Pros and cons of Google Voice from around the Web

I just got on Google Voice after being invited and it is FANTASTIC! I am not one to write inflated salesy type comments. I am now using my cell phone & home phone to make FREE Google voice calls. Here is what it did for me in a nutshell:
(1) It eliminated the need for me to use & pay for Verizon minutes for outgoing calls. I setup a speed dial to my Google phone number, press the 4 digit access code, dial 2 and the phone number I want to dial out with a # sign and presto. Free call. Perfect reception, every time. Thing is that its too easy to hit send instead of # just because we have been accustomed to cell phones. But I relearned that real quick now that I dont pay for outgoing minutes.
(2) Ive been giving my new Google number out which forwards to my cell phone. So, I dont pay for incoming minutes either. Hahahaha - Now I can reduce my minutes package to bare bones.
(3) I setup a phone number to use with my house phone. I created a speed dial and presto, same steps as #1.
(4) I can access my voicemails from anywhere. Plus, the call log on my cell phone works the same so I can see phone numbers from missed calls. And pickup my voicemails as as Id do with my cell phone.

In summary: Google Voice eliminated the need for me to be annoyed with paying for ANY cell phone minutes. And Google Voice eliminated for me to pay for all those pesky local and long distance charges. FREE CALLS and it works perfectly. That's what this article isnt saying!

I agree with the first poster; Google Voice is FANTASTIC!!!! I've been using it for a while, and I think it's the best telephone service around. Google rocks! I haven't experienced any negative service issues or any other negative issues, period. GV works perfectly for me, and my spouse and a good friend of mine are also using it, and they both love the service as well.

I LOVE my google voice account. I can't believe it's free. I hope it stays this way. google gets it right again.

I just setup my google voice account yesterday and it seems really cool, but I'm not sure if it is worth using when calling my family since we have a Verizon family plan. We get free calls and text to each other so using a google number would probably invalidate that, but I would like to receive email transcripts of my family members' voicemails in case I'm busy. Also, it sends a text of the transcript as well, which might be redundant and use up data if you don't have an unlimited plan.

I am dying to get a chance to explore Google Voice but I don't know anyone who can send me an invitation to the service.

If you are able to get me on GV, would you please contact me at my Gmail address? My account name is DeliriumDrip. THANKS!!!

I am dying to get a chance to explore Google Voice but I don't know anyone who can send me an invitation to the service.

If you are able to get me on GV, would you please contact me at my Gmail address? My account name is DeliriumDrip. THANKS!!!

Similar to the initial comments, Google Voice is a great free service. There are a few occasional issues with connections, but have found the service has steadily improved. I have had relatively good results from the transcription service. While all the voice messages that have been transcribed have missing or incorrectly interpreted characters/words, I have found them easy to decipher. I understand Google is looking to address their voice-2-text and other quality issues. Would also like to see additional features added, like find-me, ringing phones in succession vs all at once, and adding sending large files to the service.

I am now a iPhone user, converting from Blackberry, and was disappointed the GV app was removed by Apple, which the FCC is reviewing. I expect we will see other competitive services to
compete with GV, but Google has a huge head start and a loyal following.

All you do to get Google Voice is setup a Google account. Takes about 15 seconds. Then go to http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html and click on Get an Invite. Wait a few days and presto they send you an invite via email.

I don't mind to pay for its voice service. I think Google Voice itself has the potential to make Google as a truly MVNO like operator in global space. This could be the reason why it's application was turned down. However, they have to better fine tune the call out feature as I tried it one time to call an international number but got charged for 19 cent without been connected. The B party didn't answer my call and they are not supposed to charge me. Anyway, many VoIP providers have this kind of problem too. But, they are Google! :)

GV does not save your cell phone calling minutes. Your calls still go through your carrier and your plan. What GV provides are 1. free outbound SMS from your cell phone if you have a client app installed. Inbound SMS is free but stops at your GV account. 2. simultaneously ring your phones for incoming calls. That is all.

This all sounds great - even the bad bits - but when will we see GV outside of US. I received an invite to join but then told I couldn't because I am in the UK :(

Graeme

I have the skype app on my itouch. I use it to make calls. For about $6 a month I could upgrade to receive incoming calls. At the moment, I just use skype for outgoing calls, and my incoming calls are received using a net-10 phone (10 cents a minute.)

I use the ipod touch to send free text messages with an app called "text free" or I can also use the Yahoo one connect app to text phones.

Would google voice be an easier solution? Maybe the hardest part of google voice is getting it in the first place - you need an invitation? what's that all about?

You should all try the Google application on your cell and remove the need for 2 calls. Goto www.gvdialer.com