Reply to: Skype and Dect Phones

[Ennui]

I gave up on Linksys. They didn't bother to reply to my emails asking when the CIT400 will be released in the UK.

I've just ordered the Netgear SPH200 instead. Additional handsets are the SPH150 if you're looking for them. I plan to wait and see if I like it and then add a couple of handsets.

[portseven]

So I got the Netgear SPH200D and its working out pretty good. The call quality is good on both Skype and PSTN, in fact I think the Skype call quality is slightly better than the PSTN stuff.

The setup was piss easy too, just enter your existing Skype username and password and it logs you on, it also gives you the option of setting up a new Skype account, which I did as I wanted a different account for the house phone that my regular one.

The poor points:

* It shows your Skype credit, but only in Euro's
* Ringtones are a bit of a let down, small choice and not that loud

Just waiting for them to release the additional handsets now

[Ennui]

Thanks.

I'll drop them an email and see if they know anything about it.

[darmstadt]

Try these guys. I can't see it but they might help:

http://www.skypestyle.co.uk/

[Ennui]

I've been looking at getting a Linksys CIT400 but I can't seem to find anyone selling them in the UK.

Has anyone got one of these or seen them for sale?

[darmstadt]

How about this one, looks pretty good:

http://uk.theinquirer.net/?article=37777

[cojak]

There's only one Skype, there are many VOIP open networks/protocols...

[expat]

Yep, that's what I mean. You can only get free calls if you go Skype to Skype, where as anyone on an open VOIP network can call me free.

Er, excuse me, you mean it's free if:

They're on Skype and so are you;
OR
They're on an open VOIP network and so are you.

I'm not trying to be tedious (it comes without trying), but isn't it 6 and half-a-dozen, unless most of the people you talk to are already on one or the other? And for calls to foreign landlines or mobiles, it's not free in either case.

[cojak]

I think cojak was refering to the fact that Skype uses it own propriety and closed protocols, and don't link up with any other networks (Google Talk, MSN, etc).

There are open standards out there such as SIP and IAX, as well as some good open codecs. I would love to use them, its just that Skype seems to bring it all together in a nice interface, so I am using that ATM.

Yep, that's what I mean. You can only get free calls if you go Skype to Skype, where as anyone on an open VOIP network can call me free.

[portseven]

Well I went and ordered one of the Netgear jobbie's, should arrive this week.

I will let you all know how it works out.

[darmstadt]

Cool, looks like it is 'out' then.

Yep, in fact they had one from someone else (Phillips I think) and I'm still tempted. While I was over in the USA there were quite a few different Skype phones going for good prices but I wasn't too sure about protocols so stayed on the safe side.

[portseven]

Don't understand about Skype's "closed network" though

I think cojak was refering to the fact that Skype uses it own propriety and closed protocols, and don't link up with any other networks (Google Talk, MSN, etc).

There are open standards out there such as SIP and IAX, as well as some good open codecs. I would love to use them, its just that Skype seems to bring it all together in a nice interface, so I am using that ATM.

[expat]

I tried Skype but disliked their closed network as I want to use VOIP as a business phone.

I went for Voipfone instead and bought this little beauty . It's ethernet and has lots of lovely features. It's also clear as a bell.

With Voipfone I can forward any calls to my mobile when I'm working away from home.

It's got wires though so I s'pose you're not interested.

It's OT but it is a little beauty.

Don't understand about Skype's "closed network" though: I use it so the Better Half can call me from home when I am away in another country. When I have net access on my laptop, it's free. When I don't, she uses Skype out: 2p/m to landline, 13.5p/m to mobile. Same price as Orbtalk using the VOIP phone, no?

[expat]

I shall make sure I do not try to offer advice to you again then

HTH

Then life would be boring

[portseven]

I tried Skype but disliked their closed network as I want to use VOIP as a business phone.

I went for Voipfone instead and bought this little beauty . It's ethernet and has lots of lovely features. It's also clear as a bell.

With Voipfone I can forward any calls to my mobile when I'm working away from home.

It's got wires though so I s'pose you're not interested.

I already have one, I built an Asterisk box last year and have been playing with it, more as an educational thing than anything. I got myself a pair of Budgetone 102s . I keep meaning to have a play with chanskype as it looks promising, and might be a good addition to business Asterisk installations.