Landline calls from Address Book

[TimiMac]

Hi - my last work pc had a neat piece of software that allowed you to select a contact's phone number in the Outlook address book and then dial directly (albeit via the office Voip system).

Is anyone aware of anything similar for use with the iMac and Address Book?
What I really want is:
- the ability to connect a uk-landline to the iMac (there is no phone line connection on the back)
- use a USB headset to listen and talk
- select a phone number from Address Book
ie us the iMac as a basic phone with a address book.
(Again from memory there was something like this on my first Dell from around 2000)

I dont want to use Voip, rather use the home landline.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Tim

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

If you buy a device like Phone Valet, it will do exactly what you wish. In address book, I select the phone number. A drop down menu offers me 2 options along these lines:

• Dial with Skype
• Dial with Phone Valet

I choose the Phone Valet option and it advises me to pick up my phone to dial. When I pick it up, I hear it rapidly dial the number.

You might be able to buy a USB fax/modem and be able to do this same thing.

As to the headset, if your phone has a headset jack, that's a good way to go. If not, some Macs work with the iPhone headphones + mic, which is replicated in lots of other such devices made for iPhones.

 

[TimiMac]

Thanks, I had briefly looked at the PhoneValet option, but concluded that it was a little over engineered (and hence priced) for my relatively simple needs.

Any other thoughts keenly welcomed.

Tim

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

As a phone valet owner, I can tell you it is loaded with features- some of which I never use. However, the price is good considering all that it can do (that I do use), and the particular application you seek works very well.

However, there appears to be lots of ways to accomplish your objective: http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=aaplw&p=making+calls+using+Apple+address+book