VDANEN  Don't upgrade to 10.6 if you need this. Their web site indicates that it is basically 99% working on 10.6 but they neglect to tell you that OpenBase doesn't run on 10.6 yet! That's a pretty big omission to make. =( I've upgraded a laptop and mini and they worked well so I upgraded my Power Mac today and was annoyed in the extreme to find out that PhoneValet itself might work 99%, but the freakin' OpenBase database doesn't start. Not cool at all. Be aware before you upgrade and wait for OpenBase to have a 10.6 build and probably a PhoneValet update with the new version. Thank goodness DayLite no longer uses OpenBase or I'd be royally hooped. =)  
(Version 6.0.2)

DONPERREAULT  I am a long time user of PhoneValet and love it. I have upgraded every major release since version 2, for the usual $39.00. I have to admit I use it for home but I can't find any changes worth the $39.00 upgrade in version 6. Looks exactly like version 4 with a couple new preferences. Really Disappointed!!!!!  
(Version 6.0)

MACZILLLLLA  I have been having problems trying to configure Phonevalet Anywhere. I've gone back and forth with emails and am getting nowhere. At Macworld I met the owner and told him about my problems. I said his instructions on his website were difficult to understand, especially for a novice like me. His response to that was, "That's a fair comment." He said that configuring is confusing, but that if someone were knowledgeable on the subject it should take about three minute to set up Anywhere. I asked him if I could call him directly and have him walk me through it. His reply was, "Not really." I've spent $169.95 for the software and $59.95 for Anywhere and that is all I get.  
(Version 5.3.2)

NICOTINE  This software/hardware combo works as advertised, running 24/7 on my G5 for over a year. Was pleased to note that it also works just fine with my Speakeasy VOIP service. Had an initial problem with caller ID not working but they sent me a replacement USB adapter and all was well.  
(Version 4.0.3)

ANONYMOUS  This software functions as advertised. I just got it and put it on a Mac Mini. Caller ID works fine (maybe those who can't get it to work don't subscribe to caller id?).

I was used to Angel.com's service and menu system and I must admit I was spoiled by it. Although it could be far more powerful, the software is lacking.

You can call in and have folks press 0-9 to get a given mailbox, but you have no real true MENU TREE of systems and options. Applescripts ONLY work for those who use "back end codes" and not standard menu tree functions.

They do offer a 30-day money back, so I am debating on keeping it or sending it back. If I hadn't had the previous experience I would probably really like this software. I am sure I can imagine some back-end applescript functions and will probably keep it for that purpose.

Anyone expecting a better speech synthesis, you can find better, but not much. It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to use some other software to make your announcements and use those in this software.

So... aside from other reviews, it runs exactly as advertised and don't expect anymore.  
(Version 2.2.1)

FRANK  I wish I'd read your review BEFORE is blew $200 on Parliant's PhoneValet. Your rwview matched my experience exactly! I feel like I've been robbed of my money and the time over the last two weeks I.v spent trying toi get this ripoff to function as advertised.  
(Version 2.1.2)

WDANIEL  We have had a much different experience than the previous post. We've had this since it came out, in fact we pre-ordered it because of our positive experience with the previous 1.x version. I don't like to sit on hold forever on the phone waiting for phone support, I've had very timely email responses from this company with our questions which regarded OpenBase that is also used by another program on our system. Caller ID works fine, in fact we always update it with correct information so that when calls come in that don't have correct or usable phone company ID, PhoneValet puts the correct name on the screen that does pop up for every call. We have iTunes running all day and PhoneValet always pauses it when the phone rings, and starts it again when the call is finished. We call in to pick up messages and that works fine too. Every time they put out an update, they add features we were wishing we had. All around we've been very please with this software and look forward to future releases.  
(Version 2.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  Judging by the dates of the reviews, this product needs a serious update for the latest version of OS X. I bought this product less than 4 days ago and found out a couple of things:

1. No way to actually speak with a tech support person. At $200 a pop, that's inexcusable. You have to fill out a form (and then they reply with even more questions that a simple phone call would have solved (if solveable) within a matter of minutes.

2. You do not get the Now Software PIM, only a time-limited demo. At $200, they could at least give you a single-user license.

3. After spending more hours than I care to think about, I still can't get the Caller ID function to work, even though I have the service (U.S.), had all my friends call me to test it, and did a complete and clean system reinstall (10.3.7). Nothing. Reinstalled the software four times. No good.

4. The notification window does NOT pop up when someone calls. Regardless of settings. No big deal, because it doesn't tell you who called anyways!

5. Call the Parliant number located in the application's address book (it's the only one listed when you first install). No matter what option you choose when calling that number, you get a recording. Any time during the day.

6. There is NO uninstaller. Have fun finding all the files it dumps throughout our system. Startup items, account preferences startup items, not to mention the openbase framework and application support files.

7. Want to use Apple's built-in speech synthesizer? Forget it. It may sound passable on your computer's speakers, but the person at the other end is going to hear a barely understandable message. Trust me. Want to go back to the default greeting it ships with (and sounds fairly good), good luck finding it. As the tech support person told me after he finally got back to me, "I'll put in a request for us to install a copy of the original greeting on-disk somewhere and document it."

I could go on, but I think anyone reading this gets the point.

I've already asked for a return on the product, and I will be switching/testing the new release of Parliant's only other real competitor.

My best advice: Until this company realizes that at the price they are charging, with no updates to speak of for the latest version of OS X, and the horrible system for getting tech support, do not bother with this buggy product. And if you're looking for an online support forum at their website, forget it. Just like the manual (which I read so many times I think I memorized it), the support section is nothing more than a sales pitch for the company's product. Spend your money elsewhere. And maybe they'll get the hint.  
(Version 2.1.2)

ANONYMOUS  Hi - Apple's built-in modems do not support voice or Caller ID features, and so can't really be used for building answering machine software. We specially designed the PhoneValet hardware device to provide robust features and not bog down the Mac's processor when running.  
(Version 2.0)

EDDY  man, if only they made software like this that worked off ur existing modem. now that would be cool. i'd buy it in a heartbeat.  
(Version 2.0)