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Recycled Computing

How to Use a 1G iPod touch as a WiFi Phone

- 2009.02.18

As we should remember from earlier episodes, I received a first generation (1G) iPod touch from my beloved wife. At the time, the only bummer was the fact that the second generation (2G) touch had the ability to use a microphone.

My dreams of using a WiFi phone to lower my cell phone bills would have to wait, as the 1G iPod touch has no microphone input jack.

Not so fast, pilgrim. Last night I talked to my brother (six states away) over Skype using my iPod touch. The conversation lasted over a half an hour.

It was not without flaws. I could hear him fine, but my low voice wasn't as audible to him. Due to some delay issues, we had to be careful not to talk over each other. But since the call was mucho, mucho less expensive than using a landline or cell connection, I can't complain much.

How did I set up my 1G touch for Internet phoning?

Bear in mind that I have had some teething problems that mysteriously appear and disappear. So, like the secretary in the old "Mission Impossible" TV series, I will disallow any problems you may encounter. I'm going to tell you what I did and inform you of the troubles that I encountered.

MacAlly iVoice 3 Here's what that you will need:

1G iPod touch with Apple's new 2.2 software installed. This software opens up the microphone. You have to have it.
Macally's iVoice lll microphone for the iPod. Yes, you could probably use Apple's new headset with a microphone, but the iVoice is cheaper. I picked up mine online for around $28. (Amazon.com currently sells it for $32.88 with free ground shipping.)
Fring (downlaod it from the iTunes App Store)
A Skype account.

Turn on the iPod and launch Fring. Tap the "More" button at the bottom. When the screen appears, tap the "Add-ons" button. Select "Skype" from the menu. Log into your Skype account. Attach the iVoice mic to the iPod. Plug in a set of headphones.

Now go to your Buddy List and place a Skype test call. I usually do this every time to test how the connection and voice quality are.

I can dial now, you say!

Not so fast. In order for Skype make a "Skype Out" call, your phone number has to have the following format - (+1##########).

When you add Skype onto Fring, it automatically loads your Skype Buddies into Fring's buddy list. Now, of course, you have duplicate names in the Buddy List, but the Skype Buddies are already formatted to make Skype calls. I would like to clean up my Buddy List, but I may have to contact Fring to figure out how to do that.

One other issue. I think that the combination of the browser and iVoice sucks a lot of power out of the battery, so keep your charger handy.

Recent Recycled Computing Columns

Google Calendar with iPhone or iTouch Is Great for Scheduling, 11.24. Web-based Google Calendar allows access and updates from any computing platform, including Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPhone OS.
Replacing the Hard Drive in a Clamshell iBook, 11.19. Yes, it is one of the most difficult Apple notebooks to disassemble and reassemble, but a 10 GB hard drive just will not do.
Macintosh Remote Control with Chicken of the VNC, 10.06. Sometimes you want to or need to control another Mac remotely. The free Chicken of the VNC program is a great tool for doing exactly that.
Upgrading a Pismo PowerBook with a Slot-load Drive Salvaged from an iBook, 10.01. Starting with a spare DVD-ROM module and the SuperDrive from a G4 iBook, the author ended up with a SuperDrive in his Pismo PowerBook.
More in the Recycled Computing index.

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Recent Deals

Best iPod nano Deals, 11.25. Refurb 8 GB 4G nano, $99; new, $126; refurb 16 GB, $129; new, $150; new 5G/8 GB, $134.60; 16 GB, $161.12. Shipping included.
Best Classic Mac OS Deals, 11.25. System 6.0.8 floppies, $10; 7.1, $12; 7.5, $20; 7.6 $13; 8.1, $11; 8.5, $20; 8.6, $90; 9.0, $20; 9.2.2, $30.
Best 15" PowerBook G4 Deals, 11.25. Used 1 GHz Combo, $400; 1.5 GHz SuperDrive, $449; 1.67 GHz hi-res, $600.
Best G4 iMac Deals, 11.24. Used 15" 700 MHz CD-RW, $150; 800 MHz Combo, $229; 1 GHz, $289; 17" 1.25 GHz, $200; 20" 1.25 GHz, $509.
Best MacBook Air Deals, 11.24. Used from $899; refurb from $1,099; new 1.6 GHz/120 HD, $1,150 after rebate; 1.8/64 SSD, $1,150 a/r; 1.86/128 SSD, $1,350 a/r; 2.13/128 SSD, $1,694 a/r.
Best PowerBook G3 Deals, 11.24. Used 233 MHz WallStreet, $75; 266 MHz, $160; 400 MHz Lombard, $199; 400 MHz Pismo, $289; 500 MHz, $350.
Best 12" PowerBook G4 Deals, 11.23. Used 867 MHz SuperDrive, $348; 1 GHz Combo, $379; SD, $519; 1.33 GHz, $529; 1.5 GHz Combo, $549; SuperDrive, $609.
Best Mac Pro Deals, 11.23. Used 2.66 GHz 4-core, $1,300; 3.0 4-core. $1,919; refurb 2.66 4-core Nehalem, $2,149; 2.93, $2,549; 2.93 8-core, $4,999; new 2.26 8-core, $2,290.
Best Time Capsule and AirPort Deals, 11.23. Used 802.11g AirPort Extreme, $49; 500 GB Time Capsule, $150; new, $190; 1 TB dual-band, $280; 2 TB, $469; 802.11n AirPort Extreme, $170.
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