HELLO & WELCOME

[chelsknits]

I'm just beginning with VoIP and as far as I know, I have nothing to actively start using it. What hardware do you need when you're just starting out and how much does it cost? Also, I checked out the phone setup forum and realized they're all names I've never even heard of. What brand of phone would you suggest for a beginner?

[WelshPaul]

I'm just beginning with VoIP and as far as I know, I have nothing to actively start using it. What hardware do you need when you're just starting out and how much does it cost? Also, I checked out the phone setup forum and realized they're all names I've never even heard of. What brand of phone would you suggest for a beginner?

Hi chelsknits,

All you really need is one of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005FSTM0G/r ... EJ2A6RCCJE
You take any traditional corded telephone or DECT telephone and plug it into the back of the OBi100 in the link above and then use an ethernet cable to connect the OBi100 to your router. You have everything you need hardware wise to use VoIP.

Handy for a second phone line or as a replacement for your main land line as long as you have an active broadband connection. :)

[wahmed]

This really depends in your provider. You could need a headset or you could need a whole set up. You will probably need an ATA, a VoIP router , telephone sets and PC hand and head sets

[chelsknits]

Hi chelsknits,

All you really need is one of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005FSTM0G/r ... EJ2A6RCCJE
You take any traditional corded telephone or DECT telephone and plug it into the back of the OBi100 in the link above and then use an ethernet cable to connect the OBi100 to your router. You have everything you need hardware wise to use VoIP.

Handy for a second phone line or as a replacement for your main land line as long as you have an active broadband connection. :)

Oh wow, I had no idea that that was all it took! When I saw a whole section about hardware I was assuming it took a lot more than that to actually get going. So you absolutely need what you linked me to, right? Without that, I can't start?

[chelsknits]

This really depends in your provider. You could need a headset or you could need a whole set up. You will probably need an ATA, a VoIP router , telephone sets and PC hand and head sets

What exactly do you mean by "a whole set up"? Would that just be all of the stuff that you listed? As for headsets, do you need the headphones with the mic attached or is using the earphones with the mic on the cord okay? I've never really used those type of earphones before since I've never really needed them but I prefer earphones over headphones so if I could get away with using those, I'd prefer it. Headphones tend to hurt my ears after a while.

[dibts]

Any smart phone will do in my opinion, given that the software if the latest whether it's of Android or iOS. This is so you could get the full potential of your VoiP App.

[kylerlittle]

Any smart phone will do in my opinion, given that the software if the latest whether it's of Android or iOS. This is so you could get the full potential of your VoiP App.

That's true, but I guess it differs sometimes in terms of how it functions due to specifications.

[pwarbi]

Jus a quick question but when your talking about app's for smartphones and tablets etc, would this be classed as voip?

There seems to be a bit of a cross over at thE moment between actual dedicated coup hardware and systems and apps that are more of an all in one type of set up.

[chelsknits]

Any smart phone will do in my opinion, given that the software if the latest whether it's of Android or iOS. This is so you could get the full potential of your VoiP App.

They have VoIP apps? I wasn't even aware of this! If I could use my smart phone for this, that would be absolutely awesome. Could you suggest an app to me and explain how it would work so I can look into it further?

[Bonzer]

The answer provided by Welshpaul was adequate and good. You can talk to anyone from your VoIP phone with zero cost and zero rental to your telecom provider. If you have an unlimited data plan, then sky is the limit. I think you can call your neighbor the same way as you do with your cousin on the other side of the globe.

[kylerlittle]

I've never actually knew it even existed, wow.

[sbatz1972]

I am not sure how much the hardware costs, because this would depend on where you purchase the hardware. The hardware varies. The most important piece of hardware you will need for VoIP is something that will produce an Internet connection, so be it a computer, smart phone, game box, etc. You also need an approved VoIP headset with microphone. This usually includes a USB connection device now and not the 3.5 mm Jack connection plugs of the past.

[adssolsn]

Yes @chelsknits, it’s possible to VoIP on a smart phone; as a matter of fact Skype has a VoIP app for android. You just down load and install the app from Google play and you can enjoy free calling to other Skype numbers. You only pay when calling non-Skype numbers