OBi200 1-Port VoIP Phone Adapter with Google Voice and Fax Support for Home and SOHO Phone Service, Blue
Brand | Obihai |
Color | Blue |
Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. |
Material | unspecified |
Power Source | AC |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.7 x 2.7 x 1.2 inches |
Answering System Type | Digital |
Item Weight | 0.44 Pounds |
Compatible Devices | PC |
Recording Capacity | 12 minutes |
About this item
- Works with Google Voice
- Works with Up to Four (4) VoIP Services Across One (1) Phone Port
- Call back service present. Application for iphone, ipad, ipod touch and android devices which makes possible placing and receiving calls to/from other OBi endpoints
- Compatible devices: PC
Similar items that may ship from close to you
- Grandstream HT801 Single-Port Analog Telephone AdapterAmazon's Choicein VoIP Telephone AdaptersFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
- Ooma Telo Free Home Phone Service. Works with Amazon Echo and Smart Devices (Renewed)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
- Obihai Technology OBIWIFI5G Obihai OBiWiFi5G 2.4/5GHz Wireless 802.11AC Adapter for OBi200, OBi202, OBi1022, OBi1032, OBi1062 VoIP Phone and DeviceFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20Only 19 left in stock - order soon.
- Ooma Linx Wireless Phone Jack works ONLY with Ooma Telo and Ooma Office VoIP phone systems. Connect phones or fax machines wirelesslyFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20
Important information
To report an issue with this product or seller, click here.
From the manufacturer
OBi200 VoIP Phone Adapter
With an OBi device and your existing broadband Internet connection, from the comfort of your home phone, you have the power to make and receive phone calls using a multitude of VoIP services for free or at a fraction of the cost a traditional telco would charge. Local, long distance and even international calling are all possible.
The OBi200 and OBi202 support up to four (4) VoIP services like Google Voice, Anveo, PhonePower, VoIPms and a multitude of 'Bring Your Own Device' Internet phone services. Get the lowest cost local and international calls with service providers of your choice. Calls to other OBi devices are always free via the OBiTALK network.
It is easy to save money with an OBi!
Google Voice
Free Premium Features with OBi and Google Voice
- Works with Google Voice
- Caller ID
- Call forwarding
- Call waiting
- 3-way calls
- Faxing
- Block anonymous calls
Details
- Use Google Voice with the OBi and enjoy free calls inside the USA and Canada
- Call internationally at amazingly low rates to over 150 destinations
- When someone calls, ring multiple OBi devices, anywhere
- Block unwanted nuisance and tele-marketer calls
- Voicemail that acts like email
- Designed, developed and supported in the USA
Amazingly Simple Setup
|
|
|
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Why You Will Love the Polycom OBi
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|
Works with Google VoiceGoogle Voice provides the ability to make calls in the US and Canada for , using your broadband Internet and a regular home phone. It's easy to save with OBi! |
Easy Setup & Remote AccessWith our cloud-managed OBiTALK web portal, the consumer has all the tools needed to make any changes necessary. Anytime from anywhere. |
Not Locked to Any ServiceEnjoy the freedom of choice. From choosing the model, to the service provider of your liking, it all comes unlocked straight from the factory. |
Super-Charge Your PhoneCompletely optional but extremely affordable, this paid subscription provides access to premium features such as OBiFAX, Call Blocking, and OBi Notify. |
OBi200 | OBi202 | |
---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars
4,139
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
2,677
|
Ideal For | Home | Home or Small Business |
Easy OBiTALK Setup | ✓ | ✓ |
Free OBi to OBi calling | ✓ | ✓ |
VoIP Services Supported | 4 | 4 |
2-Port Internet Router with Voice Packet Prioritization | - | ✓ |
Reliable Faxing T.38 Protocol | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Adapter | 100-240 volt switching power adapter | 100-240 volt switching power adapter |
Call Capacity | 1 phone call or fax call | 2 phone calls or fax calls simultaneously |
USB port for OBiWiFi5G, OBiBT, OBiLINE | ✓ | ✓ |
Ports | 1 FXS port | 2 FXS ports |
OBiWiFi5G | OBiBT | OBiLINE | |
---|---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
— |
— |
— |
Optional USB Accessories | The OBiWiFi5G wireless adapter allows you to wirelessly connect your VoIP device to the Internet. | The OBiBT Bluetooth wireless adapter allows a USB-equipped OBi device to pair with a mobile phone. | The OBiLINE adapter allows a USB-equipped OBi device to make calls to a land-line service from phones connected to the OBi. |
Product guides and documents
Compare with similar items
This Item Obihai OBi200 1-Port VoIP Phone Adapter with Google Voice and Fax Support for Home and SOHO Phone Service, Blue | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | ||
Price | Currently unavailable. | $96.00$96.00 | $47.41$47.41 | -17% $99.99$99.99 List: $119.99 | $40.00$40.00 | -37% $49.99$49.99 New Price: $79.99 |
Delivery | — | — | Get it Mar 25 - 29 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sound quality | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.6 | 4.3 |
Tech Support | 3.9 | 3.2 | 3.9 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 3.9 |
Value for money | — | 4.1 | 4.4 | 3.8 | — | 4.2 |
Easy to install | 4.2 | — | — | 4.0 | — | 4.4 |
Sheerness | — | — | 4.0 | 4.1 | — | 4.5 |
Sold By | — | Orange Rhythm Store | IT Devices Online Inc. | Amazon.com | iDeal Sales | Firemall LLC |
dialer type | — | Single Keypad | — | Single Keypad | Single Keypad | Single Keypad |
power source | AC | Corded Electric | Adapter | Corded Electric | Adapter | Corded Electric |
recording capacity | 12 minutes | 18 minutes | — | 22 minutes | 18 minutes | 15 minutes |
material | unspecified | — | Plastic | Plastic | — | — |
answering system | Digital | Digital | Digital | Digital | Digital | Digital |
caller identification | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Product Description
Use Google Voice with the OBi and enjoy free calls inside the USA and Canada Call internationally at amazingly low rates to over 150 destinations Rates to China, India, and Mexico as low as 1¢ per minute - with no connection fee When someone calls, ring multiple OBi devices, anywhere Block unwanted nuisance and tele-marketer calls Voicemail that acts like email Designed, developed and supported in the USA Many more features!. Automatic Attendant for Simplified Call Routing (AA).
Product information
Product Dimensions | 2.7 x 2.7 x 1.2 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 7 ounces |
ASIN | B00BUV7C9A |
Item model number | OBI200 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #208,454 in Office Products (See Top 100 in Office Products) #403 in VoIP Phones |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | March 15, 2013 |
Manufacturer | Obihai Technology |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Looking for specific info?
What's in the box
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the ease of setup, compatibility, size, and value of the landline phone. They mention that it facilitates use of Google Voice, which has tons of features. They appreciate the sound quality, performance, and quality. That said, opinions are mixed on connectivity.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the performance of the landline phone. They mention that it does its job well, and is a fully functional home phone. Customers are also pleased with the ease of setup, functionality, and startup cost. The adapter is still working well with RingTo, and the phones are really great phones.
"...But if you're looking for a cheap, high-quality VOIP solution to give you a "landline" without the cost, and if you already have a Google..." Read more
"...But as VoIP, it does VERY well...." Read more
"Fantastic little device... very pleased with ease of setup, functionality, startup cost and reducing my phone bill...." Read more
"...line, it's a great deal, it's a solid system, we have had zero drop outs or quality issues, and it's great because you can simul-ring all or some of..." Read more
Customers find the setup process of the landline phone to be easy. They mention that the unit is very easy to set up and configure, and has excellent ease of use.
"...Small and easy to setup- Better than the OomaCons:..." Read more
"...extensively before my purchase and by all accounts the OBi200 is easy to set up and use with either Google Voice or one of the other VoIP service..." Read more
"...Ooma, which offers great sound quality, rich features, and excellent ease of use...." Read more
"...Setup was NOT easy, as promised. When I connected to OBiTalk, it said this was already registered before...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the landline phone. They mention that the calls are reliable, clear, and as clear as AT&T conventional landline. They also mention that they get US and Canada free calling, and cheap rates world wide. The one-time purchase gives customers unlimited free calling thereafter, and the device offers great international calling rates.
"...Also by all accounts, including my experience, the OBi200 is rock solid once it is set up.* The OBi200 is not a service provider..." Read more
"...land line system, with phones in every room, except that the quality is better and there are no monthly charges...." Read more
"...pleased with ease of setup, functionality, startup cost and reducing my phone bill...." Read more
"...Bottom line, it's a great deal, it's a solid system, we have had zero drop outs or quality issues, and it's great because you can simul-ring all or..." Read more
Customers like the value of the landline phone. They mention that it is a cost saver as there are no monthly subscriptions, no taxes, and it is free. They also mention that the first year is free and that the box "pays for itself after one month".
"...Pros:- Cutting the bill!- No more landline, but still allows you to use your old "brick" home phones...." Read more
"...in every room, except that the quality is better and there are no monthly charges.I'm still using my Ooma devices for my business lines...." Read more
"...The monthly cost was fair and I remained a loyal customer. I recently learned about Obitalk and decided to rock the boat and try something new...." Read more
"...Bottom line, it's a great deal, it's a solid system, we have had zero drop outs or quality issues, and it's great because you can simul-ring all or..." Read more
Customers like the sound quality of the landline phone. They say that the voice quality is on par with the Time Warner Digital home phone, and it delivers a quality audio experience. Some customers say that their experience has been crystal clear calls, with no dropped calls or buffering.
"...7. The Obi provides crystal clear calls with no static or delays.8. Obihai devices seem to be infinitely configurable to meet your needs...." Read more
"...Here's a quick summary of key points:- The sound quality is as good as my Ooma Telo units, and dramatically better than MagicJack,..." Read more
"...The voice quality is outstanding, but make sure you have decent internet though, 3 or 4mbps up and down, although lower speeds will work but with..." Read more
"...Again call quality is great, and due to sometimes spotty coverage at my house with AT&T, I may even give up using my mobile at home." Read more
Customers like the compatibility of the landline phone adapter. They say that it facilitates use of Google Voice, a free service from Google. They mention that it works well with Google Voice and that it has tons of features. Customers also appreciate the account controls, which allow them to set-up voice mail and use multi-ring.
"...(this gets you cheap international calls, call forwarding, caller ID, threeway calling, transcript voicemails, text messaging, etc)-..." Read more
"...The advantages are that Google Voice is free (no monthly charges) and I really like Google Voice's features..." Read more
"...Google voice is an amazing solution for a "home phone"; I've been using it for my mobile for many years, so I am quite pleased to be able..." Read more
"...By the way, Google Voice has tons of features and is really a well put together and highly customizable system...." Read more
Customers like the size of the landline phone. They mention that it is small, portable, and easy to set up. Customers also appreciate the convenience of being able to place it anywhere.
"...Small and easy to setup- Better than the OomaCons:..." Read more
"...Very happy with this device, it has a very small footprint, and has worked perfectly fine for us...." Read more
"...Google Voice can be tricky, but is awesome.The device is small, sturdy, easy to set up, and with GREAT company support...." Read more
"Just received the Obi200. Nice small form factor, deosnt take up much space at all...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the connectivity of the landline phone. Some mention that it has rock solid connectivity, always connects in first attempt, and links seamlessly to their Google Voice account. However, others say that it failed due to not being able to establish a connection to the remote fax, lost the phone connection, and gave a weird error message.
"...Several steps in the process were not clearly documented, or took a few tries to figure out...." Read more
"...experience has been crystal clear calls, no dropped calls and rock solid connectivity...." Read more
"...when it was necessary to do a factory restart when I could no longer connect to Obitalk. All changes were lost...." Read more
"...Videos on setting it up but still it got confusing as I struggled to get it to connect...." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
We've been paying $30+ a month ($360/year) to AT&T for basic bare minimum home landline service (their other plans cost more), which we weren't even using at all (just receiving bunch of telemarketing spam calls even though I signed up for the Do NOT call list).
Well, it's just still nice to have a backup "home number/phone" or when making appointments, etc. and like many, since we're attached to our home number for over decades, it just wasn't something we wanted to easily give up. (especially avoiding hassle of updating to companies of a new number)
I was unsure at first if I should go with this OBI or the Ooma. I did some research and I'm really glad I went with this OBI. It's a no brainer for me.
With the Ooma, you will still end up having to pay a few dollars a month on local and State taxes.
With the OBI, it's zero. Not to mention, the Ooma unit cost twice as much/takes up more space.
Ooma also charges $9.99/month for their "premium features" like call blocking or using an app to make calls, which is silly - it's free with Google/OBi.
I also checked out Ooma's international calling rates and they aren't as good as Google's.
Also Ooma charges $40 to port your old phone number.
With OBi, Google charges $20 to port your old number.
However, there is one annoying catch:
Google doesn't allow porting landline numbers, so you have to go through a bit of redundant obstacle if you want to keep your cherished old landline number; you have to first port your landline number to a mobile carrier such as T-Mobile (it was very smooth with them, which is what I've used; this part is free, but it takes a day to process), AT&T, Verizon, etc. -- to make Google think the number now belongs to a wireless service, which Google will then accept, AND THEN once that's completed, you would then request a port with Google ($20 fee).
In order to accomplish this, you will need a "dummy" phone and buy a prepaid SIM card (from one of the wireless carriers) and use that temporary number for the porting process.
If you don't care about keeping your old home number then you don't have to go through any of that hassle; just make a google account and use whatever number Google gives you.
This may be all confusing in the beginning, especially if you've never used Google Voice before. What this OBI device is basically allows assigning different VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services on it, so you can then connect your old "brick" phones to it; Google Voice just happens to be the main preferred choice.
Google Voice is not an actual carrier/phone service - what Google Voice does is just forward numbers to you, like a secretary. It's quite amazing and cool what it can do. Now I can even send text message with my home number. It can email me missed calls/show me a transcript of the voicemail/easily listen to them... so much more convenient than using the old built-in answering machine to listen to messages or dialing to hear voicemail. I even get caller ID now. AT&T landline charged so much for these "premium features"... yet all this and way more is free now with OBi/Google.
To make international calls, the minimum amount to load in your account is $10. I like that Google Voice charges no connection fee for international calls, whereas Skype does.
You can also download their Google Voice "Hangout Dialer" (not to be confused with the Hangout app itself - they are two completely different apps) and you can make calls with a tablet! Unlike with Ooma, they charge you $10/month for this feature that Google provides for free!
By default, Google has "Screen Calls" turned on, which won't directly connect the caller through (until they say their name), so you'll want to disable that. I did notice that I was receiving more spam calls when I signed up with Google; I'm not sure if that is a coincidence or not, but there is also a option in Google to block known spam calls. It's also very easy to block numbers.
I wish Google would just allow uploading audio files as a voicemail, but you can only set it up with your own call/voice.
Ooma is probably suited for beginners and people who don't want to deal with customization/hassle of porting. If you want to save more money, like more customization/already love Google Voice, then the OBi is an easy choice.
Many internet service providers also started bundling home phone service, prices ranging from $10-$30/month -- but it's the same VOIP, so it's better to get one of these devices instead.
This OBi device will be useless without internet and a router - or if you don't even own a "brick" phone to connect this to; or if you want to get rid of "brick phones" entirely and modernize your whole home all together with just using tablets/WIFI only smartphone, or PC to make calls, then you don't even need this product and can just sign up for Google and use Hangouts Dialer app for that (granted you don't need 911 emergency services, since Google Voice does not support 911 calls; if you do, you need this Obi/connect a brick phone/add/sign-up/pay monthly fee for just the 911 emergency service). However, if you're a senior or just like the old fashion way of using your home "brick phones", this OBi device allows you to use that and cut your bill. If you want to save money in the long run, it does require a bit of your time and money upfront. In the end, it's definitely worth it. It feels great having one less bill to worry about.
Pros:
- Cutting the bill!
- No more landline, but still allows you to use your old "brick" home phones. (granted you have internet)
- More features than what you'd get with landline services that's a rip off costing more (this gets you cheap international calls, call forwarding, caller ID, threeway calling, transcript voicemails, text messaging, etc)
- Small and easy to setup
- Better than the Ooma
Cons:
- It relies on Internet/router, so if either of those fail on you, you won't be able to place calls. (Not a big deal)
- 911 emergency service is not included and you must add that/pay a small fee/month for that. (Not a big deal)
- If you're not so much a techy person, it may require some thinking time.
- Porting your old landline number is a bit messy/redundant requiring you to port twice.
- My OBi device doesn't actually have the "Google Voice" logo on the front of the unit like it's advertised. I find that a little odd, but whatever (I guess it looks cleaner without it)
We've been paying $30+ a month ($360/year) to AT&T for basic bare minimum home landline service (their other plans cost more), which we weren't even using at all (just receiving bunch of telemarketing spam calls even though I signed up for the Do NOT call list).
Well, it's just still nice to have a backup "home number/phone" or when making appointments, etc. and like many, since we're attached to our home number for over decades, it just wasn't something we wanted to easily give up. (especially avoiding hassle of updating to companies of a new number)
I was unsure at first if I should go with this OBI or the Ooma. I did some research and I'm really glad I went with this OBI. It's a no brainer for me.
With the Ooma, you will still end up having to pay a few dollars a month on local and State taxes.
With the OBI, it's zero. Not to mention, the Ooma unit cost twice as much/takes up more space.
Ooma also charges $9.99/month for their "premium features" like call blocking or using an app to make calls, which is silly - it's free with Google/OBi.
I also checked out Ooma's international calling rates and they aren't as good as Google's.
Also Ooma charges $40 to port your old phone number.
With OBi, Google charges $20 to port your old number.
However, there is one annoying catch:
Google doesn't allow porting landline numbers, so you have to go through a bit of redundant obstacle if you want to keep your cherished old landline number; you have to first port your landline number to a mobile carrier such as T-Mobile (it was very smooth with them, which is what I've used; this part is free, but it takes a day to process), AT&T, Verizon, etc. -- to make Google think the number now belongs to a wireless service, which Google will then accept, AND THEN once that's completed, you would then request a port with Google ($20 fee).
In order to accomplish this, you will need a "dummy" phone and buy a prepaid SIM card (from one of the wireless carriers) and use that temporary number for the porting process.
If you don't care about keeping your old home number then you don't have to go through any of that hassle; just make a google account and use whatever number Google gives you.
This may be all confusing in the beginning, especially if you've never used Google Voice before. What this OBI device is basically allows assigning different VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services on it, so you can then connect your old "brick" phones to it; Google Voice just happens to be the main preferred choice.
Google Voice is not an actual carrier/phone service - what Google Voice does is just forward numbers to you, like a secretary. It's quite amazing and cool what it can do. Now I can even send text message with my home number. It can email me missed calls/show me a transcript of the voicemail/easily listen to them... so much more convenient than using the old built-in answering machine to listen to messages or dialing to hear voicemail. I even get caller ID now. AT&T landline charged so much for these "premium features"... yet all this and way more is free now with OBi/Google.
To make international calls, the minimum amount to load in your account is $10. I like that Google Voice charges no connection fee for international calls, whereas Skype does.
You can also download their Google Voice "Hangout Dialer" (not to be confused with the Hangout app itself - they are two completely different apps) and you can make calls with a tablet! Unlike with Ooma, they charge you $10/month for this feature that Google provides for free!
By default, Google has "Screen Calls" turned on, which won't directly connect the caller through (until they say their name), so you'll want to disable that. I did notice that I was receiving more spam calls when I signed up with Google; I'm not sure if that is a coincidence or not, but there is also a option in Google to block known spam calls. It's also very easy to block numbers.
I wish Google would just allow uploading audio files as a voicemail, but you can only set it up with your own call/voice.
Ooma is probably suited for beginners and people who don't want to deal with customization/hassle of porting. If you want to save more money, like more customization/already love Google Voice, then the OBi is an easy choice.
Many internet service providers also started bundling home phone service, prices ranging from $10-$30/month -- but it's the same VOIP, so it's better to get one of these devices instead.
This OBi device will be useless without internet and a router - or if you don't even own a "brick" phone to connect this to; or if you want to get rid of "brick phones" entirely and modernize your whole home all together with just using tablets/WIFI only smartphone, or PC to make calls, then you don't even need this product and can just sign up for Google and use Hangouts Dialer app for that (granted you don't need 911 emergency services, since Google Voice does not support 911 calls; if you do, you need this Obi/connect a brick phone/add/sign-up/pay monthly fee for just the 911 emergency service). However, if you're a senior or just like the old fashion way of using your home "brick phones", this OBi device allows you to use that and cut your bill. If you want to save money in the long run, it does require a bit of your time and money upfront. In the end, it's definitely worth it. It feels great having one less bill to worry about.
Pros:
- Cutting the bill!
- No more landline, but still allows you to use your old "brick" home phones. (granted you have internet)
- More features than what you'd get with landline services that's a rip off costing more (this gets you cheap international calls, call forwarding, caller ID, threeway calling, transcript voicemails, text messaging, etc)
- Small and easy to setup
- Better than the Ooma
Cons:
- It relies on Internet/router, so if either of those fail on you, you won't be able to place calls. (Not a big deal)
- 911 emergency service is not included and you must add that/pay a small fee/month for that. (Not a big deal)
- If you're not so much a techy person, it may require some thinking time.
- Porting your old landline number is a bit messy/redundant requiring you to port twice.
- My OBi device doesn't actually have the "Google Voice" logo on the front of the unit like it's advertised. I find that a little odd, but whatever (I guess it looks cleaner without it)
Quick Update: December 7, 2017
This has been a set and forget device for me. After setting it up, it has been working for over a year and a half with no additional actions needed on my part. Amazing device. Highly recommended.
=================================
June 4, 2016
* My Experience – OBi200 & Google Voice
This review covers my experience with the OBi200. I paired my Obi with Google Voice, so that's what I can write about. However, according to the manufacturer (Obihai) and many, many reviews and posts (on Amazon and elsewhere), the OBi200 can easily be paired with other VoIP service providers as well. Pairing your OBi200 with one of those (non-Google Voice) service providers will cost a few dollars a month – but that's a fraction of what a landline currently costs. I researched the Obihai devices extensively before my purchase and by all accounts the OBi200 is easy to set up and use with either Google Voice or one of the other VoIP service providers. Also by all accounts, including my experience, the OBi200 is rock solid once it is set up.
* The OBi200 is not a service provider
You need to have an account with a service provider, where your phone number is maintained and through which incoming/outgoing calls pass. Most, if not all providers will either provide a phone # to you, or will allow you to port an existing phone # into their service. Obi devices connect to your account on one of these service providers over the Internet, allowing you to send/receive calls & texts from your home phone and even from your cell phone – if your cell phone can connect to your home phone system, usually via Bluetooth.
Among other things, Obi devices will forward calls so that more than one phone will ring for incoming calls. For instance, incoming calls to your home phone can also ring to your cell phone or any other number. In addition, your VoIP service provider may provide this and other capabilities. I've listed some of the capabilities provided by Google Voice later in this review.
* Computer Independent
Obi devices are not connected to, nor are they dependent on a computer. They should either have a wireless connection to your Internet router (Obihai wireless adapter sold separately) or be plugged directly into your router.
* Downsides to VoIP
There are two downsides to using a VoIP phone service. First, when you lose electric power to your home, you will also lose your phone service. However, if you are using voice mail provided by your service provider, people can still leave messages.
Second, because your phone number is not associated with a physical location (street address), but instead to an IP address, 911 calls cannot be properly directed to the nearest emergency services.
These days most people have a cell phone, so the first issue will only affect a small minority of users. As for 911 calls, there are inexpensive services (about $15/yr) you can subscribe to that will ensure 911 calls are properly connected to your local emergency services.
###
The following is from my experience with the OBi200 and Google Voice.
* Google Voice will not allow the direct port of a landline # to Google Voice, thus requiring a two step transfer. I ported my Verizon home phone # of 20 years first to an AT&T GoPhone, and then to Google Voice. It was then very easy to connect the Obi200 to the Google Voice account over my existing Comcast Internet connection – taking only two or three mouse clicks, typing my GV ID & password, and about a minute of my time.
* The advantages of paring the OBi200 with Google Voice are twofold - cost and capabilities. Here's what comes to mind:
1. I'm no longer paying Verizon nearly $50 per month for a landline, and after the initial payout my old landline # is still working – and free.
2. When someone calls my GV #, it rings through on my home phones, my computer and my cell phone. And I can have Google Voice ring several other numbers as well. (Going on a beach vacation? Add the beach house number to Google Voice, etc.)
3. I now have free calls within the continental U.S.
4. I already had a GV # before porting my landline over, but wanted to keep it because friends and family were calling it. The Obi200 is now connected to both of my GV #s.
5. GV will send transcriptions of voice messages to the email address(es) of your choice, and that email will also contain a link so you can hear the message as well. The transcriptions are a little rough, but you can usually get the gist of the call.
6. GV has filtered out nearly 100% of the spam calls I was getting on my landline - including the political garbage.
7. The Obi provides crystal clear calls with no static or delays.
8. Obihai devices seem to be infinitely configurable to meet your needs. Basic setup is easy and will meet the needs of the vast majority of users. For more complex configurations, User Support and User Forums on the Obihai website are invaluable. Complex configurations require typing seemingly arcane commands into form fields over the Obihai portal. If that's just not your cup of tea, I suggest you take a look at the Ooma which is another fine VoIP product, and that will only cost a few dollars a month.
9. Free international Obi-to-Obi calls over the Internet.
10. It does not appear that Google has any intentions for discontinuing free Google Voice in the foreseeable future, as at least one major phone company now offers a service that's connected to GV. (In my opinion, it's more likely that at some point Google may begin charging a nominal fee for their service.)
11. Now that my old landline # has been ported to a VoIP service, it will be very easy to port that # to a different service provider if and when I want to make that change. So, I should be able to easily retain my old landline phone # for the rest of my life!
12. Although most people seem to connect Obi devices to Google Voice, Obihai devices work very well with other VOIP service providers as well.
* Porting my home phone to GV cost about $105 - - $50 for the Obi200, $19 for a GoPhone, $15 worth of GoPhone minutes and $20 for the GV port fee. So the break-even point for me was two months. I plan to sign up for Anveo soon, which will provide 911 service over this VOIP connection, at a cost of $15/year.
* If You Want To Port Your Landline To Google Voice:
1. Note that not all landline #s can be ported to a cellular service, and not all landline #s can ultimately be ported to Google Voice. Cellular companies and Google Voice have pages set up where you can enter your phone # to see if it can be ported. Search the web for more info on this issue, as the response you get from Google Voice may need to be interpreted - as it may state your number cannot be ported (I've forgotten the exact verbiage), when what it means is that your number cannot be ported into GV because it's a landline and you will first need to port the number to a cellular service.. The web is your friend on this matter.
2. Similarly, I've read where some people could not port their landline to a particular cellular service but were able to port their # to a different cellular service.
3. Obihai devices work with service providers other than Google Voice, and although they may cost a few dollars a month, the service will still be much cheaper than your current landline.
** Really, it's hard to go wrong with an Obi device. **