One phrase you may have heard recently is “Voice over IP”, or VoIP, which basically means making phone calls via the Internet. If you have a fast Internet connection like a cable modem or DSL, you can take advantage of VoIP to save a lot of money on phone calls.

The most well-known service for doing this is Skype.  If you call someone else with Skype (which is free to download and install), the call is free. You can also call people on regular landlines and mobile phones, for a small fee.

What’s also cool is that you can use Skype even if you don’t have, or are not near, a computer. Belkin offers a wi-fi phone for Skype that lets you make calls to anyone, as long as you have access to a wi-fi network. You can find them almost anywhere nowadays — they even have one at my local Safeway!

The thing to remember about this phone is that it’s just that — a phone. This isn’t a device for browsing the Web; in fact, it doesn’t even have a Web browser. It is a phone, plain and simple. On the other hand, you don’t have to download the Skype software to use the phone, as it comes pre-installed, and you can sign up for a Skype account through the software.

Many folks use Skype to make VoIP calls. If you get this phone, ask those you call frequently to sign up for a Skype account, and save money — for yourself, and whomever you call.