Linksys has partnered with Skype to offer a cordless DECT 1.8-1.9Ghz phone complete with a backlit color display, backlit keyboard, and other features, called the Linksys CIT200 Cordless Internet Telephony Kit. The Linksys CIT200 is tightly integrated with Skype utilizing the Skype API for not just making and receiving calls but also accessing your Skype contacts and profiles. At some point today (Tuesday), Skype and Linksys will officially announce their partnership and the official launch of the Linksys CIT200.
A USB base station acts as the "go between" communicating with both the PC (running Skype) via USB and with the CIT200 using the DECT standard. Linksys gave me an exclusive first look at the Linksys CIT200 and I have to say the Linksys CIT200 is probably one of the coolest if not the coolest product that works in conjunction with Skype. One of the coolest features is that you can scroll through your Skype contacts using the Linksys CIT200's color display and you can see their current Skype presence (online, offline, etc.). Then using the arrows on the phone you simply highlight the Skype contact and dial.
The CIT200 actually supports multiple handsets, up to a maximum of four and you simply use one base station to communicate with all 4 phones. Each handset can be assigned a unique extension thus enabling handset-to-handset dialing. Also, the base station has a single button which if you press will page the CIT200 handsets - perfect for when the phone slips down into the sofa and you can't seem to find it anywhere. The CIT200 recharges via a stand-up cradle and sports 120 hrs standby and 10 hrs of talk time using standard rechargeable AA batteries. I should also mention that the CIT200 sports a belt clip and a 2.5mm headset jack.
The Linksys CIT200 currently only works with Windows (sorry Mac and Linux fans). I asked Linksys if a Mac or Linux version was in the works and they said that they don't have plans at this time to support either.
Installation
Installing the CIT200 was a breeze as are most USB products these days. You do need to install a bit of software which provides the integration with Skype and which runs in the background. The CIT200.exe process takes up 3296K of PC memory. The CD also includes the Skype client in case you didn't install Skype already, although it isn't the latest 1.4 version. One really nice feature is that the CIT200 comes with 60 free SkypeOut minutes using a coupon code that you enter on Skype's website to credit your Skype account. This is great for Skype users that typically only make Skype-to-Skype calls and just didn't want to be bothered to give their credit card or Paypal information to Skype in order to purchase SkypeOut minutes. This lets users test SkypeOut, get addicted, and then pay for SkypeOut minutes later on. No doubt this is why Skype, the "masters of marketing", chose to partner with Linksys and offer a coupon code with every Linksys CIT200 sold.
Here are some thumbnail images of the various menu screens on the Linksys CIT 200.
Showing posts with label Phone Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phone Review. Show all posts
Monday, June 16, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Nokia E61 Dual Mode VoIP WiFi Phone Review
For people that are looking for the same Nokia reliability with a bit of a different touch on the design elements of the actual unit itself, the Nokia E61 might be the phone for you. It is valued at a price that is actually right around the same price as the Nokia E60, but the main difference between the two is the fact that the Nokia E61 has additional features that make it very similar to the blackberry.
And indeed, the Nokia E61 is very comparable to the blackberry even to the point that a number of former blackberry customers have switched to the E61 after seeing just how well it performs. The major thing that the Nokia E61 is responsible for improving over the blackberry is the access to mobile e-mail. In addition to that, there is a nice widescreen format that includes a QWERTY keyboard built-in and additionally features outside of the screen such as a voice recorder and a music player. There are many ways that you can use this just like a blackberry and the added phone quality is something that appeals to a lot of potential customers.
As far as the actual VoIP experience goes, the E61 is a fantastic phone. Firstly, it operates dually either in GSM mode or alternatively in VoIP mode via the use of WiFi technology. It also has infrared technology installed onto it and happens to be unlocked so that you can use it with whatever network you happen to like. All of these design elements were built into the phone to give it the maximum amount of versatility possible and in that sense it is extremely cost effective.
To make it even easier for people that are interested in VoIPing with the phone itself, in most cases all you need to do is make use of the over-the-air-provisioning (OTAP) feature and a simple text message to get the phone set up with whatever VoIP service you happen to use.
To sweeten the deal even more, the Nokia E61 also comes with intelligent call forwarding, which when activated allows you to get your phone calls even when you happen to be outside the range of any WiFi networks in the area. Most merchants will also sell it with a prepay SIM card so you don't have to go through the added trouble of getting that yourself.
As far as the actual design of the phone, it has a nice and sleek design that makes the combination blackberry and cell phone look quite fashionable and a silver colour that is absolutely to die for. The keys on the front of the blackberry make it very easy to manipulate all the controls and everything is set up with the same logic and ease of use that consumers have come to expect from the Nokia brand. All in all, the Nokia E61 is definitely worth the price you pay for it and is probably also worth a lot more than what you would ever end up paying.
And indeed, the Nokia E61 is very comparable to the blackberry even to the point that a number of former blackberry customers have switched to the E61 after seeing just how well it performs. The major thing that the Nokia E61 is responsible for improving over the blackberry is the access to mobile e-mail. In addition to that, there is a nice widescreen format that includes a QWERTY keyboard built-in and additionally features outside of the screen such as a voice recorder and a music player. There are many ways that you can use this just like a blackberry and the added phone quality is something that appeals to a lot of potential customers.
As far as the actual VoIP experience goes, the E61 is a fantastic phone. Firstly, it operates dually either in GSM mode or alternatively in VoIP mode via the use of WiFi technology. It also has infrared technology installed onto it and happens to be unlocked so that you can use it with whatever network you happen to like. All of these design elements were built into the phone to give it the maximum amount of versatility possible and in that sense it is extremely cost effective.
To make it even easier for people that are interested in VoIPing with the phone itself, in most cases all you need to do is make use of the over-the-air-provisioning (OTAP) feature and a simple text message to get the phone set up with whatever VoIP service you happen to use.
To sweeten the deal even more, the Nokia E61 also comes with intelligent call forwarding, which when activated allows you to get your phone calls even when you happen to be outside the range of any WiFi networks in the area. Most merchants will also sell it with a prepay SIM card so you don't have to go through the added trouble of getting that yourself.
As far as the actual design of the phone, it has a nice and sleek design that makes the combination blackberry and cell phone look quite fashionable and a silver colour that is absolutely to die for. The keys on the front of the blackberry make it very easy to manipulate all the controls and everything is set up with the same logic and ease of use that consumers have come to expect from the Nokia brand. All in all, the Nokia E61 is definitely worth the price you pay for it and is probably also worth a lot more than what you would ever end up paying.
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