Draytel Vigortalk

If you've been thinking of using a VoIP service but been put of for fear of a tricky set up procedure, then the Draytel Vigortalk might be of interest.

This is a hardware VoIP adaptor that sits between a standard phone and your Ethernet router.

Although you won't need a PC during the actual setup, you will need to first log on to the Draytel website to create a new account.

The small Vigortalk box houses three sockets on the rear - one each for the power, Ethernet and phone connections. An adapteor for standard BT phones is included in the package.

Once you've hooked it up to your router, connected a phone and powered the Vigortalk up, you can enter your username and password direct through the handset - this only needs to be done once.

The process of entering your username and password is painless enough, although the voice instructions could be made a little more human.

We had our test unit set up within five minutes and were able to make and receive calls straight away.

One slightly annoying feature is that if you fail to dial a number six seconds after picking up the phone an engaged tone is played. You then have to hang up and start again.

Another small gripe is that instead of the standard UK 'ring-ring' notification of an incoming call, your phone will play one long ring as with US phones.

As expected, the Vigortalk will only work with Draytel's VoIP service, so it's money down the drain if you decide to switch provider.

Draytel's calling charges start from 1p per minute and calls to other Sip VoIP users are obviously free.

An initial calling credit of £2 is supplied with the Vigortalk and once you've purchased £10 of credit (within a 60-day period), you're eligible for free voicemail and a number with a UK geographic dialling code (such as 01273) instead of the 0870/0845 numbers.

There's plenty to like about Draytel's Vigortalk. It's cheap, easy to set up and portable.

Having to carry the AC adapter around with you is a bit of a pain and we'd also like to see a wireless version, but on the whole it's a hassle-free way to join in the VoIP revolution.

To hear more about this product and the VoIP market, listen to our PCW Product of the Week podcast.