But there are bigger problems. For one thing, Skype offers no 911 emergency support, though that shouldn't be a problem if you have a cell phone. The second thing is, you can't simply plug a regular phone into Skype. You can install Skype's free software onto on your PC and plug in a microphone (or, better yet, a headset); of course, you'll have to keep your PC on all the time so that you can receive calls. Or you can buy a stand-alone Skype phone that connects either to your computer (which means you still have to leave it on) or to the Internet directly.

I tried two different Logitech USB headsets, one wired, the other wireless. Both worked. I also tried Belkin's cell-like Wi-Fi phone, which, as I write this, is for $130. I liked it despite some strange quirks (leave it on as you take a walk, and it makes odd sounds as it finds and loses signals), but it doesn't work with hotspots that require Web authentication, such as at Starbucks and Tully's.

Also, Skype's technical support is all but nonexistent. You get no phone or chat support, and e-mailed queries aren't answered quickly, either--if you receive an answer at all.

The biggest Skype problem, if you want to use it as a landline replacement, is the selection of phone numbers. You can't transfer your existing number, and you may not be able to get a new number in your area code. But if you can't, keep trying; on my second try, they had some available.

, another VoIP provider, offers a more landline-like experience. You can use your regular phone and transfer your existing phone number. But it's nowhere near as cheap as Skype is, and I found setting it up quite a challenge.