I was thinking very seriously about installing a second line in my home. The reason is simple and I suspect many of you people spending too much time on Epinions are thinking the same thing: what if somebody important calls and I am in the middle of reading, writing and rating opinions? The great service from Buzme changed my mind and gave me peace!

What is it?: In the first place, Buzme acts like an internet answering machine: whenever you are connected to your ISP and receive a phone call, Buzme picks up and takes a message. You are instantly announced that you have a message in your box, you login to your account and listen to it. Simple, huh? You can also use Buzme as an answering machine so in case you don't have one, don't buy it yet; check this out, who knows, maybe you'll never buy one!! By this time I am sure you're thinking: "Wow it's not bad but what is the price, lady?!?" (at least I hope you call me lady!!). Well, it's my favorite price: FREE!! (read on to see who gets your money).

How does it work?: First you sign up on Buzme web site. At that time you have to be decided if you only want the internet answering machine or both the internet and the usual answering machine. Why? Because Buzme needs to tell your local phone company to forward your messages on busy signal alone or both on busy signal and on no answered calls. And yes, you guessed right, your phone company will charge you some for these two features. But it is a joke-fee (around a buck/month for both) so it's really worth it.
So what's in it for Buzme? You get to watch advertising on a small bar that you have to download when you sign up. It's not too bad and I was surprised to see that it doesn't slow down my connection at all. Anyway you can get rid of it by paying $4.95 to them this time, and all that remains on your computer is a small icon in the down-right area of the screen. I myself have the free service.

Features: The free service comes with a maximum of ten messages box each message having max length of one minute. That is the best on the market right now (Callwave gives you only 30 sec messages) and to be honest, nobody ever left a message longer than 50 minutes. If the box is full, it won't take any other messages so you have to check it often if you are away. You can check it via web (by logging in to your account) or via phone (by calling yourself). You can also modify the automated message that your callers here. And another thing I like, as soon as a message is left, you get an e-mail notification about it and the phone number from were it was made.
For the paid service, you get additional features: bigger box, longer messages, possibility to pick up the call instantly at your telephone (you get disconnected and the call is forwarded to your telephone). It is nice but I prefer the free one.

Does it work well? Yes it does!! For 6 month since I got it it performed flawlessly. It picks up all the calls and it delivers them instantly. As soon as I see an important call I disconnect and call the person. Finally, both my parents and my friends are no longer insisting to sell my computer!!

Is it useful? That's probably the most stupid question I asked so far. I think it is the most useful thing that you can install on your computer after a free ISP. Daily I get around 4 calls that I would otherwise miss; and the really bad part is that I wouldn't even know I did!! For a buck a month, I am a happy surfer.



Recommended: Yes