Some Google Voice + VoIP questions

[gunster]

Hey guys, so I'm a complete phone newbie here (before the N4 I owned a non-smart phone) and I just have a few questions regarding the Google Voice + VoIP option that seem to be very popular. I'm looking at the PBXes.org + SipDroid option right now and i basically want to ask:

I'm going to be using the $30 Tmobile plan and does using Google Voice + VoIP still allow me to switch between VoIP and using minutes? While 100 minutes is very low, half of the year I don't even use more than 50 a month while the half I use a lot more. Therefore, will using Google Voice + PBXes.org/SipDroid allow me to switch from VoIP (when i have good wi-fi) to minutes calling and back easily? If not, is there any VoIP service that does?

Thanks in advance

Edit: I'm sorry if this feels like a stupid question haha. To fully describe my situation, I'm still in college and on most college campuses, signal is very shaky while strong Wi-Fi exists everywhere. Therefore, I initially thought GV + VoIP would be a great option if I dont have signal. However, I'll also be traveling a lot this year in the summer and in those cases, I'll be relying on Tmobile data (yeah...not sure how reliable that'll be in a lot of areas in the U.S.) so I'll probably want to call using T-mobile signal. Being the phone noob that I am, i'd apppreciate it if anyone can provide a detailed...plan per se on the best way to approach this situation?

 

[runtmms]

The nexus 4 is my first smartphone, also. (And my husbands.) I already love it. I don't have first hand experience with the VoIP solution you're looking at but I did play with GV and GrooveIP.

First, yes, it should be easy to switch between data or voice minutes. (Also easy when using minutes to dial with GV number or your phones number.). Download the GV app. There's a setting to cover dialing. Either use GV always, never, or ask every time. Using the native dialer you use minutes and whichever number you choose - if you're set to ask. Your VOIP app should have its own dialer. Launch that app, use it and you use your GV number and data.

Results vary with the VOIP quality. We found it a bit laggy. YMMV.

Another option to consider (and the way we went) is Solavei. It's an unlimited plan on the T-Mobile network that pays you back for signing people up instead of traditional advertising. You might check it out. I think it could be great on a college campus - you might be able to beat your $30/month. If you have any questions or would like my sign up link please contact me via pm.

-M

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

 

[greydarrah]

Haven't tried PBXes.org + SipDroid myself (been using GrooveIP), and you definitely should, but VOIP in general is an often times iffy proposition. Sometimes is works great, other times it can get pretty choppy. It works out great for me, because I don't talk that much on my phone and if people don't like the way it sounds, they call me less. If I have an important call to make, I just turn the VOIP off, which you can do with any of the services.

Let us know if PBXes.org + SipDroid works well...I might try it.

 

[gunster]

Great thanks guys. I don't plan on using VoIP that often, but a lot of times on college campuses you don't really get good signal or ANY signal at all, especially with T-mobile haha. It's good to know that you can turn VOIP off which was my question.

I'll definitely let you know how PBXes.org + SipDroid works out; i've heard good things from xda and I'll be trying it out soon XD

 

[minnemike]

As far as using google voice and google chat along with my cell plan, I love it!

I have really good high speed cable here at home and when I'm home I never even turn my phone on. The voice quality on google chat/voice thru my cable internet is way better than standard cellular. I have a USB headset adapter dongle to use with the desktop and I use the laptop as a speakerphone. I work from home and use it all the time for business. Its perfect. Even my Roku player has a google voice channel, so I can check for messages while watching TV too.