thanks for clearing that up....
Here is what I'm going to buy;
1) Skype Out Plan - 60/year
2) Skype 10$ prepaid for having people call me back/cell phone forwarding
3) Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset (~34$) or possibly skype wifi phone --- I already bought that USB headset for my gf and its really comfortable and has a really long usb cable if you want to talk a bit away from your comp - definitely recommended for a headset
Amazon.com: Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset: Electronics
Last question - we don't need a skype phone to use voicemail right? Just using my MBP, I willl be able to get voicemails online?