I take no credit for this, lifted off another site
I am writng this because I see so many postings, on this newsgroup, by
people enquiring about USB handsets. As, personally, I think that they
are misled I have briefly outlined the relative merits of ditching the
idea of a USB handset and, instead, going for an ATA (Analogue
Telephone Adapter).
So many people choose these USB handsets because they feel that can
cope with the technology. They fear trying something they don't know
much about. A little bit of reading up and setting up of a simple ATA
is not so difficult to do. Indeed, it is possible to get an ATA that
is UNLOCKE, but ready set up, to a VOIP provider to get started.
Further, they don't weigh up properly the advantages of having an ATA
over that of a USB handset etc.
1. Convenience:
(a)You don't need to switch on a computer everytime you want to make a
call. A computer is only needed when you first set up the ATA - ater
that you don't need your computer unless you want to make changes to
the settings on the ATA - that computer can remain off if you wish.
(b)You don't need to be in the same room as the computer.
(c)You can use standard analogue phones, including cordless to
connect to your ATA.
2. You can easily access a very wide range of VOIP service providers,
often automatically selected, for outgoing calls, by dialled number
type. Thus savings are made in call costs.
3. Lower running costs.
If you want the convenience of running a USB phone without switching
the computer on and off you just have to leave the computer switched
on.
Consider the running costs of that. Without the monitor the computer
will consume in the region of about 70W/h. At 8p a unit that is
just short of £50/year.
I run my ATA, router, cordless phone base station and cable modem 24/7
for £12/year. That is £38 less than running a computer.
The additional cost of an ATA, over that of a USB handset, is easily
offset by the savings detailed above not withstanding the other
benefits of using an ATA over a USB handset.
4. It is possible to completely DITCH your standard landline and just
use a VOIP phone if you are able to get cable broadband only in your
area. If you go this route though you should have a mobile phone
switched on, for emergency calls, as you cannot be absolutely sure of
the reliability of your broadband connection etc.
This arrangement will afford monthly savings on landline costs.
Anyone reading this who might now consider buying an ATA instead of
usb handset do make sure that you get an UNLOCKED unit (i.e. one not
tied to one company such as Vonage).
Some people might say, 'Oh I just use Skype one a week to call Fred in
Australia'.... OK but the world is going VOIP. Once you have bought
your ATA you've got it.
It isn't an on-going cost and it is so much more convenient.
People can ring you as well, you don't have to schedule a call as you
might do with a computer based phone.