This Call's For You
I had such a good time tormenting Stan that I decided to get Caller ID and screen all my calls. (Don't worry, Mom, your tech support calls will still get through.)
Instead of buying a cheapie Caller ID gizmo, I splurged on Nortel's Meridian 9617, a two-line phone that connects directly to my PC's underused USB port. At $330, the Meridian isn't cheap, but its features make the price tag easier to swallow.
With Caller ID, the Meridian pops information about each incoming call onto my PC screen. Most local telemarketers don't block Caller ID, so once I have their numbers, I tell the phone to reject their calls. I've also set the Meridian to play different .wav files on my PC based on the caller's ID, so I can tell when my editor's calling by the sound--for example, the braying of a mule.
I can seamlessly conference two callers using the Nortel PC software or tell the phone to page me when I'm out of the office. Easily the coolest function is Meridian's Voice Dialer. It lets me place a call by saying the person's name; using voice recognition software, the machine identifies the person and then dials the number. Best of all, the Meridian works even if my PC's powered down.
Hey, I've got to go, the phone's ringing. I hope it's Stan--I could use the money.
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