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Every year we review the latest Skype cordless VoIP phones in the hope of finding something special. We are usually disappointed either because the phones have several significant problems or they are absurdly expensive. This year was very different, we discovered an outstanding Skype cordless phone that has left the "competition" for dead. It's the IPEVO SO-20.
#1 IPEVO SO-20 Skype Wireless PhoneThe first thing we noticed about the IPEVO was that the price was right (between $130 and $150, depending on where you buy it). The second thing was that it looks like a real phone and not a plastic toy. It resembles a cell phone or compact cordless phone handset with all the finishing touches: backlit keypad and headset jack. Voice quality is excellent in a wide range of situations. At both ends of the line we found call clarity to be comparable with a cell phone. Over and above these features the real clincher was that the IPEVO can be used to make and receive Skype calls without needing to have a computer running continuously. In fact, it can be used without a computer at all. Wi-Fi Connection ManagerThe manufactures of this phone clearly set out to make the best possible Skype WiFi phone. No more and no less. It's neither a dual purpose Skype-landline phone nor a DECT 6.0 phone. It's simply a great WiFi phone that does an excellent job of connecting to available WiFi networks. The WiFi Connection Manager enables users to bookmark their favorite networks and store associated access keys. WEP, WPA and WPA2 WiFi encryption are supported. The phone's most significant defect is that it doesn't have a Web browser. It's an omission that it shares with every other Skype wireless phone that we have so far found. As a consequence it cannot be used to log into subscription based networks or public secured networks that require a user name and password. Talk Time / Stand-by TimeIn our experience very few Skype cordless VoIP phones deliver adequate talk or stand-by time. It's an issue that we have identified with nearly all the Skype phones we have evaluated until now. Once again we found IPEVO unit was impressive. In our tests we got nearly 4 hours of talk time out of a single charge. After three days on stand-by the phone was still usable. It's a consequence of the high quality Li-ion batteries used in these phones. SetupWe don't know of an easier Skype Internet phone to set up. It took us less than 30 seconds. At the prompt enter Skype login details, select a wireless network and enter the security key. That's it! The phone will automatically download existing contacts and is ready for use. The IPEVO phone has set a new benchmark for Skype hardware. Understandably it's outselling all other Skype cordless VoIP phones. #2 Netgear SPH200DThe SPH200D is a DECT cordless home phone that can be expanded to support up to 4 handsets. It's also a dual mode phone so it can double as either a Skype phone or be used with a standard PSTN service. The cordless phone's base station plugs directly into a router enabling Skype calls to be made whether or not a computer is switched on. DECT 6.0 phones have the advantage of being immune to most forms of interference. The Netgear phone delivers adequate call clarity over Skype and drop outs are uncommon. The CIT300 was released in 2006-07. It's now far more affordable than when first released. #3 Linksys CIT300The Linksys CIT300 is another dual mode landline-Skype phone that uses DECT 6.0 technology to communicate between base and handset. Unlike the Netgear phone it's base station needs to be connected to a PC. In order to make Skype phone calls at any hour the PC must be continuously switched on. Despite the CIT300 being a DECT 6.0 cordless phone it seems there is no option to purchase additional handsets. This inability to expand the phone together with it's dependence on a PC are it's major drawbacks when compared with the Netgear alternative. SummaryThe IPEVO SO-20 doesn't meet everyone's definition of a Skype cordless VoIP phone. It's actually got more in common with a cell phone than a cordless phone. The benefit of that is that it can be tucked into a pocket and used wherever access to a WiFi network can be secured. We suspect that's what the majority of subscribers to the Skype phone service are looking for in a Skype Internet phone. Skype Cordless VoIP Phones Related ArticlesSkype Headset - a good quality headset will overcome many of the issues raised in Skype reviews. Sound quality is always top of the list, but there are others that need to be taken into account. GE Cordless Telephones - GE Skype Phone - the Skype Internet phone segment is exploding. Growth is driven not only by the ever increasing popularity of the Skype phone service, but also by the requirement to use the service without a PC. Best Skype Cordless Phone - Skype headphones are adequate, but a decent Skype cordless phone is essential to get the best out of the Skype phone service. Ooma is arguably better than Magic Jack, Skype, Vonage and every other VoIP home phone service, but it's a secret that most consumers are yet to discover. How Does Skype Work? - what is the secret of this free Internet telephone service? It has over 500 million active subscribers and it's not uncommon to see over 23 million of them logged on. Skype Wireless Phone Review - which is the best? There are dozens to choose from, but many have defects including: poor range, limited talk time and dropped calls. From Best Skype Cordless VoIP Phones to Skype Free Download From Best Skype Cordless VoIP Phones to Cordless Phone Reviews and Ratings - Home |
 
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