The AOL AIM Phoneline turns your computer into an all-in-one phone and message center. You can receive phone calls from anyone, whether they're fellow AIM Phoneline users or not. AIM Phoneline accomplishes this feat by providing you with a local phone number, which AOL calls "AIM Digits." AOL isn't the only VoIP service to offer local phone numbers, but most companies charge for the privilege.

AIM Phoneline has some very handy features, including voice mail, which allows callers to leave messages that will be forwarded to your e-mail address. You can also configure the voice mail system to send text alerts to your cell phone. Other goodies include Caller ID, call screening, call blocking and a log that displays a list of the last 200 phone calls you have received.

It is free to receive incoming calls with AIM Phoneline, but if you want to place calls, you must sign up for AIM Phoneline Unlimited ($14.95 per month), which offers unlimited calls to any phone in the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. You can also call any landline-based phone in many additional countries with no time or use restrictions. And since AIM Phoneline assigns a local phone number to your computer, it works with the Enhanced 911 emergency service.

The software is easy to install and use. If you already use AOL's AIM messaging system, then you will feel at home with the AIM Phoneline interface; if you're new to using AOL, you will need to sign up for an AOL account.

We found that AIM Phoneline's voice quality to be as good as any Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system we've tested. With all VoIP systems, voice quality is largely a reflection of the quality of your ISP's connection and the Internet backbone it uses, so your mileage may vary.

AIM Phoneline is strictly a computer-based VoIP system. There are no options to use telephones or telephone-like devices, or to have extension phones around your home. If your computer is off, so is AIM Phoneline.


Pros: Local number, easy to use, good voice quality, free incoming calls
Cons: Requires good quality headset and noise canceling microphone for best quality, no support for external phones, computer must be on for system to work