The service is currently still in beta, and allows subscribers to send unlimited text messages throughout the United States and Canada.

Users can download the gadget from CallWave’s site direct or from Google’s gadget index. The utility can also be implemented into the Google Personalized Homepage.

“Our SMS text platform maximizes the time consumers spend at their computer and demonstrates CallWave’s commitment to simple and innovative uses of the desktop as a companion to the mobile phone,” said David Hofstatter, Chief Executive Officer for CallWave.”

“Text messaging continues to grow in popularity, but many consumers find it difficult to text on a phone’s small interface. By making it easier to send text messages worldwide from the desktop, we believe we will dramatically increase text adoption and daily usage.”

Okay, I’m just going to ask the obvious questions. Isn’t the whole point of text messaging to allow users the ability to send messages while still being mobile? Doesn’t a desktop client defeat the entire purpose?

Perhaps I’m being a bit obtuse. Is there something I’m missing here?

Hofstatter continues,  “WEB 2.0 widgets are an explosive channel for delivering cutting-edge software and services to end-users. They are extremely simple to download and this one creates an innovative new way to send text messages.”

“However, the real opportunity for CallWave is to extend the benefit of these lightweight applications to our carrier partners as a way to extend their brand to the desktop, increase daily use and create the ultimate retention solution."

After some initial issues (mentioned in the original post), I received an e-mail from Eric Johnson, who works for CallWave. CallWave teams with Gizmo Project to help offer the Area 775 service. Eric held my hand through several of the problems, even though it seemed Gizmo Project/SIPPhone actually was the responsible party. He continued to answer some questions for me over the course of the next two months.

Unfortunately, even in consideration of the personal attention I received, I cancelled that service this week. There were two main reasons why: 1) I occasionally experienced dropped calls when answering an incoming call (whether via my cell, when it forwarded or via Gizmo Project). 2) My incoming calls were limited to 60 minutes (I had several long phone calls where I got disconnected).

In conclusion, I think CallWave is doing some great stuff (check out CallWave for your Cell Phone) and I don’t really blame them completely for what happened. I’m still a fan of Gizmo Project but it’s hard to resist free outgoing calls and the network effect Skype has (i.e., more people I know are using it).

That’s why I’m now giving Skype a larger opportunity. I’ve used Skype in the past but not as a main phone option for my business. One of the reasons for this choice is that they are currently offering free outgoing U.S. calls through the end of the year. Of course, I need a way for traditional phones (landline or otherwise) to reach me, so I also signed up for a SkypeIn number and have paid $12 for three months of service.

There are some very cool new Skype phones out right now. Mike Rundle of Business Logs mentioned Netgear’s new WiFi Skype phone (begin drooling now). With this little diddy, you can make Skype calls wherever there is open WiFi access (and considering SkypeOut is free for the remainder of the year, that’s a pretty good deal, even though it currently costs $299 – $249 through Amazon). No need to connect to a computer or anything. A comment on the blog also mentioned the Linksys CIT 200, which seems neat and retails at $99 (see details at BestBuy).

I’ve put a Skype badge up on my site and opted to integrate my presence too. That’s good news for Skype and non-Skype users alike, since I am now using a SkypeIn number that traditional phones can also reach me on. Essentially, anyone can check that indicator and depending on the status, know if I am available for a call or not (yes, that can be a good and a bad thing).

Add to Del.icio.us | DiggThis | Yahoo! My Web | Furl

Ken Yarmosh is a consultant who helps organizations get the most out of their technology investments. He works with technology users and creators across various industries, focusing on technology education and strategy. With over 7 years IT experience, Ken has worked with small businesses, non-profits, federal agencies, and multi-million dollar companies.

His online efforts include acting as the Editor for the Corante Technology Hub and authoring the TECHNOSIGHT blog.