Dial Pad has been a great service for my friends and I to use, and keeps extra cash in my wallet that otherwise I would have to spend on long distance calls. It is the top tool that I use while I am on line, and of all programs that either save me money, or accrue points and dollars, it has saved me the most money overall because its totally free.

The service is easy to set up and use. You can make computer-to-computer calls, or computer-to-phone calls. Being able to dial up a phone is a great feature as some of my friends and family do not have computers, (like my aunt that lives in that cave) and we can still talk from my computer to their phone, for no cost. Having only one telephone line, this service also allows me to make the calls to on-line tech centers without disconnecting. I can then see and answer their questions that they ask, and try different solutions without having to hang up and call back to tell them the results of their suggestions that never seem to work the first time. That is a HUGE benefit.

My connection speed is usually between 45,333 and 46,800 bps. It allows me to talk, and to be able to surf at the same time. It is very simple to set up Dial Pad, as it only takes a few seconds to download your information to them. They have a phone book page that comes up that you can store all your favorite phone numbers in, and you just click on the number you want to call and Dial Pad rings the number.

You will need a sound card, speakers, and a micro-phone to use the program. All the information as to what you need is located on their page to assist you.

You do not need headphones, but they are the one true secret to enjoying and using this program. Without headphones, when the person you are calling talks, their voice comes over your speakers and it goes right back through your mic to them. This is ok for my aunt in the cave, because she really likes to hear herself talk, but most people find it annoying. This "feedback" to them is eliminated when you listen through the headphones. I went all out and bought a pair of headphones from Dollar General for a buck, but of course you don't have to go that expense. (just use those ones in the cupboard drawer that are left over from the broken walkman.)

Bottom line is :
The service works well, and my best friend is located in Florida. I am in Indiana. This affords us the chance to chat to with each other anytime we like, and and not have to worry about those phone bills at the end of the month that always seem to eat into my beer drinking budget.



Recommended: Yes