Cisco-Linksys CIT400 Dual-Mode Internet Telephony Kit with Integrated Skype Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)With the CIT400 Linksys comes very close to having a 5 star gadget.I'll break my review into several parts.

Setup: 5 stars - it couldn't have been easier.I plugged the base station into my home network and turned the power on.It was that simple within a few minutes I was making calls.I already had a Skype account so I'm not sure how simple it is the sign-up via the phone.

Design: 3 stars - the phone feels like it was designed by a router company.Nothing really stands out in the design of the phone or the software interface.It's pretty functional but pales in comparison to the UI on most cell phones.Several things that could be better with the UI (and are probably fixable with a firmware upgrade): CallerID doesn't reference your contacts (like most cell phones).When phone numbers in the call log don't fit on the screen they go into a scroll mode, making them impossible to read.The phone doesn't register when another phone in the house has answered a call thus placing them under 'missed calls', my 15 year old at&t cordless phone somehow manages to do this.There is no browser interface to the phone - it would be nice to configure it this way since it is a network device.It's difficult to change Skype accounts quickly.Don't get me wrong the phone is quite functional, but many aspects of it could have been executed better.

Quality: 4 stars - overall I've been quite pleased with the quality of the Skype calls.They sometimes suffer from a delay (thus not 5star) but are good enough to replace my long distance company.

Service: 1 star - I'm probably being harsh but in today's connected world I consider it very bad form for high tech companies to not have employees that care enough to read and respond to their own online forums.I own other gadgets, like a Tivo and Roku Soundbridge, where I can find pretty much the answer to anything by reading the product forum hosted on the company web site.This is mainly because those companies have employees who seem to want to connect with their customers.It makes sense - it's an inexpensive way to support a product.In the case of the CIT400 (and other Linksys phones) the forum stinks.I have yet to see a knowledgable representative of Linksys post there.It wouldn't take a lot of effort and to me shows a lack of pride in the product.

Skype service isn't any better. When I tried to see if anything could be done to improve the delay issues I was having on some calls, I exchanged a frustrating set of emails with Skype service asking me to replace the drivers on my sound card and making sure the microphone on my PC wasn't as fault.In other words they kept sending me pre-formulated canned repsonses.

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Product Description:
The Linksys CIT400 Dual-Mode Cordless Phone with Skype is part of the iPhone family of products that use the Internet to enhance the way you communicate. The CIT400 is a full-featured cordless phone that provides an easy way to take advantage of Skype Internet calling as well as place calls over your normal phone line (PSTN) from a single device. No PC required! Just sign into your Skype account from the handset, and your contacts and their availability are displayed on your color screen. Advanced DECT cordless technology won't interfere with 802.11 wireless networks.

A user-friendly interface makes Skype-ing easy.

The base station plugs into your internet and landline connections. View larger.

Get total wireless freedom with the Skype handset. View larger. Dual-Mode capability lets you choose whether to make calls over a standard telephone line or with Skype. Just select who you want to talk to from your contact list on your handset and get ready to talk.
Of course, the handset supports SkypeOut dialing as well as your Skype contact list display. It rings when you have a Skype or SkypeIn or standard telephone call coming in, and shows the caller's ID on the screen. The handset also supports call waiting and Skype's optional voicemail service. When you're on a call, you can hit the mute button for privacy, or use the speakerphone function to let everyone join in. Other features include polyphonic MIDI ringer melodies on the handset and voice encryption for maximum security. You'll also enjoy 120 hours of standby time and six hours talk time on the handset's rechargeable battery.
The Linksys CIT400 also allows you to choose to make calls to other Skype users or over your existing standard telephone line. You'll get the convenience of a cordless phone and all its features, plus the high-quality voice reception integrated right into your Skype handset--no computer is required.
Long Range, Clear Sound, and Minimal Interference
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication (DECT) technology enables long range, great security, and incredible call clarity. Operating at 1900MHz, the CIT400 uses a different wavelength than the crowded 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies used by most cordless phones. So it won't interfere with wireless networks such as 802.11b or 802.11g Wi-Fi.
Easy Setup
The included Quick Start Guide walks you through the easy steps to setup your new dual-mode phone. Skype is already installed on the base station. Plug in the cables and sign into your account.
What is Skype?
Skype is a little piece of software that lets you make free calls to your friends all over the world. With an Internet connection and Skype in use at both ends, you can call anyone, anywhere in the world, for free! And with the optional SkypeOut service, you can make low cost calls to traditional landline or mobile phones worldwide at local rates.
The CIT400 has Skype software embedded in its cordless base station. Plug the integrated Ethernet port into your home network and use Skype without needing to ever turn on your computer.
What's in the Box
Handset, 2 AA NiMH batteries, charger, base station, 2 power adapters, RJ-11 cable, RJ-45 cable, quick installation, and user guide on CD.

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