The CallWave Internet Answering Machine allows you to receive, listen, and even answer incoming phone calls while you're online. The software uses the call-forwarding feature on your phone line to answer calls while you are connected to the Internet. When someone calls you, they will be redirected to the Internet Answering Machine message service. After hearing a brief greeting that you can personalize, the caller is able to leave you a message. Messages are sent directly to your computer and played over your PC speakers or headphones. You can even answer the call at anytime, or let CallWave continue to take the message for you.
This is to be used when you have dial-up connection. Unlike the previous reviewer, I've actually used this and it worked well when we had dial-up. Instead of getting the busy signal, callers can leave a message.
Cons
The actual callwave greeting is weird, but it can be personalized (But I believe that costs).
Summary
Why would you need this?
timba
Pros
I can see no reason for it to be on earth.
Cons
Like so many stupid things people will try it and dump it.
Up there with the jogging bra and the mini netbooks, create a product then create a need.
Summary
No one will leave a message. Get a new Email address no one
will use it. A skype phone number no one will call it. People will get a hold of you the way they aways have. New habbits do not go over well. KPM
Callwave Suck
rafaelfulgencio
Pros
Cons
Stay away from Callwave. I became a victim of their bait and switch tactic. <p>Don't get used to their free services because they eventually becomes a premium service and they will only give you very short notice. <p>Luckily, I was able to port my fax numbers from them when they start charging me $8/month. It was very difficult to cancel my account with them and they continuously charged my credit card after cancellation. They don't have a published tech support phone number on their website, so that really tells you something. If you are currently a Callwave subscriber, yes you can port your phone number to another provider.
Summary
good
stremon
Pros
its absolutely good
Cons
Summary
Pretty cool, changed for the worse
computergeek1755
Pros
works well. we had it until we got dsl
Cons
used to be free, takes up a lot of room
Summary
TERRIBLE SOFTWARE! DO NOT DOWNLOAD!
logicaldude
Pros
NO PROS
Cons
Don't download this awaful program. It never did work, because I'm not gonna give my credit card info for a "TRIAL" and then be charged $3.95 PER MONTH for it. PHONE TRAY is a good program I used the trial for over a month, and it's only 15 bucks forEVER. It works great.
<p>I couldn't even get CALLWAVE off my computer without expert guidance from a Professional Programmer friend of mine. REAPEAT!! DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE! (and i am being nice)
Summary
Stay away,,,,bad news!
collielover
Pros
Once all the bugs were worked out, it was easy to use.
Cons
If you make the least little adjustment, you will be sorry. You won't be able to fix it. Very likely if you call, you won't be able to understand the rep on the other end unless you speak another language. I ended up with features I did not think I had asked for and ultimately received a bill. When I tried to email with questions, I was told to call, which I did NOT want to do again. They were not able to understand "no, I'm not intertested". Spent 45 minutes on the phone again trying to explain that I had not received what I paid for. Something else instead. So, if you do get this, don't change any features,,,,ever. You'll wish you hadn't and will get bills you never knew existed.
Summary
It works, but the company tries to steal from you, "seal you in"
VividHugh
Pros
It works, recording messages and showing them on-screen.
Cons
The company "seals you in" to the monthly charges and does everything it can to prevent you from getting out. When I tried to quit, I spent a year paying four bucks a month for nothing. They will not let you quit online, even with your password, and direct you to an 800 number which does not work! You can spend hours trying to quit. I called my local phone service, through which Callwave billed me, and even they could not get rid of the money-leech. Finally somebody at my phone company found the number of the corporate office in California and somebody there told me she would help me get off, but not refund the more than 50 dollars paid for a service I was not using. Very bad business practices, deceptive. I still don't know if I am free of them until I get next month's bill.
Summary
Good Service, Good Interface, Reliable, But Has Pop Ups when free
mikepongrass
Pros
real easy to use, easy interface, compatability is fine, lots of features
Cons
add ware and pop ups if you dont buy the full program!!!..........that sucks!
Summary
Good software, great idea!
SMOKYNSB
Pros
Wish I had thought of this! Its super easy to use and instsalls flawlessly,(XP home edition). I now have caller id on all incoming calls and can screen messages. I dont mind staying online longer knowing I wont miss a call.
Cons
No real cons, had to call phone company to get product working, well worth the time!