone’s landline or mobile. Easy to use and cheap but not the best voice quality.

Not Internet based (no computers required)

Calling cards – Cheap! A much better way to call long-distance than using your default provider.

Text Messaging – send over the internet or from a phone.

Snail mail – Not free! With the proliferation of electronic and phone-based tools, receiving a physical package on a special occasion means so much more. 

~ by lddd on March 28, 2007.