Gabbers Can Make (Mostly) Free Calls With New Gadgets

Gabbers have a couple of new options if they want to use the 'Net to make free (or cheaper) phone calls. Each is a box that connects to a home phone and a computer to route calls through cyberspace. One is a modest and low-cost, the other a chic machine boasting Ashton ("Punk'd") Kutcher's name as creative director. A third has been around awhile, but comes with one major caveat.

Buyers can pick up MagicJack for less than a steak dinner but will be stuck with a Northern California phone number for now; the company promises to add nationwide numbers soon. An elegant box from Ooma is a $400 option, but without extra charges down the line. PhoneGnome's calls are also free, as long as the caller on the other end is using PhoneGnome too. (More internet stories.)