The OBi is so flexible that I can not keep up with all the different possible configuration scenarios it offers. I am starting to be overwhelmed by all the features. I admit that this is a good problem to have. I find it interesting when I read some of the clever ways people are using this device.
It is starting to feel like a linux based command line interface despite the fact that the config is done via a web browser. I love the OBiTALK portal. It is 100% GUI based, however it only offers a very small subset of the configuration options. It's great that there is a lot of horse power in these units. Since this is a consumer device (I think), the knowledge required to configure this device for everyday usability has crossed over to professional or advanced user level. All the basics are covered in the OBi portal. The OBi could be easier to use if we could setup configurations (dial plans, VG, call forwarding, COT, call backs, etc...) with a GUI front end more similar to something like the FreePBX which handles the configuration for an Asterisk PBX. The configs could be setup from the GUI and still could be modified by the more expert users. A more intuitive configuration will appeal to more users. I think this is something which would appeal to potential buyers of this device and drive sales of the OBi. Most people don't care to learn a new language when it comes to setting up an ATA. Competing ATA's don't have many of the abilities of the OBi. For this reason it is still relatively easy to setup those competing ATA's. Given that the devs have engineered a more capable product, a different mindset/model of setting up these units for the masses could be considered. This could give the OBi a broader appeal. I think people can make a strong case that it is easier to use a magicJack, Ooma, or netTALK device. Give us all the bells and whistles and make it easy to use as well.
The OBiTALK portal is the model to develop further. Even the idea of installing an app locally on my computer giving the OBi "portal like" configuration abilities would be a welcome improvement giving us local control of the unit for all of the advanced features it can offer.