Linksys SPA-921 Review

Linksys SPA-921 is cheapest model from Linksys after the Linksys SPA-90.
How good about Linksys SPA-921.

Introduction

The Linksys SPA-921 built by Sipura/Linksys is the second cheapest model from Linksys after the Linksys SPA-901, which doesn't have an LCD screen. The SPA-921 currently sells for $110 at www.telephonyware.com from which I bought it.


Installation


Hardware-wise Linksys SPA-921 , it's pretty simple: Just plug the network cable into a switch/hub connected to the Net, and plug the 5V transformer.


Software-wise, it's as rich/complicated as the 3102 VoIP gateway, which means multiple web pages that only make sense if you're already used to VoIP (and even then.) Hit the Admin Guide PDF for more information.


Basically, you need to create a new VoIP account, enter login/password and the server IP address, add a STUN server if you're behind a NAT router, and you should get a dialtone.


Usage


Like other phones, I think it has too many buttons, but it's simple enough for basic usage.


Besides a few buttons that are set to only one feature (Voicemail, Menu, Hold, Mute, Headset, Speakerphone, Volume), it relies on four buttons under the LCD screen along with a four-directional round button to navigate through menus. As an alternative, you can configure the phone through its embedded web interface.


Conclusion


It's a nice, affordable, entry-level phone.


There are just a couple of things I don't like:

- Contrary to what the documentation says (at least, as of May 2007), it cannot download a phonebook from a server
- Like the Linksys SPA-921, the phonebook only holds 100 entries
- The LCD screen cannot be raised, hence the need for the desk stand that comes with the unit. The GrandStream GXP-2000 is better in this respect
- The screen is a bit small. The GXP-2000 is also better for this
- Unlike the SPA9x2 phones, the interface is only available in English