The DailyKnight

Google Voice

If you live in the new dorms, you’ve probably lost a few calls to the many cell phone dead zones in the dorms.  As with all problems in life, Google has provided a solution.  Google Voice is a free (although invite only) service that basically functions as a robot secretary.

When you sign up for voice, Google allows you to pick a number in the area code of your choice.  You can then link any of your existing phone lines to this number, and Google will automatically forward all incoming calls to those lines.  This means when someone calls my Voice number, that call is forwarded both to my cell phone and my room phone, meaning I don’t miss important calls (the only kind of calls I get).  You can also use the service to make free calls to anywhere in the United States by having Voice call any of your phones from your Voice number and then connecting you to the outgoing number.  This means you can use your room phone to make long distance calls without being charged for it, if your Voice number is located in the 507 area code.

Voice also has a ton of other features including call recording, transcription, and the ability to group numbers into lists for friends, co-workers, etc.  You can then specify which phones these numbers ring and even give them separate voicemails.  The one downside is that to get Voice, you need to be invited, but if you ask enough of your tech-savvy friends, you can probably track down an invite.

Carleton Telecom

Carleton Telecom is basically a free operator service for Carleton students, faculty, and staff. Calling x4000 (507-222-4000) connects you to a student worker who can look up phone numbers, use Google Maps, and do just about anything that you can do with a computer and internet access. If you don’t have a smartphone, they can replace about everything your iPhone does except Words with Friends.