| Good news for VoIP consumers: A seldom-used, | | | | you don't need to unplug the speakers to plug in |
| but major feature of Internet phone service just | | | | your earphones.The unit sells for $40, which |
| got a big boost: the ability to take your phone | | | | doesn't include the $10 activation fee and $10 for |
| with you on the road, to make and take calls | | | | shipping. It's available for purchase online from |
| from the same number at the same low | | | | Vonage now, and will be sold by major retailers in |
| price.The problem with this idea is that you usually | | | | September with a $40 rebate.Calling plans are the |
| have to take your adapter on the road with you | | | | same as for any normal Vonage account: $15 per |
| to hook up a regular phone to the Internet, or | | | | month for 500 minutes, $25 for unlimited |
| install your VoIP service provider's software on | | | | residential use and $35 for business service.One |
| any computer you want to use - typically limiting | | | | important point to note is that the device comes |
| your options to the use of your own laptop | | | | programmed with its own number and calling plan. |
| computer.Vonage has come to the rescue with a | | | | There is no option offered for having an adapter |
| solution that will help users realize the full potential | | | | and V-phone programmed with the same number. |
| of VoIP: the V-Phone. The V-Phone is a keychain | | | | This means that if you choose to port your |
| device - actually an ordinary USB drive with | | | | existing home Vonage number to a V-Phone, |
| Vonage software and your user ID pre-loaded - | | | | your home will be without service every time you |
| that you can plug into a USB port on any | | | | take the device on the road.This makes it most |
| Windows-based computer with broadband access, | | | | practical for businesses and other users willing to |
| for instant Internet phone service.The device is | | | | add an additional Vonage account, rather than |
| easy to use: you plug it into a USB port and the | | | | transfer an existing number to the V-Phone.This |
| software loads automatically, displaying a small | | | | novel product takes mobile Internet-based phone |
| window with a number pad that resembles the | | | | usage to another level. That's great news for |
| keys on a regular phone. Online authentication | | | | Vonage which, as the industry leader, is in the |
| between the keychain and Vonage's servers | | | | enviable position of having to fight off rivals who |
| typically takes from 30 to 90 seconds to | | | | are cutting prices and even giving away phones |
| complete.Importantly, the V-Phone does not load | | | | for free in attempt to gain market share.The bad |
| any applications to the computer's hard drive | | | | news for Vonage is that this device is a |
| during setup, so you don't have to worry about | | | | no-brainer - it's surprising that no service provider |
| leaving "debris" on other people's computers when | | | | offered it previously. The likelihood of Vonage |
| you're finished. Simply unplug the device and all | | | | getting a patent on the technology is not great, |
| icons disappear, along with any trace that you | | | | and it's certain that rivals will be offering |
| were ever there.The V-Phone comes with a jack | | | | competing products soon.That competition could |
| for plugging in standard cell phone earplugs, a set | | | | be even better news for consumers.Kevin |
| of which are included in the package from | | | | Patterson |
| Vonage. This has a couple of advantages: you | | | | is a content-based website providing VoIP |
| don't need to locate the separate sound and audio | | | | information for "everyone else." Learn everything |
| ports on the computer, and with desktop PCs, | | | | you need to know about VoIP - in plain English. |