I'm a little lost with all the VoIP solutions out there (GTalk, Yahoo, Skype, etc.). I am hoping someone with more experience can point me in the right direction! I need a VoIP solution that allows me to: 1. Talk over the computer to people who are on landlines 2. Receive calls through my computer from landlines 3. Possibly have a (or ideally, several) "local" phone numbers so that the people calling me don't have to pay 4. Ability to hook up video conferencing I'm pretty sure Skype gives me 1-3, but it also seems more expensive than all the others. Is there a resource on the web that outlines the differences between all the computer-based VoIP providers?
The easiest on the fly answer I can offer is Vonage's USB portable VOIP. Without sounding like a commercial for them, I think this is a great service.
I use Skype, but not often, and not for landline calls. I know AIM released something similar recently. I'm sure it's probably cheaper than Skype, and might be worth looking into. I think it's something like you get a free local number for people to call you, and you can upgrade to get unlimited outgoing calls to landlines. Haven't played with it yet, so I don't know if it's any good. http://www.aimphoneline.com/index.adp?promo=778994&page=welcome
No it's not. I use it b/c it's incorporated into a few Web conferencing programs for webinars and such that colleagues put on. It has plenty of uses.
Skype is pretty good... I use skype for conferencing through highspeedconference.com With the help of unyte, I am able to share screen with other participants and can have webinars and other important meeting.. I have 2 skypein #s(one west coast and one UK) and its really very helpful...callerID and voicemail for all two at one place By using skype diverter, I get all skype calls on my regular phone or cell Not the least, the sound quality is really good!! I am all sold to skype!!!
Skype is great, and its super cheap. I don't see any point in looking for something cheaper when it is already such a reliable option.