NETGEAR SPH200D - Cordless phone / VoIP phone - DECT - Skype Review

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(More customer reviews)I've always wanted one of these because I really wanted to give the voip thing a shot and save some cash too, but the initial price tag of these things were crazy, $700 all the way up to nearly $1,000 when availability got tight, NUTS! Now you can get them at about 60% to 70% off those prices and at that, while still not next to nothing, is still much more of a viable option for the masses. The thing to remember is that this is a dated phone, although it still does its job fine, it just doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the newer models. While you can hook it up to your standard phone line and your modem line I prefer to leave it just hooked up to the modem and use it as my Long Distance phone. Some say why bother with it when you can get skype via your cpu for free regardless but just call me old fashioned, I like using the phone. Also I'm on the cpu way to much in my life already, whatever I can do to get away from it I've decided is worth doing. It's really just a phone and that's what I wanted. I would 100% recommend using the setup disk or simply setting up your account online with Skype instead of doing all the stuff through the handset. Once set up the program really does transition flawlessly from your online settings and contacts right to the handset.
I do have one technical recommendation and fix I'll detail here. For the record I found this fix on one of the other reviews on this site but expanded upon it so the very basic cpu user can do it, and this fix is only needed if you have a cpu in conjunction with the phone, because as stated this phone only needs a modem you technically don't have to have a cpu to use it, all the setup can be done right on the handset. But of course if you're on this site I'll just assume you have a cpu. Now you will need a pencil and paper:
1st- On the handset hit the menu button, scroll to the settings tab and press select.
2nd- Scroll to the Network tab and press select
3rd- Press select on the DHCP, write down the IP address (all numbers and dots in exact sequence)
4th- On your CPUs address bar type in the exact IP address you wrote down, NO http or WWW (all numbers and dots in exact sequence)
5th- When prompted use the user name - admin and the password - password.
6th- On the left side of the Blue and White Netgear page select the Network option.
7th- there are two selections, the 2nd, Link Speed, should be set to Auto. It comes factory set to 10M, which is a low quality link compatible for older systems. Even if you have an older system in most cases you pull more than 10M and being in auto means your system won't be held slave to a set point.
Also you should save the IP address for future reference and system tweaks along with status info.
Thanks and hoped that helped.


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Simply plug the Dual-mode Cordless Phone Station into your Internet router (Ethernet port) to enjoy making Skype calls. In addition, you can plug the base station into your phone line (PSTN) wall jack to make landline calls - from the same cordless phone. Up to 3 additional phones can be added - so you can replace your current cordless phones throughout your home with NETGEAR's Dual-mode Cordless Phone with Skype.

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Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) Review

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(More customer reviews)Being someone who uses Skype constantly for both business and personal long distance and PC-to-PC phone calls, I got a Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype as a Christmas gift from a loved one who knows just how nerdy I am when it comes to new gadgets. I love them!
Unfortunately, I can only say that I *like* the new wi-fi phone from Belkin. Appearance-wise, it's terrific with a sleek black case, color screen and attractive key layout. It's a good, comfortable size and feels about like a stylish mobile phone. It comes with a USB cable for charging and software updates, as well as a regular power cord for charging. You can use the phone while it's connected to the charger, which is what I find myself doing a lot.
The sound quality is good and it connected right to my household wi-fi system once I punched in the security code. The controls are easy to access and use. I was quite excited to get going with it and used it for several days without incident.
Then it froze. No matter what I did, the buttons made no difference and the screen stubbornly stuck on 11:38 a.m. and no amount of prodding would break it free. I looked for some sort of reset button like you get with a Palm or other PDA-like device, but there isn't one. I finally decided that the only way to get the baby to reset would be to take out the battery and put it back in.
Thus, my next problem. The battery cover refused to budge. It was as if it had been super-glued shut. I pulled, pushed, yanked but it held firm. I had no other choice than to resort to the proverbial waste of time - support.
Yep, total waste of time. I tracked down Belkin support, filled out the form to inform them of my problem (frozen screen, stuck battery case) and got an answer from some clueless girl telling me I should go into the menu and use the "reset" function. Duh? The SCREEN IS FROZEN, honey! How the heck am I supposed to do that!
So, back to pulling, tugging and yanking on the battery cover. I finally managed to pry one corner up and get enough leverage to get the darned thing open without breaking it. I pulled the battery out, the phone reset and I was up and running again.
My next disappointment came when I stayed at a hotel that offered free wi-fi. I had hoped to use the phone to make some calls, but, alas, the hotel requires you to open their web page in a browser before you can connect to their access. That's all, just open their page in a browser - no inputting codes or anything. Just an open browser.
The Belkin phone has no Internet browser, a terrible oversight for a product that people will want to use at Internet cafes and the like. Not a smart move, Belkin.
Yes, the phone is supported by Boingo, which has hotspots here and there. In my area, my choices are a UPS Store or an RV park. Somehow I can't see myself hanging around those to make phone calls. I'm out of luck at Starbucks, hotels and anywhere without completely open wi-fi access.
Another minor peave is the lack of Skype chat support. My company uses Skype chat a lot during the business day, so I can't plan on using the Belkin Skype phone exclusively for business because there's no chat support. I understand that trying to do chat on that itsy bitsy keyboard is difficult, but people send text messages all the time on cell phones, so there should be support for chat. If nothing else, I'd like to be able to set the phone up to let people know that I don't have Skype chat, try me on AIM or whatever.
Anyway, don't think I'm totally unhappy with the Belkin Wi-Fi-Phone for Skype. I'm not. It's great to carry around the house with me when I'm not on the computer. It just means I have to switch back and forth between it and a Skype-enabled computer quite a bit. I guess my suggestion for those considering one is to say that it's great if you just want a wireless Skype phone for home, have no need for Skype chat and don't plan on trying to use it too many places outside your home network. It's a shame, but it probably won't work for you on the road or in your neighborhood Starbucks.

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Pre-loaded with Skype software and featuring the same Skype interface, the Belkin Wi-Fi Phone is ready to use with any wireless network. To make a call, simply use the intuitive on-screen color menu to locate your contact and view their online availability—exactly like you use Skype today. The Wi-Fi Phone is Skype-certified, which means that it adheres to all Skype's requirements to ensure that your Wi-Fi Phone experience is just like it is on your PC.

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NETGEAR SPH200W WiFi Phone with Skype Review

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(More customer reviews)This review concerns only the SPH200W; I don't know anything about the earlier SPH101.
I was hesitant to buy this product based on reviews, but I went ahead and got it, expecting to have to do some troubleshooting.
The product has been completely satisfactory to me. The phone is adequately sturdy, battery life is quite long long (I power the phone down when I'm on the move to keep it from searching for networks, and I get 3-5 workdays of standby out of one charge), and call quality is fine. Incoming call clarity is superb; outgoing clarity isn't always great because of the mic placement and quality on this phone. Setting up the phone is easy and intuitive. The phone connects quickly and reliably to networks, and options for preferred networks, entering passphrases, etc., are many and easy. Making calls is very easy. As is clearly indicated on this product's box, there's no onboard web browser, so you can't authenticate on a network using a browser. If you just have to register hardware on a network you use (like I do at work), that's easy - use your computer to register, or just tell your IT person the MAC address of your phone, which is under the battery.
You can charge the phone using the included cradle which receives a male USB mini-A plug, or you can plug a USB mini-A cable directly into the phone. Netgear supplies you with an AC adapter which plugs into the wall and terminates with mini-A, so you can charge this phone like you would any mobile phone. There's also an A- to mini-A USB cable in the box, so you can charge from your computer if you need to. Both methods work with either the cradle or without it. Very versatile charging options.
Here's what I think will be useful to potential buyers -
Netgear's support is mediocre at best, and I couldn't get any info. from them about compatible headsets or batteries. Don't buy this phone expecting excellent support from the manufacturer. I did some legwork, and much research later, I have answers:
"Standard" headsets don't work with the SPH200W. You need a 4-pole plug, to start, and then not all headsets of this description will work. Nokia headsets have worked for me - I bought an HS-47 for peanuts, and it works great. This significantly improved outgoing call quality.
Batteries. No help from Netgear on this one, I'm sad to say. The battery for the SPH200W is lithium, 3.7V, and has 900mAh capacity. If you search for batteries which are interchangeable with Nokia BL-5C, you'll find one which will work. The Netgear battery is the shape of the BL-5C, and many BL-5C replacements are 3.7V (vs. 3.6) and some are higher capacity than the stock one (Lenmar makes one which is readily available and works very well with this phone). If you absolutely must have tons of battery life out of this appliance, get an extra battery and you'll be good to go for a long long time.
Other complaints of others:
1) "the speakerphone isn't hi-fi." It's true. Have you heard high-quality sound from a mobile phone's speaker? I never have. This works just fine; I can understand what callers are saying when I use the speaker. I don't listen to lossless audio playback on my phone.
2) "outgoing call quality is poor." Not quite true, though this is the SPH200W's weak point. It's often just as clear as a digital/cell connection, but sometimes it's obscured enough to be annoying. If you want to upgrade, spend a few bucks and get a good headset. If this still doesn't satisfy you, wait for the next generation of wi-fi phone technology.
3) "battery life is terrible." Not true. If "less than 9 days of standby" is "terrible," then I guess I can see what folks are saying here. You get plenty of talk/standby time out of this battery, and it's very easy to keep it charged up with all the options you have. Extra batteries are also easy to come by.
I'm glad Netgear is producing VoIP equipment. This is a good piece, and I recommend it to anyone who is weaning him/herself from a 2-year wireless contract.

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Unlimited Free Wireless Calls to Skype Users, Without a PC. Make and receives Skype phone calls wherever you have Wi-Fi access. Works with most leading Wi-Fi hotspot providers including T-Mobile USA. Lets you talk for free to other Skype users without a PC. Calls any phone worldwide at low SkypeOut rates and NO MONTHLY FEES. Works with security protected home WiFi networks. The SPH200W is compatible with leading hotspot providers that support the WISPr (Wireless Internet Service Provider Roaming) protocol, including T-Mobile USA. A list of WISPr hotspots can be found at www.netgear.com/hotspots. NETGEAR neither operates nor guarantees the continual availability or compatibility of Wi-Fi hotspots. Subscription or usage fees may apply for Wi-Fi hotspot usage. Wi-Fi hot-spots requiring browser-based authentication are not supported. For calls made through Skype and/or the SkypeOut service. Terms and conditions of the Skype services are subject to change at any time in the sole discretion of Skype Limited. The Skype service is offered and operated solely by Skype, and NETGEAR does not guarantee Skype service availability, quality or pricing. No emergency callingemergency calls will need to be made by alternative methods. This phone will not function during a power failure or broadband outage. Use of Skype software, SkypeOut and/or SkypeIn is subject to Skypes terms of service and end user license agreement.

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IPEVO S0-20 WiFi Phone for Skype Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been using the Ipevo So-20 Skypephone for over a week now (mine came directly from Taiwan) and I am amazed at how well it works.
Previously I had tried and returned both the Belkin and Netgear Wi-Fi phones because they were full of bugs, the battery life was ridiculous and call quality inferior to Skype calls from a PC. I eventually settled for the now discontinued Linksys CIT-400 and I am quite satisfied with it except that battery life is also poor and it requires an interface (access point)to be connected to your modem/router.
The Ipevo SO-20 is a totally autonomous Wi-Fi Skypephone, all you need is a wireless network (B or G). Compared to its predecessors the Ipevo has the following advantages:
-Li-ion battery: the SO-20 can last up to 3 days off the charger on stand-by, but count on a couple of days between charges in normal use.
-Wi-Fi connection manager: the Ipevo allows you to manage your wireless access by storing favorite networks and their access keys. You can also decide whether it can connect to non-saved networks or only to preferred ones. It supports WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption (I just think you cannot use it when you have to log-in on a network through a web page, but check the Skype site, I think they have a flat-rate package to access all Boingo hot-spots worldwide).
Wireless range is pretty decent, I never went below 3 bars (out of 5) inside my home.
-Very modern and clean design and the feel is not that of cheap plastic. The screen is very legible, the keypad is backlit, you can adjust the volume with 2 dedicated keys on the side, like on a regular cell phone and there is a headset jack. You can charge the Ipevo either directly from the charger via a mini-USB connection (handy if you need to use it while charging), or by dropping it on the supplied cradle.
Overall the Ipevo SO-20 is an amazing Wi-Fi Skypephone and I highly recommend it.

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Operate via a Wi-Fi wireless Internet connection. This gives you the freedom to make Skype calls when you connect to a secure or open Wi-Fi network (that does not require browser-based login or authentication).No computer required. It is a much simpler and comfortable way to make and receive Skype calls, without having to sacrifice the benefits of Skype's free and low-cost services.

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