[OT] VoIP advice

["briview" <briview.groups@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Can I pick peoples brains on VoIP?  I have been playing with Skype=20
as a potential replacement for my NTL provided phone line (all in=20
the name of cost savings) but am now not convinced.  I have bought a=20
VoIP gateway so that I can use my normal DECT cordless phone and=20
setup a `Skype In' number so that people can call us, so in theory=20
I'm there.  The problem I have is that although some calls are free=20
or very cheap, others, 0845 numbers for example, are relatively=20
expensive at around 10 p/min so it doesn't seem as cheap as I first=20
thought.
=20
I have since discovered an alternative service from Vonage which=20
although does cost =A310 / month, all local and national calls are=20
then free, you get a `normal' area code phone number (I have an 0207=20
one with skype) and you don't need a PC on all the time (not a big=20
deal cos like most of us that's covered already).  I just wandered=20
is any of you have used either of these, or others, as a full time=20
replacement phone service and have any thoughts.

Thanks

Brian