....better/different than just using Skype on your laptop from your hotel room's internet connection? It is different in that you won't necessarily have to lug the laptop with you on your trip...or down to the lobby for WiFi, or down the street to wherever free WiFi is available.


doesn't that mean you're tied to a location where free wifi access is available? Yes, though I might add that WiFi "hot spots" are growing like weeds. Some are free and some may charge a small amount for a finite period of time. A few Euros for WiFi access would be a bargain to make an hour long call (for example) to the US while you sipped your latte outside some Parisian cafe'.

how, exactly, do you connect (internationally) to wifi? and when you are able to connect, are there extra (out of network) fees associated with the wifi connection/usage? See previous answer. There is no difference in connecting to an international WiFi access point. If it's free and does not require a password, then select it, connect and surf (or talk). Some establishments that offer free WiFi may still require a password just to prevent "squatters"...just as many hotels do also. Just ask an employee and they will give you the password if you are a customer....or if you pretend to be a customer.


I think the big deal is convenience, in that the iPhone packs the capabilities of your laptop into something that fits in your pocket.

Hope this helps.