If you're like everyone else I know, you spend lots of time on your cell phone. You have a "package" from your cell provider that gives you x number of minutes. If you go over that limit, expect one large scary bill. They will not warn you. No simple email "heads-up" to let you know that your current consumption is on track to exceed your limit. Of course not. That would be like the video store calling you to remind you. No way. Not going to happen.
So here's an idea that's rock solid technology, both in performance and price... and a way to reduce your monthly
consumption of your precious cell minutes.
If you use a laptop and you are frequently in a WiFi zone, such as a coffee shop, then here's what you do:
First, before you begin, this is what you need:
- A WiFi ready laptop (all of them have this now!)
- A $15 headset that plugs into your laptop (speakers and a microphone)
Some laptops have these built-in, but go ahead and blow the $15 or $20 on a headset from BestBuy or wherever... the call quality is so good it will amaze you.
With your laptop and headset.... here we go...
1. Create an account on CALLCENTRIC.COM
This is what's called a SIP provider which is like a phone company but for your computer. Think of them as
AT&T except that you like doing busines with them. :)
It costs nothing to create an account at CallCentric. (If you're doing this for the first time and have no idea what this is about, then recruit a friend with a laptop to do this with you as like Alexander Bell, you'll need two people to create that "holy cow Watson, this is sweet!")
After you create an account, you'll have a user name and a new phone number. To the left is what mine looks like.
This is your SIP phone number. Most will not know what that means, so enjoy feeling technically superior! (it doesn't matter if they know, you're doing this to reduce your cell phone bill)
Important: You're not changing your phone number. This is for your outgoing calls only... A way to reduce your airtime minutes.
Next... (this is simple and free too)
2. Download a copy of XLite from CounterPath
XLite is a software program that's free to download that will give you what's known as a "soft" phone. Soft means it's just a program on your laptop. It looks like a phone, it acts like one, but you can't clip it to your belt, put it in your purse or leave it in the men's room.
(They have Windows and Mac versions)
The image to the left is what my phone looks like. It installs quickly and the configuration part is pretty simple. (even works in Vista!)
3. Configure your XLite Phone
XLite, your soft phone, is not related to CallCentric, so if you have problems, you can't call them. Forget contacting CounterPath because why would they help you fix your free download? So, pay attention and you won't have to call either of them.
Once XLite is running, you need to connect your soft phone to your SIP provider (CallCentric).
It's really easy, so hang with me here.
When your phone loads, click the SIP Account Settings. Looks like this:
Now just fill in five fields. It's the stuff you created over all CallCentric. Really simple. Here's what my settings look like.
Once you save this, your XLite phone should think for a few seconds, then show you a READY screen that looks like this... (except with your new SIP phone number)
Now what can you do?
- Call any other CallCentric user anywhere in the world, for free
- Call any landline or mobile phone in the US for a flat fee of $20/month
- Pay as you go for about 2 cents per minute to anywhere in the US
As long as you're in a decent WiFi cafe you will have call quality that EXCEEDS what you're used to on your cell phone. I've tested this over and over again and even with the $15 headsets, it's simply amazing quality.
If you have any problems with this, and getting that first install is sometimes a challenge, drop me a note or call. We plan to write a short how-to on this and any feedback helps both of us.
http://apin.com 734-253-2305 (office num)
PS. yes, this is a Skype type of service... but MUCH better, both quality and cost
;)
;)
