Philips VOIP 080 Skype VOIP Travel Phone

Philips VOIP 080 Skype VOIP Travel Phone
Click for Detailed Image	Philips VOIP 080 Skype VOIP Travel Phone By: Philips Accessories List Price: $19.99 Our Price: Too low to display

Product Description: Philips VOIP080 is a cordless phone with Skype integration. It features ClearVoice providing face-to-face conversation quality with the convenience of a classic phone. You can control your Skype functions directly from your handset. Access the Skype window, scroll the contact list or access the voicemail. Use your VOIP phone to call via Skype wherever you are. With Skype you can enjoy making free calls all over the world to any other Skype users. Direct call from contacts list Fully Integrated with Skype PC Functionality - Use all functions of the PC to establish your phone calls System Requirement - Free USB port, Pentium 400 MHz CPU or better, 128MB RAM, 30MB free space, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000, Internet Connection 33.6 kbps or faster (broadband preferred), CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive

Philips VOIP 080 Skype VOIP Travel Phone Features:

TRAVEL PHONE

Customer Reviews:

not perfect, but works reliably: I've have been a Skype user for several years. Prior to purchasing the Philips VOIP 080 USB handset, I've tried a few generic USB VOIP handsets from eBay. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, none of the eBay models I've purchased worked. This Philips handset was going to be my last try before biting the bullet and invest into a more expensive WiFi handset model. Much to my surprise, the Philips 080 worked! Here are my impressions/opinions on this product:

Pro
- Even though the handset is NOT plug-and-play directly out of the box, but after the one-time setup process that involves the installation of a "VOIP080" program, the handset works reliably there after.
- When the VOIP080 is executed, it will kick start Skype, load the driver for 080, and configure the audio in/out for Skepe on the handset. This is normally a single-click operation.
- The voice quality is VERY good. Provided your internet connection is reliable, the voice quality on this handset is definitely comparable to normal landline phones. There is no echo, no distortion, or any other audible artifacts.
- You can dial numbers directly on the handset. However, when you punch the numbers in, they actually appear in the Skepe window that's running on your COMPUTER, as the handset itself does not have any display.
- Incoming calls will ring the handset, with several ringer choices.

Cons
- The fact that this thing is not plug-and-play is rather inconvenient. You can only use it on the computer that already has the VOIP080 program installed. If you're traveling and using a shared computer somewhere, you're out of luck.
- Sometimes, not always, the normal audio on the computer is being routed to the handset. Per design, only the Skepe audio should be routed to the handset. For whatever reason, this doesn't always work, which is annoying.
- The handset is rather cheaply constructed. The USB cable, in particular, is problematic. Because you need to wrap the cable around the grove on the sides of the handset every time you "travel", the ultra thin USB cable will simply snap in time. I'm already on my second one. The base shown in the picture is a useless piece of light plastic.
- Because the VOIP080 program actually hooks into the Skepe application itself, I suspect there will be potential compatibility when Skype rolls out new versions in the future.

Conclusions
It gets the job done, as long as your expectations for it are not too high.
Good USB Phone: This is a decent phone for a traveller. I got this so I don't have to punch in the numbers thru mouse/keyboard when I dial. Easy to use. Thats about it.
Not as advertised by Amazon: The Philips phone is fine, but the description listed by Amazon is not accurate. I guess I should have known not to believe that a CORDLESS VOIP phone would be available for $20. I returned it, went to a local store and paid $40 more, and now have a cordless VOIP phone. I don't quite understand the advantage of having a phone hooked into a USB port over a pair of headphones, which I already have.
Works with Linux 2.6 Kernel: A nice little usb phone for those if us who get tired of wearing the headset every once in a while.

Though made of light weight plastic, the phone is still solid for the task at hand. If you're on Windows it allows for perfect integration with Skype via the handset controls.

Usb cord wraps around the phone for easy storage--this along with a handy carrying case for travel makes it a neat little package at an affordable price.

For those using Linux, the handset allows for sound in and out only. No functionality exists for the handset controls. But this is no problem as the ringer can be routed through the computer's sound system and dialing may be done via keyboard or by mouse via on-screen touch keys.

Lastly, a phone cradle allows for the permanent attachment of the phone to the computer. No fussing with the sound controls every time Skype is started. Phone also has a look that complements any decor.

Highly recommended.
CORDED Phone: One reviewer cites this as a cordless phone. It is not and I was surprised to start. Phone is great as far as sound goes. Sometimes the software gives a little trouble, but nothing a quick reboot won't fix. Definately worth the price if you are looking for a corded phone.