I got a little device from
magicJack about 6 weeks ago. It plugs into a usb port on your computer and has an outlet that you plug a standard telephone into. It can also be used with a computer speaker and microphone if you don't want to use a phone.
I paid $40 for the device and it includes one year of service.
Once setup, it sets you up with a landline number (you choose an area code, which are limited right now) that can be used anywhere in the US and Canada for incoming and outgoing calls.
Until today, I've been playing with it in my office and have easily recouped the $40 I spent for it in phone call costs.
I am currently sitting in the A/S and have it plugged into my laptop. The campground wifi signal is fluctuating between 35% and 48%. I've already called home and spoke with my wife. She said the sound was pretty good.
I've also called my magicJack number from my cell phone and it worked too.
I plan to keep it in my laptop bag and use it when on the road since most of my travel is by automobile and I carry a landline phone with me for testing purposes anyway.
I have no knowledge of this company's financial stability or lack thereof. Just that if you try this, be prepared to possibly blow $40 if they go away.
They do plan to offer several new area codes and allow current users one free phone number change by the end of the year.
I currently have a Denver (303) area code but will switch to one in my region in Illinois or perhaps Beverly Hills when available.
I've noticed a few glitches. Some Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems don't always understand the tone codes, sometimes. A few times, I've gotton a busy circuit signal when the call would go through on a standard landline.
None of the glitches have been anything more than minor annoyances to me.
BTW: It seems to work with USB 1.1 and 2.0. My laptop only has USB 1.1 and it's working pretty well.