I have several 'G' phone numbers(with Google Voice), and use one a lot, but think the outbound calling from Gmail is more for college students.

I wonder what they are going to do with all those phone numbers they collect ?

The next Google project: The Google phone number directory

I'm using the outbound call feature directly from my Gmail account. Free in the U.S. & Canada. Works great. Not using stored numbers - just punch 'em in when I make a call.

I tried it for giggles and actually liked it. It worked well and calls were clear. I may use it at my part-time job because I am allowed to take my laptop to work.

I think it may have potential for a website. Right now if I offer a Skype link, the user has to download and install the software vs. adding a browser extension and being able to call from the desktop,..again for the kids, or those of us who are browsing from a coffeehouse and don't own or want to use a cell phone.

College students and Canadians, eh? We can't get Google Voice numbers up here yet, and that actually has to do with some CRTC rule about a company having to be so much of a percentage owned in Canada or partnered with such a company kind of thing. Never could get a Skype number up here either.

I did just get a Voxox spoof number (the basic account numbers are from California, I think). I'm very excited about Voxox, which is still in beta, but it's not really doing everything it promised. Yet anyway. I'm not giving up on it! Waiting for my invite to their new release. If they can get it to do everything they say it will, I'll be delirious!

I think everyone has a cell phone these days. Babies have them instead of pacifiers.
Seriously though, I think Google Voice is a good addition to those who already have a cell phone since you can now give out a 2nd # (side business perhaps) and both ring on your cell phone rather than giving out your personal number. If only they came out with this sooner, as my wife's still getting calls on her personal cell phone for old business and now wants to change phone numbers.

I have an android phone and every now n' then when I am at a coffee shop or at home, Google voice allows me to make free phone calls, thus helping me to save my cell phone minutes. So, far it has mostly been for fun as I have plenty of cell-phone minutes anyway, but it can be very helpful for someone who has a prepaid plan. I feel is that over time google will add so many features to Google Voice that it will become far more attractive than what it is now.

Another cool use could be to make free US calls while visiting overseas, i.e. simply go to a coffee shop or eatery with free WiFi and use Google Voice to make a phone call to your home (using your Laptop's/Cell Phone in WiFi mode).

Thought this was interesting. We recently had to take one of our kids to the hospital (he's fine). My cell phone signal had zero bars (searching for service). I had family members asking for updates and I couldn't respond by call or text, but the hospital had free guest wifi. After connecting with that, my Android phone could apparently send text messages through wifi with my Google Voice number. If text messages weren't already included in my voice plan, I definitely would drop it and use Google Voice for free text messaging.