Is 'Ooma' a good deal?

[Sup3rkirby]

Well, there is something relatively new that I've been thinking of investing in. It is called Ooma.

For those who haven't heard of it, this is basically like a new VoIP service. The difference is you buy the hardware(1 time fee), and then you never pay again. It mainly runs over your broadband connection, but you can pay some 'small' fee(i have no idea what it is) for a landline backup(for 911 calls, etc.). You get some decent features like caller ID and call waiting, plus you can check your voicemail and such from their site(log into the Ooma Lounge).

I think the majority of their profits comes from their software, Ooma Premier. This software gives you extra features and such for a monthly fee of about $13.


The only thing I have to worry about is: how long will Ooma last? It seems like a novel concept, but there have been countless ideas like programs and services that have been set up to be free and helpful, but they don't always last.



So, does anyone really know much about this? Maybe someone has it and could share their experience so far? It really seems to be promising and should last for, if anything, a few more years to come. But honestly, with the way things are set up, even after a year it seems you would have gotten your moneys worth.

[Spartan Erik]

I'm not a major VoIP or landline person.. I figure a cellphone contract is all I ever need. That and instant messaging on the PC.. that's just about it!

[Sup3rkirby]

Good point.

For some reason with any 'new' device or things such as these, I always find myself going, "why not?" I don't really need it I guess, but a free phone service is rather compelling. I did think a bit though and figured, even if I just use this for 1 year, I would have saved money(compared to a regular phone bill). So sure, why not?...

I'm about to move this weekend, so I figure I'll have it shipped to arrive around then and I'll give it a try.

Think there is any third party software(hopefully open source or freeware) that can work with VoIP services such as this?