Computer Phone

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 30, 2007 Posts: 2

Ok, so I want to use my computer to make calls, I want to keep my same phone plan for the unlimited calls. I was told I need softphone, but softphone only allows 1 basic plan of 500 minutes... so they said get V-Phone, which is a device I insert into USB and I guess that sets me up pretty good. I dont get it though...

My Vonage phone right now goes "through the internet" into a router which then runs into my phone. Wouldnt that mean since my computer also is hooked up to the internet I could just get a program that maybe pretends to be phone? Then I can keep my plan and make/recieve unlimited phone calls using my computer? I dont know, im not the smartest computer person, but that just seems logical. Anyone have any advice? if there is a way to do this can i get some free program names? I heard about click to talk, but honestly, why would i want to use my computer to dial a phone number if im gonna have to talk with my phone anyways?

This is what Voip is all about? phone running through the internet? so possibly being picked up by a computer?

If Vonage doesnt offer this with unlimited calls, anyone know a company that does so i can switch?

Posts: 58 · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject: Re: Computer Phone

SirTyler wrote:

Ok, so I want to use my computer to make calls, I want to keep my same phone plan for the unlimited calls. I was told I need softphone, but softphone only allows 1 basic plan of 500 minutes... so they said get V-Phone, which is a device I insert into USB and I guess that sets me up pretty good. I dont get it though...

This is unfortunately a bit of an artificial limitation on Vonage's service. You're correct -- there is no reason why your computer can't handle the calls; Vonage Softphone does just this.

Unfortunately, Vonage doesn't provide the necessary credentials for you to allow a standard Voip software program to connect to their network (unless you order the softphone option). If they did, you could do exactly what you desire.

The softphone does provide the credentials, but as you've noted it's extra, and comes with only one plan.

Myself, I have both, but in my case it makes sense -- my primary computer system is a laptop, and we still need a phone at home while I'm elsewhere with my laptop. And with the laptop, it's nice to be able to make phone calls at airports, train stations, and the like. In your case, however, it probably makes less sense to have both.

Do you have a reason for making your voice calls through your computer, instead of simply putting a phone beside your system?

I'm not sure what Voip provider would be better for your situation, although you might want to take a look at Skype and the Gizmo Project as potential alternatives.

Yaz.

Posts: 2 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 30, 2007 Posts: 2

yeah, i want to have more control, recording and such. A program on my computer could have more potential then my phone system. I found Skype, they offer what I need, I will go with them. Thanks for the help.