Like Frank I upgraded from an old school telephone to a Communicator solution (okay, not like Frank… I’m 11 months behind him on the upgrade!) but I went a slightly different path. No desktop handset for me, I now use Communicator exclusively for my phonecalls with the same headset I listen to music from my Zune Desktop client or Pandora.

While there are some hiccups with it (my music doesn’t pause automatically, and I keep looking where the phone used to be for the clock!) it’s pretty neat… and even funnier is when I’m at home the experience is totally seamless for callers.

I will be rigging up a USB speakerphone next week (just need a hub!) and then taping over the annoying blue light on the headset (what is it with blue lights)!

At home we’ve also gone VoIP. Initially we used Skype – which I still think is great value for overseas calls – but issues with quality drove us to find a better solution. Despite their *really* annoying website (turn off your speakers!) we’re fans of MagicJack but you might want to check out the Unofficial forums before jumping in (thought at the price it’s not that big a risk) – we have it plugged into the Windows Home Server and a normal DECT phone to make calls. I miss not having the integrated phonebook that Skype offered with the Belkin handset but reliable service makes up for it.

The cool thing is that while offering “free” US calls (one fixed payment a year), incoming calls to a number in an area code you choose and international calls at very good rates… you can also send one to a friend overseas and they don’t have to pay international rates to call you!

Now we just need ubiquitous WiFi or WiMax and I can go VoIP mobile as well ;)