
So you can brag that you have the original iPhone (from Linksys). There are even a few that work with VoIP and a regular landline. Skype has the edge here, with several VoIP handsets built specifically for their service. Ideally, you can get a VoIP handset that looks and works like a regular landline phone. In fact, some may consider this ideal, although it is tethered to your computer. The next step up is a headset with the mic built-in. Most laptops have these built-in but watch out for feedback.

The simplest, but maybe worst, is a microphone and speakers. Gizmo5 works on Nokia tablets, BlackBerrys, and several other platforms. Skype works on Nokia Tablets, the Sony PSP, and Windows Mobile devices. Another cool thing is that both services work on mobile devices. The rates vary depending on what country you're in, the cheapest starts at $3 a month.īoth Skype and Gizmo5 feature text messaging, voice mail, conference calling, and call forwarding. To receive calls, you have to purchase a call-in plan. and significantly more to cell phones outside the U.S. It costs more for calls to countries outside the U.S. rates are a couple cents a minute within the U.S. Similar to Skype, calls to other Gizmo5 users are free and you can buy credits for making calls to landlines and cell phones.įrom the U.S. You can also buy a phone number separately if you want to pay as you go for outgoing calls.Īn alternative to Skype is Gizmo5 from. Plans include a phone number that any regular phone can call. From the U.S., plans range from $3 to $10 monthly depending on what countries you want unlimited calling to. You can buy Skype credit and pay as you go or choose a plan. It's a free download and let's you make free calls to anyone else with Skype and charges for calls made to landlines or cell phones.


There's no end of voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP programs out there. The faster you can receive and send those packets, the fewer problems you'll have. Like other Internet traffic, your call arrives in packets. Unlike regular phone service, there's never a direct connection between you and the person you're calling. Assuming you have a computer, you'll need three things: the Net, some software, and some hardware.įirst the Internet connection.
