Well it finally happened, I gave into the VOIP solution. I was not going to pay another baby bell coin for a land line. Nope not going to happen.
Skype did not have all the features that would fit in with my west coast folks. The half a dozen other companies wanted too much. Heck not jumping on the let me do everything cable bandwagon either, they already get too much for their broadband services. So if I am already going to pay for broadband, I am getting my money and full use out of it!
I picked Vonage for several key reasons. Price (of course who doesn’t) and features. No real revelations there you say. I would agree. Price was not the cheapest, but not the highest. (Sweet sign up freebies and discounts are always good incentives).
The real winner for me, the features though, dang! Some of them are just awesome. Love the click to call feature (sorry mac folks). Nothing like sitting at the computer, highlight the number to call and have the phone ring (not your computer, not a IM window, no headset or computer mic, just the good ole phone) with the number dialed and your ready to talk. Lovin that! Heck the idea of a virtual phone number anywhere in the US. Not to mention that you can pick your number anywhere they have service. Not restricted to the area code where you live.
Call forwarding, simuRing, enhanced voicemail (get emailed when you have voice mail, heck even as an attachment if you want). So far the quality has been the same or better than my cell and even land lines that I have used.
Vonage should be commended on their actual user account web site as well. Nice orange, ok, could do without the orange. I have flash backs to my early childhood bedroom, yes, it was painted ORANGE. I guess I had picked the color. Kids do the darnedest things aye!
Can see incoming and outgoing calls, real-time on the website. You hang up the phone from a call, boom it is on your dashboard with number, length, caller id info.. awesome. Just the way it should work! Complete config of your features from your secure web admin sections. A geeks nirvana!
Of course as with anything these days, your mileage might vary. I have read some pretty nasty reports about Vonage users problems. Happily, I have not had any of them. Also I would see a big issue between a DSL and a Cable user. 90K outbound for a call could impact a busy DSL line, while I have not noticed any even with downloads going on.
Lastly, the saving grace here I believe is a good router. Got a dime store router and I think you might have some performance and reliability issues. (Same goes for your internet provider, if that constantly goes down, so will your phone).
Last side note, there is something about technology that just works. I setup the VTA (Voip Tele Adapter) which was basically:
- Plugging it into a router (tough)
- Waiting about 5 minutes for it to update and setup everything with Vonage, ALL ON ITS OWN!
- Plug in a normal plain old telephone, viola, dial tone.
That is the way it should work for all tech. Just plain work. No tweaking (unless you really want to start playing). Just work. Amen!
Vonage, just dont let me down now. I hate retracting a good word about someone / something. 
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