GE - Skype - Certified - 2 in 1 Internet & Standard Phone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had a bit of a time finding a decent phone for use with my skype until I found this one. I keep my home phone to no long distance and of course cell phones only allow so many "anytime" minutes. I bought a year of skype and was very pleased with quality over a headset using the sound card through the computer but I did not desire to be tethered to the computer each time I needed to make a call. The first cordless skype phone I bought was horrendous (read my review of it also) and was becoming discouraged. I could not understand what is so complicated about getting decent quality from a cordless skype phone when you can so easily from a regular cordless phone.

I bought this phone not expecting much but still hopeful. I was pleasantly surprised. At first it was not the greatest as I kept getting drops in my calls that I never got using the sound card in the computer. I was using version 3.5 of the skype software and decided to try downgrading the software to 2.5. That was the trick, now this phone delivers great quality calls with no drops. This phone can also be used as a regular phone but I have not used or tried it that way as I am pleased with what I already have.

Using the 2.5 version of skype I say this phone is worth the money, and I almost forgot that it uses AAA rechargables (included) but if you need quick power you can put regular AAA in to make a call (just don"t forget to remove them before placing the phone back in the charging base.

You do need to have an AC outlet close for the base, I mention this since many are powered solely through the USB but this one is not.

I'm pleased with the quality I get from this phone and recommend to anyone looking for a good cordless skype phone.

GE - Skype - Certified - 2 in 1 Internet & Standard Phone

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Product Description:
2 in 1 - Internet & Standard Phone

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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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Communicator Blue C100S USB Speakerphone for Skype Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Everyone who gives the Polycom Communicator C100S a great rating is absolutely correct. Under Windows XP this device is awesome. The sound quality is great on both ends. It doesn't take you long to realize that you are carrying on a conversation in a much more natural manner without a headset on.

When you want to use this device on any operating system other than Windows XP, you'll find that the device is nothing more than a cheap speaker and desktop microphone. Of course it works with Skype on Linux, MacOS and Windows Vista, just like any other speaker and desktop microphone do. Crappily.

The magic of this device is in the software. The echo cancellation and sound quality are all products of the drivers that lie between Skype and the device. Wihout those drivers, the device is just an expensive USB speaker/microphone. Those who say that the device works with MacOS and Vista are only partially right. The Skype integration buttons do not work on anything but XP and I could live with that. But the audio processing in the driver is what makes this device usable with Skype. Without it, there is terrible echo from your side that makes the device unusable. You may as well use a cheap pair of speakers and a cheap desktop microphone. You'll get the same performance and it'll cost you a lot less.

Windows Vista has been available to the software developers at Polycom for over a year now and there is apparently no Vista driver in the works. This means that the Polycom Communicator C100S is useless for almost all new computer purchasers. (I did recently read that Dell is now offering Windows XP on some new PC purchases. I belive for enterprise level buyers only though.)

There is apparently now no plan to release a Mac driver, as if there was ever one in development. Which I highly doubt. So, according to my spidey senses, unless you use Windows XP exclusively, and don't have any plans for a new computer, purchasing this device now is a waste of money.

This is a terrible shame as the Polycom Communicator C100S is an awesome device and I was really looking forward to using it when I purchased it. So far I haven't been able to use it more than once, as they haven't released any Vista drivers. I did use it once with a VMWare virtual machine running Windows XP, just to make sure that my device wasn't broken, and it does work as advertised on Windows XP.

Vista drivers were supposed to be released mid 2007, but it's almost mid 2008 now and there are no hints that they have ever assigned a software guy the task of writing them. My advice is to wait until Polycom shows some interest in supporting this device with current operating systems before shelling out any money for it. :o(

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Product Description:

Polycom Communicator gives you the ultimate hands-free Skype experience. Based on the same technology used in Polycom's legendary line of triangular SoundStation conference phones, the Skype-certified Polycom Communicator enables crystal-clear, natural conversations when using Skype. Enjoy the freedom of not wearing your headset for hands-free Skype calls, or plug into the built-in stereo headphone port for private conversations.The Polycom Communicator delivers high-fidelity wideband voice quality that sounds like you are in the same room with the people you are calling. Two high-quality microphones provide excellent range for group conversations with up to four participants. Polycom's Acoustic Clarity Technology eliminates echoes and feedback, maximizing your Skype experience.


Main Features
Manufacturer: Polycom, Inc
Manufacturer Part Number: 2200-44000-001
Manufacturer Website Address: www.polycom.com
Product Type: Wireless IP Phone
Interfaces/Ports: Headset 3.5mm Jack
Form Factor: Handheld
Standard Warranty: 1 Year(s) Limited

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Polycom PVX V8.0 Application for Single User Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The PVX software is very cost effective, and it works great. Just add a Logitech 9000 Pro and your good to go.This little program has allowed me to work from home much more, and flawlessly dials into other polycom and LifeSize conferencing systems.

You do have to be able to follow directions and set your firewall up with the simple configuration settings that are found in the help section of the application. There's nothing difficult about it though, just use common sense.

Try the demo first if your are a novice firewall user.

Also- be sure to download the 8.0.4 update from Polycom if your using a dual core or vista machine.

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Product Description:
Polycom PVX brings unprecedented video conferencing technology to your PC. Utilizing the industry-s highest quality audio/video algorithms, Polycom PVX is the only PC application capable of delivering true VGA resolution, secure communications, and People+Content. PVX can be purchased with a high resolution USB web camera for optimal video quality at the desktop, thereby eliminating the need for a separate video camera and reducing clutter in your workspace. And when used in conjunction with your laptop and USB webcam, Polycom PVX provides the ultimate in portability.

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