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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost there..., July 28, 2008
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
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent phone! VoIP hardware is getting better all the time., September 22, 2008
The SOLO is an excellent product, from the quality of its audio hardware to its embedded Skype features. Connecting to the internet and to Skype is easy; the unit supports DHCP or fixed-IP modes, connects quickly without much input from you, and even has a built-in (fast ethernet, I assume) switch so that you can use only one ethernet cable to go from your desk to your router/modem (you then connect the SOLO to your computer's ethernet port as well, and the two appliances share a port on whatever device you have which connects to the internet). Great!
Skype features are very easy to use with the SOLO's large, clear LCD. Buttons are sturdy, and include two "soft" buttons as are common on most mobile phones these days. The software on the SOLO lets you search for contacts in the same way you enter text in "standard alpha." mode on most mobile phones, as well, so you don't waste time. You can make a call by lifting the handset and dialing, dialing and then pressing "talk" (this cues the speakerphone to turn on), pressing "talk" and then dialing . . . whatever, the SOLO will figure out that you're making a call. It allows you to store your local area code so that local calls require you to enter only seven numbers.
The handset has a wonderfully 80s look and feel, and sounds like a phone should (for me, that means usually better than does the 1x digital connection my mobile phone has with local masts). The heandset is definitely specific to this base, and vice versa, as the shape and built-in magnet interface very nicely. However, the connection from handset to base is a standard voice 2-pole one, so you could plug in a longer cable, different handset, or whatever if you wanted.
This unit replaces a Netgear SPH200D for me - I learned that DECT 6.0 cordless systems broadcast at full wattage 100% of the time they're plugged in (on the order of a digital mast's output), and decided I'd like to curtail wireless-device proliferation within firing range of my body.
All in all, I'm totally satisfied with this purchase, and I recommend it.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best no-computer solution for Skype, May 30, 2008
This is a great solution if you love Skype but hate having to be on your computer during the whole conversation.
The look and feel of this phone: it looks like a real phone with a screen. The design of the handset is very pleasant, and the set up process short and intuitive. All you have to do is hook it up directly to your modem and power it up. Then, it'll say hello :-)
You follow the prompts (language and time), and you're all set. It detects internet connection immediately. Just put in your skype ID and password, and all your contacts are downloaded automatically, which means, you can instantly start calling your contacts for FREE. It also rings (choice of ringtones).
NO SET UP REQUIRED - you must have a skype ID and password.
I think the only downfall is that you must purchase Skype credit from a computer, and not directly from this little beauty. Other than that, it couldn't be more reliable or easier to use. I love it.
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