I finally received my IPEVO SOLO or SO-10 almost 2 weeks ago. Believe this did not come without any attachments. You can read my earlier review of my previous skype phone the Beklin Stand-alone Desktop which only lasted 1 day. I eventually returned that unit. But let's get on with review.
Summary
Overall, I do not have alot of complaints. I have tested the unit for over 2 weeks and have decided to keep the unit and avoid the RMA process. Although it is not at the quality of the true CISCO VOIP phones with their ginormous LCD screens, beefy base and millions of other options, the Solo SO-10 comes alot further than most available SKYPE phones.
In the box:
1 base (black)
1 handset (white) I really prefer the black on black but there wasnt an option
1 cord - much thicker than the Belkin (so appears to function better?)
1 ethernet cable
1 power supply cable
1 color manual
Setup:
-Looks odd with the black base on white handset (european thing?)
-Magnetic handset latch works well.
-LCD screen is nice and tilting feature is even better
-Menu navigation via key pad and dial pad is a breeze
-Easy setup and configuration (DHCP is default setting)
-up and running within 5 minutes (just as long as you can remember your screen name and password)
Operation:
Dialing out - as soon as you pick up the phone, a dial tone appears. This is a nice feature and helps deceive our brains from thinking that this is just a Skype internet phone. To call an outside LAND line, you need to punch in the area code + number. Unlike other phones, you do not need to dial in your country code. The number keypad was exceptionally small even for my finely manicured hands. If you don't hit squarely on the number pad, you'll almost be guaranteed a misdial.
Voice Call - simple and quality was just like a regular LAND line
Speakerphone - this was its weakest area. Although the speaker phone worked, it was OK at best. For some users, your guest will hear alot of echoing. Instead, I plan on getting an independent speakerphone.
Footprint - kinda small but that's not necessarily a bad thing right?
USB port - not really sure what its use, some research shows a possible upgrade to a wireless device
Pros:
-Call quality via handset
-Easy usage/setup
Cons:
-Poor speakerphone quality
-Pricey, I paid 2x that of Belkin, is worth it? Better than the Belkin but almost 2x? Questionable
-White handset, kinda odd? Would have been better for uniform color matching, must have been an intern who made the selection while the boss was away?
-Phone ergonomics on the ear kinda stunk. Don't plan on using this feature beyond 20 minutes. I like the magnet latch option, always can find my paperclips now.
-Operations manual is lacking and does not uncover the full potential of the phone. You will have to play around with the functions to get all your features working. For example, unlike my earlier post, you can access and do all the features similar to the desktop version of skype.
-If you dial your contact using the speakerphone and the initial "hello my name is..." apparently is not conveyed. As a result, your contact replies with "...hello, hello, anybody there?" There must be a slight 1 second or 1.5 second delay. A bit annoying...Actually a lot annoying. But I keep going back to the skype $9/mth rate.
Anytime I feel blue or frustrated I simply look at my monthly skype bill and compare that to other VOIP rates and voila....HAPPY PLACE