Never used Soft Phone, need advice

[tgriggs01]

I am a new ViaTalk user and would like to use the Soft Phone feature when traveling with my laptop. I don't know where to start with software or hardware. My computer has USB ports and a headset port, but no mic input. I've read that a Bluetooth headset may be used, but my computer does not have Bluetooth. Initially, I don't want to invest a lot of money until I find out that this feature is useful. Any advice would be appreciated.

[tomvince]

http://www.counterpath.com/xlitedownload.html Go here to get a free "softphone". It is simply a bit of software that simulates a phone. Then log in to your Viatalk account. Way at the bottom of the "ViaTalk Control Panel" page is a selection for "Softphone Configuration", choose "Generic" as it has all the info you need to set up the softphone. Then all you need is an internet connection....and a headset, or microphone and speakers, or something besides a tin can and string that you can connect to your laptop. For me, the setup was simple and intuitive, and I already had a USB headset. Give it a try, you can always uninstall it if it doesn't work for you...

[tgriggs01]

Thanks for your reply. I should have stressed that my question is more about hardware than software. Can I use a Bluetooth headset that also works with my cell phone or is a USB phone the only answer. My computer does not have a mic input.
Thanks

[dw61]

this may be a bit late but may help others. If you want to use a bluetooth headset, I use the Motorola H350 headset that I got with one of my cell phones, buy a USB bluetooth adapter($10-$30) it should come with drivers to install. Once the USB adapter is installed the headset will be reconized and you can use it with X-lite or similar softphones. It's much better then the mic and speakers that are built into my laptop. BTW i had to install all the drivers because I have Windows 2003 Server on my laptop, Windows XP or Vista may recognize the USB bluetooth adapter.