Can I use my laptop to call into conference calls remotely?

Question

Hi Nomads,
First, I am very appreciative of this Forum, have read a lot of very helpful feedback to questions to previous folks questions.
Currently, landing in Hong Kong in about 2 months with no true Nomad experience other than working remotely, as a US Citizen, from home to a US Bank here in the States.  My normal workday is remaining constantly in meetings using a Conference software called “Lync” on my work machine.  Usually, i can have Lync call my cell phone with no problem in the US, of course.
Question:
Can I do the same Lync Conference, as above, while working abroad, substituting my cell phone with a personal laptop with microphone wherever I work?  (presuming: 1) good internet, 2) Skype/GoogleVoice, installed on personal laptop).  Basically, my work laptop would be calling Skype on my personal laptop, right?  Can this work, cheaply, for 40+ hours of calls per week?  Does Skype have country limitations?  How does this work in combination with Google Voice, any cheaper?  I read GV only works only for certain countries (HK, China, Thailand are okay).  Any folks here know what a 40 hour week costs, on average, having this type of setup (Skype and/or GV, or other combo)?   All new to me… will just have to try it, and, let you know,  if no one has done it here.
Thanks for any suggestions with this!!!
Dave

yaustar · Accepted Answer

Hey Dave,
I’m a little confused on what you are trying to get as an outcome. As far as I know, Lync can make calls without owning a phone so can you continue using that?
Otherwise:
Do you need a US based number that people can call and you can answer up on your laptop?
Do you need something that can call out to make a call from your laptop?
Are you just after a conferencing service that other people can use?
Do you need to use your laptop? Is there a reason for not wanting to use your cell phone?

dave4peace · Answer

Hey Yaustar,
No problem!  It is very confusing for me, and, to know “what” and “how” to ask can be daunting with this type of thing.  Most folks are not “corporate” employees on the Nomad Forum, here, would estimate… and, therefore, corporate is a different paradigm with it’s own set of challenges and unknowns.
Your first answer, does make sense, and, what i would think, as well.  My teammate actually encouraged me to try downloading a software that should work by using the work laptop’s audio as a phone, will test the work and personal laptops to compare phone functionality.  Will be on vacation, but, this will help me and my team, if i remain in the loop a bit, at least.
From your list of questions, answers:

Do you need a US based number… (Yes)
Do you need something that can call out … (Yes)
(Just using Lync, in this case, No)
(Yes, my understanding from other discussions on Nomad List, here, the cell phone is much more expensive for international calls.  My needs are 8 to 10 hours per day on meetings, mostly on Lync conference calls).

Apologies for delays in responding, we work day and night, quite often, and, remain on Lync most of the time.  BIG THANKS for your response and questions, Yaustar!
Dave

dave4peace · Answer

Hi Wanderingdev,
Had read some of your discussions, and, other responses.  Those were also VERY helpful, too!!  THANKS!!!
As you suggest, here, will try both Skype/GV, just to compare quality/cost… will be interesting comparison between work and personal laptop, too.  Also, maybe use one for the other as an audio fail-over.   Google voice seems to be the vote, so far!!   Any suggestions on a favorite microphone?  Thanks, again!
Dave

wanderingdev · Answer

I use google voice on my smart phone.  you have to install both hangouts and google voice dialer but then you can use it just like any other phone service.

yaustar · Answer

The Wirecutter has some comparisons on Mics and and headsets.

Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World

The Best USB Microphone

After three years, 75 hours of research, and audio recording tests on 25 models, we still think the Yeti by Blue is the best USB microphone for most people.

Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World

The Best USB Headset for Your Computer

After more than 30 hours of research and testing 11 different models, the Jabra UC Voice 550 Duo is our pick for the best USB computer headset for the office.

I haven’t tried Google Voice as I’m in the UK but for Skype calling out was quite expensive on a Pay as You go plan. If you are going to use it for 8hrs per day to call out, you might want to check for intentional call packages as they would be much cheaper.
With Skype, it looks like it be £6 for unlimited calls to the US per month.

pratpreneur · Answer

Google voice all the way!
I have skype+gvoice but i primarily use gvoice for everything, including receiving calls from customers etc. Works very well. Some imperfections here and there but the convenience is great and it’s mostly free (I end up paying them a good amount because I make lots of international calls using it too).

wanderingdev · Answer

both skype and google voice can give you a US phone number that can be called in and out. skype has a fee though I think depending on what you need. google voice is free. i use it for everything.

dave4peace · Answer

Okay, that’s cool to know that skype+gvoice work.  Getting votes for gvoice in another recent reply!  (My apologies for delays in reply). Will try them both while there… THANKS!!!

mikevallano · Answer

Keep in mind that if you’re going to be using Skype/Google Voice you definitely want a solid, stable internet connection (at least 5Mbs) or calls will be much more challenging.
And out of curiosity, what type of job do you have? I’ve never heard of being on conference calls 40 hours/week.

dave4peace · Answer

Sounds good!!    Adding this to my list…  THANKS!!

pratpreneur · Answer

Further to the great suggestions. Plantronics c720 works great for me. I almost exclusively work remotely including from developing countries very frequently. For many of my calls it’s very important to have clarity and low noise.

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