VoIP stuff

[Steve B]

Okay, so I wasn't sure whether to put this in hardstuff or the broadband and networking forum, but thought this might attract a bit more attention, subsequently some more responses (I hope!)
I'm going to be moving out soon (hopefully), me and the missus are putting an offer in on a flat, which, if accepted, will mean I have to learn how to use the washing machine (oh noes).
Anyway, the flat that we're putting an offer in on has cable, at least Jen claims she saw a cable remote on the couch. I'm going to see it at half 8, so will be able to verify this claim!
To keep costs down, I'm thinking about investing in some VoIP stuff, then using draytel or some other of these brands to make my calls. That way, we get the cheapest cable from virgin, my calls go through the VoIP and I use freeview telly.
Will this be a cheaper option than using either a) a BT landline with ADSL or b) a virgin media package *spits*, bearing in mind I loathe VM.
I know I'll need a VoIP phone, and a VoIP router (thinking about the Vigor 2900 nonVG)
Can anyone offer any guidance as to a good phone / good service provider for the VoIP and possibly some end-user experiences as to just how cheap it is?

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Steve

[peterb]

I use sipgate www.sipgate.co.uk which gives good service. In particular they will give you a local phone number (or any exchange number you like) Hardware varies in price - Grandstream are a reasonably good budget phone - but look at your service provider pages first, then do a google search to see if you can find it cheaper! I have just bought a Siemens C460 cordless IP phone - which also connects to a pstsn line if you have one.

[Steve B]

i've got around a hundred to spend, and would prefer something wireless. I'll take a look at that C460 and the Grandstream one too

[peterb]

Cheapest place I found the C460 was on Amazon (it actually came from an Amazon partner). Postage was a bit steep, but the service was superb! I paid about £120 for the unit and an additional handset. The additional handset was about £40.

[Steve B]

bump still on the lookout, if anyones got any more info!