Novell Imports @Phone

It has taken a while, but voice over IP (VoIP) services, which allow you to make a call from your PC to an ordinary telephone, are finally starting to take off. Unfortunately, most VoIP service providers are based in the US, but the Novell Imports @Phone provides an interesting way for UK users to gain access to the popular Dialpad service.

The @Phone looks like an ordinary mobile phone handset, but it's got a USB cable that allows you to plug it into your PC. Before connecting the handset you first need to install the phone drivers and Dialpad's Chameleon software, which allows you to connect to the Dialpad service on the Internet.

Unfortunately, installation is a bit of a mess, as there are three applications that need to be installed. It doesn't help that the manual supplied by Novell Imports merely consists of three sheets of paper stapled together.

You'll also need to be familiar with your PC's network settings, since the Chameleon software has to be configured to work with any firewall or proxy servers that you may have in place.

But once you get past that hurdle, the @Phone works well, allowing you to simply dial in a number on the handset and then make calls to 200 countries around the world. Typical call rates include just under 3p per minute for Australia, the US, France and Germany. The cost of the @Phone includes 200 minutes worth of free calls to 24 of the most popular countries and after that you can pay for additional calls with your credit card on the Novell Imports website.

The installation process needs to be tidied up, but the @Phone is a worthwhile attempt to popularise VoIP services and one that could quickly pay for itself thanks to its highly competitive call charges.

Contact: Imports 0845 121 6735
www.novellimports.com

Specifications:
USB phone handset, compatible with Dialpad voice-over-IP service.