Just when you thought things couldn’t get simpler, Chatter Bug comes up with an innovative “personal long distance” calling device. The Chatter Bug, which looks like a cross between a handheld scanner (of the olden days) and a mouse, serves as a conduit between any regular telephone unit and the phone line.

The apparatus basically routes your long-distance calls through their own server via the Internet. Wait, this sounds familiar. Isn’t it the same old plug-into-the-wall-jack VoIP service we’ve had for quite some time now? Maybe it is, but with a twist.

Chatter Bug claims their solution is easier to use than those of other VoIP providers, because of these two reasons. First, you don’t need an existing broadband connection. Second, you don’t have to pay extra VoIP fees (common with commercial VoIP proviers) on top of a broadband connection—the US$ 9.95 monthly flat fee (for unlimited calls) has all that covered.

It should be as simple as just plugging in the Chatter Bug into your wall telephone outlet, and then plugging in your telephone handset into the Chatter Bug.

Chatter Bug doesn’t disclose any technical details on its website, but the system most likely uses a dial-up service to connect to the Chatter Bug server before relaying a long-distance call, and this might pose some quality issues. Also, calls are limited to the US and Canada only. However, for those wanting to try out VoIP for the first time, the Bug might be worth going for. It’s a cheap and simple way to start chattering away.