arewyn
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posted on October 24, 2001 06:44:35 AM new
I was talking to a nice lady the other day, and we got onto the subject of how time on the internet = tied up phone lines. She said she had a friend who had a service? that would answer an incoming call via the computer, giving you a chance to answer the call or have the caller leave a message.
Does anybody know anything about this kind of feature? She was adamant that it wasn't a computer software thing, but I don't see how it could be anything else.
I've considered having a second phone line put in, but here where I live it would amount to another $30-40 a month...another fee that would eat into my already narrow profit margin!
Any ideas?
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jfpnatl
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posted on October 24, 2001 06:52:37 AM new
Try DLS or a cable modem, the extra cost is much less expensive than an addition phone line into your home. You'll be amazed at the speed and time saved uploading your auctions. You'll not know how you lived with out it before. This may not be an option depending on where you live, just a suggestion....
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arewyn
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posted on October 24, 2001 07:28:07 AM new
jfpnatl, I would LOVE to, but...
We live in the sticks. No cable, no DSL. I've even been told that our area shouldn't hold it's breath waiting for DSL to get here, there aren't enough potential customers.
My dream is to get a satellite connection, but the initial cost is prohibitive at this time... someday soon I hope!!! In the meantime I'm slogging along with the best dial-up I've found in the area.
I wonder if voice mail is the best answer?
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jfpnatl
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posted on October 24, 2001 07:50:23 AM new
Voice mail is probaly your only option then. good luck!!
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darbysmom
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posted on October 24, 2001 08:00:18 AM new
My husband and I signed up for a service at Callwave.com which is essentially an internet answering machine. It was very simple to set up and costs around $30 per year. When you are online incoming calls are forwarded to their service, the caller is greeted and instructed to leave a message, the message is downloaded to your computer and played for you within seconds. It also displays the phone number of the person who is calling you.
Ann
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camachinist
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posted on October 24, 2001 08:01:09 AM new
Hi arewyn,
We also live in the country but are fortunate enough to be within the acceptable distance to the telco switch to qualify for ISDN (which we have) or DSL
I understand completely why your 2nd line would be expensive...mileage charges
You could look at wireless broadband, if offered in your area, as an option...that's what I would likely use if we weren't qualified for ISDN/DSL
The suggestion for telco voice mail is a good one...it kicks in whether there's no answer or the line is busy. I would also investigate whether telco call waiting could help in your situation...missing calls...I can't remember if there were some options applicable to computer modems with that service or not...
Country living is worth a few inconveniences, yes? 
Pat
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commentary
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posted on October 24, 2001 10:45:48 AM new
I saw such a product advertise on a flyer that came with my monthly credit card bill. I think it costs around $70. Looks like a small hub where you are suppose to hook in your phone. Not sure but I think it requires call waiting.
Sorry but I already threw out the flyer.
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Meya
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posted on October 24, 2001 11:15:32 AM new
I have never used this, so I can't give much advice, but you might want to check out:
http://www.pagoo.com/cc.asp
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aneye4art
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posted on October 24, 2001 11:45:14 AM new
Hi, for this problem, check out www.callwave.com. This site provides a free internet answering machine so you can still receive calls when online. When someone calls and you are online, they will hear a pre-recorded message saying you are on line but they can leave a message. You will hear their message over your computer speakers as they leave it. You simply have to download their program (takes about 2 minutes) and you will have to get the service "call forward busy line" from you phone company. I have this service and it cost me 8.16 for a one-time install fee from my phone company to set up the service and the charge for this service per month is .30 there after. Hope this helps!
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skeetersdaddy
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posted on October 24, 2001 11:46:28 AM new
there are several free pieces of software that will work for you. they generally pop a screen up when a call comes in telling you what number it is and giving you the option to answer etc.........
i don't recall the names but i will research it a bit and see if i can come up with a name for you.
you might also want to check tucows.com or zdnet.com...both have great free software
i usually collect software i may need or have an interest in but have passed on this one because i am on cable...........
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Valleygirl
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posted on October 24, 2001 11:49:34 AM new
It's called CallWave. I put it on my mother's computer about a year ago. My dad is disabled and they are both Seniors, so CallWave waived the fee.
I got a second phone line for computer only, no long distance for $10 month.
Not my name on ebay.
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iluvladybugs
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posted on October 24, 2001 02:59:24 PM new
I use pagoo.com. I haven't missed an important call since!
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rarriffle
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posted on October 24, 2001 03:49:39 PM new
I have used Callwave for about 18 months now and have never missed a call. The started charging in Sept of this year. $2.95 a month or there is an annual fee instead. Both charges are billed on your regular phone bill.
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littlenell
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posted on October 24, 2001 04:29:29 PM new
I think you want Buzme. When I'm on the internet and a phone call comes in, a window opens on my screen with the phone number of the caller. I can choose to take the call immediately or send it to voicemail. If I take it immediately, Buzme shuts off my connection to the phone line, then my phone rings. I can talk to the caller right away. While I am deciding whether to take the call or send it to voicemail, the caller is hearing something like "Please wait while to find her." It also works like normal voice mail to answer your phone while you are out. This service costs $5.99 a month. There is also a free version that doesn't do as much. Go to www.buzme.com and check it out.
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