Pickup landline calls through a laptop

[Strike7100]

My mother is disabled, she can not walk to the home phone or hold it. I am looking for either a new home phone that can connect to a laptop and allow all incoming calls to be answered on the laptop or a software that does the same job.

Nothing like VOIP or Skype because she still wouldn't be able to pick up incoming calls to the landline.

Thanks in advance.

 

[nukemaster]

A cordless speakerphone may be best.

In order to get calls on a laptop is has to have a model that supports it and software to allow it.

This used to be much more common in the Windows 95/98 days with software like came with modems to take calls, be an answering machine and even take/send faxes.

 

[Strike7100]

A cordless speakerphone may be best.

In order to get calls on a laptop is has to have a model that supports it and software to allow it.

This used to be much more common in the Windows 95/98 days with software like came with modems to take calls, be an answering machine and even take/send faxes.

We do have a cordless speakerphone right now, she cannot press buttons or hold the device.

Isn't there a phone that can just connect with devices over the wifi or something?

 

[molletts]

It might be worth getting in touch with a disability support charity or suchlike (perhaps one related to your mother's particular type of disability/illness if it has a specific name) - they have probably come across the problem many times and will know of specialist suppliers of accessibility equipment.

I don't know where you are in the world, but if there isn't a local one in your country, I'm sure one of the major ones elsewhere would be happy to offer some advice by email if you explain the situation.

 

[nukemaster]

Unfortunately, I have not come across anything like that. I have seen Cordless bases that talk to cellular phones, but that is not likely to be any better.

Would a touch screen cell phone or tablet(has to have a mic) be more easy to use since it does not have buttons that require pressure? Some cordless bases may allow landline to cellular(over wifi).
http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/home-phones/phones-with-wi-fi/kx-prw120ew.html

You may have to look into stores that deal with accessibility devices to get what you are looking for.

 

[Strike7100]

Unfortunately, I have not come across anything like that. I have seen Cordless bases that talk to cellular phones, but that is not likely to be any better.

Would a touch screen cell phone or tablet(has to have a mic) be more easy to use since it does not have buttons that require pressure? Some cordless bases may allow landline to cellular(over wifi).
http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/home-phones/phones-with-wi-fi/kx-prw120ew.html

You may have to look into stores that deal with accessibility devices to get what you are looking for.

I saw that Panasonic phone, surely landline to PC would be just as easy as landline to smartphone.

What about buying that and then using another transfer from smartphone to PC?

 

[Strike7100]

Unfortunately, I have not come across anything like that. I have seen Cordless bases that talk to cellular phones, but that is not likely to be any better.

Would a touch screen cell phone or tablet(has to have a mic) be more easy to use since it does not have buttons that require pressure? Some cordless bases may allow landline to cellular(over wifi).
http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/home-phones/phones-with-wi-fi/kx-prw120ew.html

You may have to look into stores that deal with accessibility devices to get what you are looking for.

Just saw this thing called Skype number, where you can set your landline number as your skype number. That should work right?

Ignore this, cant have yours same landline number.

 

[Wolfshadw]

I think what you're looking for is something like this Hiro Voice/Data/Fax Modem.

If I'm reading this right, you can plug this into your laptop and run a cable from the wall socket to the phone port and answer calls on the laptop. I assume you should be able to maintain your normal wired/wireless Internet access even while the modem is in use.

-Wolf sends