TalkParade

Do you have the URL? I couldn't really find it, just a single Russian language page. (which I didn't visit.) IPphones use the internet as a "backbone". You can pretty much acquire a number almost anywhere in the world which will ring on your PC. Your family across the country can reach you by dialing a local number, reducing long distance costs.

I use the SJ Labs softphone with good results. I also have used XTen, but it has not gotten much use lately.

service is an add-on to my Vonage service.

If you want to try out a cheap per-minute plan, try

also have an excellent PC handset at: peer-to-peer

Also fairly good service and quality using Glophone; easy to use, free peer-to-peer, they even give new users 30 "anyphone" minutes free.

Sound quality largely depends upon your PC sound card unless you buy a digital USB handset. for example: have both of these handsets. I actually prefer the cheaper phone (the USB model is well made and very nice quality sound).

I have arthritis and have trouble holding the USB handset without hitting the dialer buttons. The handset is metal with a nice feel, just difficult for *ME* to use. I prefer using the softphone dialer as it saves a directory.

I think the same phone is available from Sipphone. (sipphone item is a few dollars less and free shipping as recently as Christmas)

Pepperoni

It seems to be similar to the Vonage service, with which I have been quite satisfied.

Will they let you use the soft phone without the regular modem? Vonage markets their soft phone as an add-on service. My (SJLabs) soft phone is so reliable that I've loaned out my modem to a friend who is currently traveling so we can stay in touch.

Read the features. It seems to have what you want. I have most of my features turned off, but everything you need seems to be included. You will also have a voice mail option that you can likely access from another phone line, or have forwarded via email.

If you can get the softphone alone for that price, I would jump on it. I like the service and all the optional features.

Here it is:

"Stand alone service Unlike other broadband phone companies, we do not require that you use our Home or Office phone service before you can sign up for our Laptop SoftPhone. We're sure that once you try our Laptop service, you will switch to TalkParade for all your calling needs. "

You're gonna love your soft phone. I use mine exclusively at home now. Even if your PC isn't on 24/7, you can configure your features to serve your needs.

In the event you do sign on for the phone adapter modem, make sure you save the box to return the modem at the end:

"Is there any minimum term commitment on the TalkParade calling plans? All of our plans are month-to-month which means you can change your plan or terminate our service at any time. You will need to return the TalkParade Phone Adaptor in its original box in good condition within 14 days of cancellation otherwise there will be a termination fee of $119."

This is comparable to Vonage, but I believe the charge is a bit higher for non-return. *SAVE THE BOX FOLKS*

They seem to have Vonage beat on the stand alone soft phone. There *MAY* be a one time set-up fee (and maybe a free service month), but I did not check that far into their requirements.

Go for it Sunny. I don't know how they do their billing. Vonage auto deducts using the debit card (visa) tied to my checking account. There are no paper bills, but everything is available online immediately. (Vonage)

You will need a headset or handset for best quality. PC speakers will make feedback (echo) through your microphone. I have used a cheap (free) earbud with good results.

Pepperoni

Pepperoni wrote: ....

Are there other services that can use a "soft phone"?!

Yes, lots of them. Stand alone soft phones:

Glophone has Glo2Go, so you don't need to download software (Java) allows you to use public PCs, (libraries, etc)

Talk Parade sounds good. They don't require a phone modem to add a soft phone.

I use the SJLabs softphone with my Vonage service--- works well. Many also use the XTen software, but I've had some config problems (although it also works well.)

Sipphone works well, also free peer-to-peer.

I don't use Skype, but folks love it.

Peer-to-peer (friends with the same software) calls are free. Deposit a few bucks for calling regular phones.

Try out the Glophone with a friend for free peer-to-peer. They even give you 30 minutes free to call "Anyphone" (regular phone)

Trying to understand here: you have BOTH a TA for your in-house telephones and a softphone for your computer?

Do you know of any softphone that will work with ATT CallVantage?

What I want is a number that I can use or call forward - with my PC. Talkparade appears to be providing that at a reasonable price. I just want to make sure it is not one of those to good to be true deals.

I don't see it on their site, but for $10 buckies a month you can use TalkParade. (500 minutes) Check the links near the top of the thread. They don't care about your phone service, so long as you have broadband. You can call from the soft phone and ring your ATT line across the room.

My hardware phone modem (Vonage) is "On the road" with a friend. It will work anywhere there is a cable connection. I use my softphone exclusively at home. The adapter and softphone have different numbers so they can dial one another. Location doesn't matter, as addressing is by IP. Either will work any where in the world where there is an internet connection.

Pepperoni

Thanks! I will try to use it with CallVantage!

Tell me about "Deploy your own SIP Network with a FREE SIP Proxy/Registrar Server and Xten's User Agent software!" ?!?! What does that mean? - RM

Oh, I suppose it's for developing a private LAN for corporate or institutional use. I could look it up, but I'm tired. Probably a software routing program for private voip.

Did you sign up? How is the sound quality?

What I like is that the soft phone service can stand alone; my service is an add-on to another account.

Pepperoni

The thing I like about Talk Parade is that you get a phone number in which people can call you. Most others are just for outgoing calls unless you purchase the full service account. For $10 a month you can make lots of LD calls.

XTen Pro includes the G-729 codec. The "lite" version does not.

Sipphone sells a "PRO" version for $7.99

Setup for Xten Pro was twitchy (auto profile loaded improperly; hand configuration was successful but tedious)

I have tested a lot types of soft phones. I had also the best results with sjphone. But where can i buy a G.729 codec? Who know a source?

jpk