| The advent of the Internet made communicating | | | | disposal. As we actively rebel against change, the |
| with the rest of the world extremely easy. | | | | phone is the best VOIP option because it will |
| Instead of having to pay through the nose for a | | | | make the process of Internet calling much simpler |
| long distance phone call that lasts five minutes, an | | | | an easier to get used to as a result of the |
| individual could simply type out an email message | | | | familiarity. |
| and send it to his or her friend's inbox in an | | | | VOIP is definitely the new trend in terms of easy |
| instant. However, that technology has now gone | | | | communication and the VOIP USB phone definitely |
| one step further. You can now make actual voice | | | | has its advantages and benefits, but how do you |
| calls over the Internet using a VOIP USB phone | | | | decide between those available for purchase on |
| or headset. VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet | | | | the market? If USB phones are associated with all |
| Protocol and is one of the newer mediums of | | | | of the benefits above then surely the brand and |
| communication that involves opening a connection | | | | model you choose cannot make that much |
| and dialling another VOIP user in order to have a | | | | difference to you calling experience? Believe it or |
| conversation. It has revolutionized the way in | | | | not, they can! |
| which we communicate today and has made life | | | | There are a number of things that separate the |
| easier for many businesses. | | | | individual USB phones from each other and make |
| In terms of being able to make VOIP calls, you | | | | it that little bit easier to choose between them, |
| only need four pieces of equipment to get starter | | | | including: |
| - a computer, VOIP software, the capability to | | | | - The features - As with every technological |
| connect to the Internet and a USB headset or | | | | innovation, some phones are better than others in |
| phone. The latter is very important if you want to | | | | terms of features. Some have the same |
| be able to talk to people on the other end! The | | | | functionality and capabilities as more advances |
| majority of new computer operating systems | | | | telephones in that they have inbuilt volume |
| have the ability to accept USB connectivity, thus | | | | controls, mute functionality, address book and so |
| making the USB device the device of choice. | | | | on. However, the majority of them do not have |
| A USB handset seems to be the choice of many | | | | features quite this advanced yet and are simple |
| a user for a number of reasons, including the | | | | to operate. Your choice would depend on how |
| following: | | | | comfortable you are using a more complex USB |
| - They are relatively cheap - USB headsets and | | | | phone. Consumer reviews may help you to decide |
| VOIP headsets can be relatively expensive when | | | | what you do need and what you do not need, as |
| it comes to purchasing a way and means of | | | | well as how much you are willing to give up in |
| talking over the Internet. They are extremely | | | | terms of convenience and ease of use for |
| fashionable and extremely desirable for business | | | | features. |
| owners because they promote efficiency. As a | | | | - The system requirements - Some USB phones |
| result, USB phones happen to be a lot cheaper. | | | | have certain system requirements. The general |
| They can be purchased for next to nothing in | | | | rule is that older systems cannot sustain the new |
| various stores. They do not have the operating | | | | phone systems, but newer computer packages |
| system attached to the phone like a landline does, | | | | should give you access to the whole range. |
| and that is what pushes up the overall cost. A | | | | - Visual appeal - Of course, the visual appeal of a |
| USB phone therefore is less in terms of cost but | | | | VOIP phone always plays a part! If you like the |
| you can get just as much out of it! | | | | look of a phone then you will be more likely to |
| - Tried and tested method of calling - Everyone | | | | use it! As a race, humans are shallow so of |
| knows how to use a phone. It is not difficult | | | | course this will affect your choice. |
| because the mechanism on every single phone is | | | | - Pricing - Some USB phones are much more |
| roughly the same. Sure, they have different | | | | expensive than others. This may play a part in |
| features and can take a little figuring out as a | | | | your decision if you happen to be on a tight |
| result, but they are all basically the same. This | | | | budget. Always compare pricing before you |
| makes the transition that little bit easier. | | | | choose your phone because the difference |
| - Ease of connection and use - With a VOIP | | | | between the cheapest and the most expensive is |
| phone, you just plug it in to the computer's USB | | | | vast! |
| drive, place the appropriate installation disk into | | | | Deciding on a VOIP USB phone may not be easy |
| the disk drive, follow the instructions and away | | | | but making the right decision can make the |
| you go! It really is that simple. If problems do | | | | difference between enjoying the experience and |
| occur, they can usually be solved b reading the | | | | truly hating it. Of course, this could then be the |
| troubleshooting section of the manual. | | | | difference between using VOIP and returning to |
| - Personal comfort - The majority of people | | | | your regular landline connection! |
| prefer to have a phone than a headset at their | | | | |