Credit: Netgear
Netgear announced yesterday a dual-mode cordless Wi-Fi phone that supports both traditional landlines and Skype VoIP calling.
The Netgear SPH200D Dual-Mode DECT Cordless Phone With Skype has a base unit that plugs into both your network router and a phone jack, allowing you to switch between Skype calls and traditional calls.
It uses the 1.9GHz band, which should keep it clear of interference from your (or your neighbour's) wireless network. You can view your regular contacts and your Skype contacts, on the handset's screen, and when making a call to a non-Skype user, you can choose whether to make a SkypeOut call or a landline call.
Although the SPH200D frees you from your PC for Skype calls, you still need to have your PC on, as far as we can tell. The Linksys iPhone CIT400 actually loads the Skype client onto the base station, allowing you to make and receive Skype calls when your PC is off. It's a minor point, but one worth mentioning.
The Netgear Dual-Mode Cordless Phone With Skype is available in the U.S. for US$200. Australian pricing and availability has not been announced.
Geo1
16/01/2007 09:17 PM
What do I do? I have Bigpond Wireless but no landline. There is a landline phone in the house but it isn't in my name...can I make calls to other landline phones and mobiles using the wireless broadband with voip hardware such as the Phillips 321?
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