OpenEuphoria

2. Re: [Euphoria] Re: OT Callwave Does Work

• Posted by Greg Haberek <ghaberek at gmail.com> Dec 05, 2004
• 478 views
• Last edited Dec 06, 2004

Let's look at it this way:

    Average dial-up service: $14.95 per month
    Callwave service: $7.95 per month
    Total... $22.90 per month

    So you're  paying $22.90 per month for what? Slow dial up and
on-line voice mail through a 1-800 number? And if you're on AOL or
something more expensive, it could be upwards of $30 per month! That's
way too much for slower than molasses dial-up. Keep in mind, DSL uses
your existing phone lines on a high-frequency carrier band, it does
require filters on all your phones, but they're hardly noticable. I
hooked up my uncle's Yahoo! DSL about a year ago, and he loves it.

Check out these services:

    Earthlink DSL.... $19.95 per month (first 3 months)
    http://www.earthlink.net/home/broadband/

    Comcast Cable Modem... $19.99 per month (first 6 months, free modem)
    http://www.comcastoffers.com/

    SBC Yahoo! DSL.... $26.95 per month (first 12 months)
    http://www05.sbc.com/DSL

    Verizon DSL... $29.95 per month (first month FREE)
    http://www22.verizon.com/ForHomeDSL/channels/dsl/forhomedsl.asp?ID=Res

    RoadRunner Cable Modem... $29.95 per month (first 6 months)
    http://www.roadrunneroffers.com/  (this page looks a lot like Comcast)

    There are others, like WideOpenWest, which I have. They have
multiple prices for multiple speeds. I have the mid-range $39.99 per
month 500kbps connection. If I wanted, I could pay $54.99 per month
for a 4Mbps connection, but that's just silly. :)

~Greg

On Sun, 05 Dec 2004 16:16:55 -0500, Dr Hank Heyman
<drhankh at earthlink.net> wrote:
> 
> Hi Don,
> 
> You asked (12/4):
> 
> "Does anybody have any experience with Callwave software?
> (A way to take calls while online.) (Monthly service charge $7.95.)
> Is this a rip off or works good?"
> 
> I used Callwave's software and service for a significant period of time,
> and it did work well.  However, this was some time ago.  At that time,
> the service was free, supported by advertising via an additional ad bar.
> 
> The way the service worked, someone could get in touch with me by phone
> if I was connected to the Internet.  This had to be someone I knew and
> wanted to talk to, because I had to give them Callwave's toll free 800
> number and my extension to leave a real-time voice message.  If I was
> connected to the Internet at the time and running Callwave's software,
> I would get an alert that a message was coming in, and it would be played
> through the PC's speakers.  Sound quality was excellent.  I could then
> disconnect from the Internet and call the person back quickly.  I could
> also save the message indefinitely and repeat them as desired.  The voice
> messages are delivered in a process akin to email.
> 
> "What's the best way to go with this?"
> 
> I think the suggestions by Greg Haberek and Jon are worthwhile.  Callwave
> offers something different from a broadband Internet connection.  It has
> an advantage that you don't have to take the call or don't have to take
> it till it's convenient to you.  You can decide based on who called you
> and what they had to say in their message.  The disadvantage is that you
> can only get calls from people who know the 800 number (though the latest
> version of the software may have some workaround for that), and you need
> to disconnect from the Internet to call back.  Whether it's worth the
> stated fee depends on how many calls you would get, how important they
> are to you, how much you like the service and how it compares to other
> options.
> 
> Both types of wired broadband Internet (DSL and cable) require additional
> hardware, two different types, which need to be installed.  From the ads
> I've seen, customer installation is often required.  How easy or difficult
> that is needs to be considered.  You also need to check out hardware and
> software requirements; the systems may not be viable with older PCs.
> 
> I think the introductory rates should be disregarded as you would have
> to pay the regular fee sooner or later.  The rates as advertised do not
> fully disclose additional fees and surcharges that increase the real rate.
> 
> However, broadband offers more than just an Internet connection and
> freeing up your phone line so that you can get calls while connected
> to the Internet.  They offer high-speed access, including the ability
> to download software, video and music files that can be tedious using
> dialup access.  Eventually -- when the cost is low enough -- most people
> would probably want the faster access.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Dr. Heyman
> 
> 
> 
>