Long-distance charges have dropped toÉwell, they've been dropped altogether at dialpad.com. This free, Internet-based calling service lets you dial up your computer just like a regular keypad and connect with any phone in the country. The service works directly through the dialpad.com Web site and your browser, though you must have speakers and a microphone (or a headset for even better sound quality).

To register for the service, users must submit personal information. The site's privacy policy states that this data is used only to target banner advertising to users and is not shared with third parties. Certain computer configurations either may not work or will not provide optimum sound quality.

A quick test revealed some static and a slight delay, but sound quality definitely high enough to carry on a conversation. And the price was just right.