Monday, January 08, 2007
User Review - Netgear SPH200D Cordless Skype Phone
First, the bottom line: If you have been wanting to use Skype to reduce your
long-distance bill, but have hesitated because you don't want to be
attached to your computer while you are calling, this phone is for
you.
This past October, I was asked to beta-test a new cordless phone, the Netgear SPH200D [amazon.com]. What excited me was that it was a Skype phone, and it did not require a computer. I had used Skype once or twice before and I liked the voice quality, but I did not find it compelling enough to continue using it because I did not like being tethered to my computer for long calls.
I do a fair bit of over-the-phone coaching, and the type of calls that I make are usually long, 30 minutes or more, and I like to get up and walk around a bit during the call. So I was looking forward to trying Skype on a real phone.
I've been using this phone in my home office for almost three months and really like it. I'm using it now for all of my outgoing calls and my long distance bill has fallen to zero. I'm also using fewer minutes on my cell phone and saving money there as well.
Voice Quality
The quality of the connection is superb. This phone uses DECT technology [wikipedia.org] which means that it is fairly immune to WIFI interference and disruptions due to microwave ovens and such. I'm able to roam around the house without worrying about dropouts, something that I cannot say about my 2.4GHz cordless phone. I live in a older house with plenty of signal-absorbing plaster and sheetrock and furniture, so I am pleased with the dropout-free wireless performance of the SPH200D.
The voice quality is great too, but there is a slight delay - similar to what you get when your overseas call is routed through a satellite. This is common with most internet based phone services. It just takes a bit of getting used to.
I like the fact that the phone comes with a standard 1/8-inch headset jack - I use a headset for most of my calls.
Setup
There is practically no setup. I just plugged the base unit into my router, and it connected automatically to my network. I did have to punch in my Skype name and password on the numeric keypad, but it turns out that I could have done that easily through a web browser - the base unit has a configuration page similar to other Netgear routers. Once my name and password were in, I could start calling.
The phone displays all of the contacts that you have previously set up with Skype. In fact, I recommend using the Skype software on your computer to enter all of your contacts - it's just easier that way. The phone even shows the amount of Skype credits that I have.
The base unit can also connect to your regular phone line, and when you make a call, you are given a choice of whether to use SkypeOut or your landline. This allows you to use the SPH200D for regular local calls. More importantly, it allows you to make emergency calls, which is something you can't (and shouldn't) do with SkypeOut.
Usage
It's pretty much like using a standard cordless phone, but with some extras. First, all of your contacts are one click away, and you simply scroll through the list and select one. Contacts can either be other Skype users, or regular phone numbers. You can also just enter a number directly.
Starting a call is just like on a cell phone (and unlike a regular phone) - you need to press the call button. At this point, you will be asked whether to SkypeOut or use the landline. Once you've done that, the call starts.
The phone displays the call duration, and when you are finished, it shows the dollar amount of SkypeOut credit remaining. This makes it easy to know when it is time to go to your computer and login to Skype to replenish your account.
You can also change your online status from the phone, so that you appear online, offline, silent, away, etc. But I find it tedious to be changing my status all the time, so I just leave it online.
What about WIFI Skype Phones?
I know that WIFI phones have been around for a while. And on first blush, these seem to be ideal - just connect wherever there is a WIFI signal available. But after giving it a little bit of thought, I decided not to try a WIFI phone.
The main reason is interference. Whenever someone uses the microwave oven, or someone nearby is using a 2.4GHz cordless phone, I've noticed my WIFI connection on my laptop drop or become really weak. This may be fine for intermittent surfing and such, but not for a phone call. I want something more reliable, and the SPH200D meets that requirement.
Things I Didn't Like
To be honest, there is not much to dislike.
The phone has a blocky shape and I find it tiring to hold it to my ear for lengthy calls. But as I mentioned, I use a standard headset for most of my calls.
I think the thing that frustrated me the most was not the phone, but Skype itself. I've been helping my Dad use Skype, and he has had real problems trying to pay for SkypeOut credits with his Visa card. I've never seen such a poorly implemented payment system on the web. According to many of the comments on Skype forum pages, this is affecting a lot of people.
Eventually, I resolved the problem by having my Dad establish a Paypal account and then make a payment that way. But it shouldn't have to come down to this. He should be able to pay with Visa directly, not through Paypal.
Conclusion
I going keep using this phone - the quality is great and I'm saving money. You can't beat Skype's $29.95/year price for calls to the US and Canada.
Of course, Skype-to-Skype calls are always free, a big plus for overseas calls to friends and family if you can get them to use Skype. Hopefully this phone will be available to them as well.
Last modified on Mon, 8 Jan 2007 17:27:47 GMT
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