18185 and 1899 have 0800 access numbers, which can be dialled via SkypeOut without charge - the problem is, theres no way to identify your account with your skype account, so 18185 and 1899 don't allow you access as they do not know who to charge for the call.

Is there any provider similar to 18185 and 1899 that allow access similar to the way a calling card works....i.e. dial a number, punch in an account number and then dial the landline you want.

I know I could use SIP, but it's a pain in the backside to close down Skype and then load up my SIP client just to make an outgoing call, when I could just pick up the DECT phone and dial 1899 or 18185 etc.

You know, you could buy a SIP adapter, and use that for your calls instead of that overpriced, overhyped, rubbish, proprietary needs-pc-on skype.

I don't use 18866 etc but I know I can.

A SIP adapter plugs into an ethernet port on a router, and then into a phone of your choice. Far more reliable than skype.

The problem is that unfortunately a lot of my non-techie friends use Skype, lets face it with all its failings it's so easy to install. Plus, if I explain to ppl they can't call their skype buddies with SIP I get that funny look.....I just wish there was a reliable way to use both services at the same time. I have even tried both Skype2SIP software gateways on the market and neither work.

Fortunately, all my friends use SIP, IAX or normal phone lines so I am able to use SIP.

I use Sipgate and can access 18866, 1899 and 18185 fine.

It's the difference between a proper service and the town town Skype Hype.

Sipgate is free, they offer for no monthly fee a real 01 or 02 number of your choice, why not use them too, and then when the kiddies need to play, use Skype. Nothing stopping you running the toy-town service along side SIP software such as x-lite.

Yes I hate Skype, but unfortunately it's a necessary evil at the moment. I need some sort of combined solution because Skype and my various SIP clients can't both run at the same time.

I've run Skype and x-lite at the same time, as I have to have Skype available to test for any problems that might occur.

Skype and SIP should co-exist as long as they use different ports. Skype usually uses a single random high numbered port but you need to make sure it doesn't clash with the SIP RTP ports (depends on the client you use, e.g. my Linksys PAP2 defaults to 16384-16482, some softphones use 5004).

I have a PAP2 for sipgate and run Skype on a PC or PDA at the same time, both work and I have tried SIP and Skype calls at the same time. Also tried running Skype and SJphone on PDA together, no problems.

Well the problem seems to be my USB phone. Both x-lite and Skype want to use it at the same time - how do you get around this?

Don't be on a call on Skype and x-lite at the same time. Just set both to use the USB device as it's input/output.

Though saying that, I've had no problems with both being on a call at the same time.

Your USB 'phone' is only a soundcard and mic/ear-piece in a fancy case.