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Toshiba Adds VoIP to PCs

Posted by Hemos on from the cutting-out-the-telcos dept.

securitas writes "PC World/ IDG reports on the new Toshiba SoftIPT SoftPhone software that turns Windows XP-based computers into VoIP telephones. The software features call answering and forwarding, voice mail retrieval and conference calling and costs $200. Now if only Toshiba managed to come up with a version of the software that runs on 802.11 WiFi handhelds like the e800/e805 ... More details in the press release."

5 of 96 comments (clear)

  1. Cheaper to buy a hardware phone! by CoolRay · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The hardware-based options are computer-independent AND cost less... so why spend $200 on a sofware license?

    1. Re:Cheaper to buy a hardware phone! by PPGMD · · Score: 5, Insightful
      Because it will bring inroads of VoIP to the average Toshiba (in this case) computer user. Most users don't seek out Vonage, and the other companies, but if it's pre-installed they might try it and like it.

      Also if they want a cordless one they can purchase a 802.11b access point and a e800 handheld, thus making more money for Toshiba.

    2. Re:Cheaper to buy a hardware phone! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      It's the first step to it becoming pre-installed, or at least a demo version of it coming pre-installed.

  2. Re:what happens by H8X55 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    You get away with it for a bit. Then sprint figures out what you (and a few thousand others) are doing, gets rid of that option, and at your next renewal you find out you're sol.

  3. Re:consumer market by twisty7867 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I think then that you have pointed out the real flaw: insufficient marketing. Although your argument about DSL requiring a phone line is valid, most broadband users in America use cable modems. Even so you might find that a basic phone circuit + VoIP price is less than you currently pay for your unlimited POTS price. I have VoIP phone service from Vonage. I have an ordinary 212 phone number, use my ordinary cordless phone to call any other phone number in the world in the usual way. the only difference is that instead of hooking up to the local telco's box, my phone hooks into a piece of Cisco hardware (free from Vonage) which connects in turn to my router and broadband circuit. For $27/mo I get unlimited local calling, 500 minutes US/Canada long distance (3.9c/min after that) and all manner of features (voicemail, caller id, call waiting, forwarding, blah blah blah). Combine that with the $30 I pay for cable modem service, and for $57 I have broadband + telephone.