IPspeak

The problem with most internet telephony packages is that they don't allow you to make calls from your computer to a normal landline.

This kit from IPspeak does. It comes with a phone that you plug into your computer's USB port and some software that you load on your computer. The software allows you to make free calls from one PC to another over the internet, but if you want to be able to call normal phone numbers you have to pay.

We used it over an NTL cable broadband connection and the call quality was surprisingly good, with little or no delay. However, £50 is a lot to pay as a set-up fee for a low rate telephone service, even if it does include a USB handset and seven pounds worth of call credit.

The other issue is that computer-to-landline call charges aren't all that much lower than an instant dial service such as just-dial.com.

Contact: IPSpeak 0870 351 3978
www.ipspeak.net