47 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
Works like a charm
I too was awaiting this -- for many months. It works well so far on my home network. Haven't taken into the big bad world yet. Sound quality is fine -- the person on the other end sometimes hears an echo, but overall good. I wish there were some controls on the side of the phone to get into a memorized setting, or an indicator for voicemail. Wish the screen didn't...
149 of 155 people found the following review helpful:
Don't Plan On Using The Belkin Wi-Fi Phone On The Road
Being someone who uses Skype constantly for both business and personal long distance and PC-to-PC phone calls, I got a Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype as a Christmas gift from a loved one who knows just how nerdy I am when it comes to new gadgets. I love them!
Unfortunately, I can only say that I *like* the new wi-fi phone from Belkin. Appearance-wise, it's...
This review is from: Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) (Electronics)
Being someone who uses Skype constantly for both business and personal long distance and PC-to-PC phone calls, I got a Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype as a Christmas gift from a loved one who knows just how nerdy I am when it comes to new gadgets. I love them!
Unfortunately, I can only say that I *like* the new wi-fi phone from Belkin. Appearance-wise, it's terrific with a sleek black case, color screen and attractive key layout. It's a good, comfortable size and feels about like a stylish mobile phone. It comes with a USB cable for charging and software updates, as well as a regular power cord for charging. You can use the phone while it's connected to the charger, which is what I find myself doing a lot.
The sound quality is good and it connected right to my household wi-fi system once I punched in the security code. The controls are easy to access and use. I was quite excited to get going with it and used it for several days without incident.
Then it froze. No matter what I did, the buttons made no difference and the screen stubbornly stuck on 11:38 a.m. and no amount of prodding would break it free. I looked for some sort of reset button like you get with a Palm or other PDA-like device, but there isn't one. I finally decided that the only way to get the baby to reset would be to take out the battery and put it back in.
Thus, my next problem. The battery cover refused to budge. It was as if it had been super-glued shut. I pulled, pushed, yanked but it held firm. I had no other choice than to resort to the proverbial waste of time - support.
Yep, total waste of time. I tracked down Belkin support, filled out the form to inform them of my problem (frozen screen, stuck battery case) and got an answer from some clueless girl telling me I should go into the menu and use the "reset" function. Duh? The SCREEN IS FROZEN, honey! How the heck am I supposed to do that!
So, back to pulling, tugging and yanking on the battery cover. I finally managed to pry one corner up and get enough leverage to get the darned thing open without breaking it. I pulled the battery out, the phone reset and I was up and running again.
My next disappointment came when I stayed at a hotel that offered free wi-fi. I had hoped to use the phone to make some calls, but, alas, the hotel requires you to open their web page in a browser before you can connect to their access. That's all, just open their page in a browser - no inputting codes or anything. Just an open browser.
The Belkin phone has no Internet browser, a terrible oversight for a product that people will want to use at Internet cafes and the like. Not a smart move, Belkin.
Yes, the phone is supported by Boingo, which has hotspots here and there. In my area, my choices are a UPS Store or an RV park. Somehow I can't see myself hanging around those to make phone calls. I'm out of luck at Starbucks, hotels and anywhere without completely open wi-fi access.
Another minor peave is the lack of Skype chat support. My company uses Skype chat a lot during the business day, so I can't plan on using the Belkin Skype phone exclusively for business because there's no chat support. I understand that trying to do chat on that itsy bitsy keyboard is difficult, but people send text messages all the time on cell phones, so there should be support for chat. If nothing else, I'd like to be able to set the phone up to let people know that I don't have Skype chat, try me on AIM or whatever.
Anyway, don't think I'm totally unhappy with the Belkin Wi-Fi-Phone for Skype. I'm not. It's great to carry around the house with me when I'm not on the computer. It just means I have to switch back and forth between it and a Skype-enabled computer quite a bit. I guess my suggestion for those considering one is to say that it's great if you just want a wireless Skype phone for home, have no need for Skype chat and don't plan on trying to use it too many places outside your home network. It's a shame, but it probably won't work for you on the road or in your neighborhood Starbucks.
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This review is from: Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) (Electronics)
a) It works without a computer, there's no need to transfer contacts, no computer config, no software to install, no usb/network cable or base station required.
b) It's ready to call as long as you have access to either a 802.11b or 802.11g WI-Fi network.
I've read previous reviews (thanks to all) and knew in advance some of the following drawbacks:
ON THE CON Side:
1) Clock is not accurate even when phone it's on. If turned off, it resets back to 01/01/2000. You need to set time AND date every time.
2) If you "rush" the phone by clicking fast it will lock and reboot itself and date/time resets again. No syncing with an internet clock server.
3) NEEDS a Firmware Update. Tried Menu, Settings, General, Software Updates option and still got the message "You already have the latest software installed". It's: v1.1.0.10 R20 from 2006/12/13 (I've checked www.belkin.com and still there's no update).
4) It should save more than one Skype account (it already saves several Wi-Fi networks & passwords). Logging another user is SLOW and painful.
5) HARD keys. Specially the right "soft key" and the End/Power key.
6) It "rings" a little low, even at max volume. If it's not in the same room, you may not hear incoming calls. Also it only has 3 ringtones and SILENT. There's no way to add more.
7) No belt/holster clip. Hopefully, keypad can be locked/unlocked by holding both the left soft key AND the [a/A*] key. If you want to "roam" with this phone on your belt, then look for a case or swivel case that fits because it's not as small as most modern cell phones are.
8) It doesn't work with most Hot-Spots (at least if they're not "Boingo Mobile"). If you need a browser to enter an user and a password as most Hotels do, you're in the dark.
9) NO Speaker mode.
10) Phone and battery get a little hot when doing long calls (Enough to feel the heat on your ear and hand).
11) The design looks a little OLD and CHEAP. Put it next to a cell phone and you'll see what I mean.
12) No cradle. It comes with one USB cable and a charger. There's no craddle available yet. SMC offers TWO diffent craddles for it's Wi-Fi phone. One it's a charger (SMC Wi-Fi Phone Cradle Charger - Phone charging stand) and another also comes with an access point: "WI-FI PHONE CRADLE CHARGER W/ BUILT IN AP (SMCDPCR-AP)".
13) Skype user logged in the phone appears to be "reconnecting" from time to time. Also it doesn't apper On Line inmediatly.
14) No way to send SMS messages from the Phone.
15) When calling, batteries don't last the 3 hours advertised. I agree it needs a longer lasting battery (maybe a 1500mAh or 1800mAh?).
16) Lots of errors on User Manual. By example, "Keypad tones--Set this as either "On" or "Off"" option detailed on page 44 is completly MISSING on software's phone. Keypad DO NOT HAVE sound and there's NO WAY to turn it "On" or "Off".
Another discovery was that the "SMC WiFi Skype Internet Phone" (SMCWSKP100) is the very SAME device. "Netgear SPH101 Skype Wi-Fi Phone" looks suspiciusly similar to Belkin's. "Linksys WIP320 Linksys Wireless-G Skype iPhone" also has the same look and software screens. I believe that's because all of them are developments of Trolltech.com (navigate to Menu, Settings, Information). Visit www.trolltech.com and take a look at the "Qtopia Greenphone", it has a camera!.
ON THE PRO SIDE: Why I bought Belkin?, because (along with SMC) it seemed to me, the least worst reviewed of all Wi-Fi Skype Phones I've checked (and I liked black, the rest are white ;-). I'm not returning it now because IT DOES what I wanted: Let me do Skype calls whereaver there's a Wi-Fi available (remember: no hot-spots). If network is fast, you'll get very good, FREE (Skype) or VERY CHEAP (SkypeIn-SkypeOut) calls. Voice is VERY clear, with almost no echo, very little delay ("sound latency") on most international calls. That's still VoIP technology's nature, and mostly Skype's software fault, the broadband network and/or because of all the telecom operators in between. Also, so far, I haven't lost calls in the middle of a conversation.
WHAT I WANT: I'm waiting for Belkin firmware update. Also, I'm waiting to see if Belkin rolls out SOON a line of accesories. The biggest battery recommended by the manual (NP-60, used for digital cameras/camcorders made by Fujifilm, Pentax, and Panasonic) is only 1050mAh (the original is 1200mAh & User Manual says it's 1100mAh).
MY DECISION: Seems expensive but surely will pay off. More time and calls are needed to enjoy all of it's benefits, to discover more bugs and to understand Phone's behavior in different networks. Take your time to read the rest of this phone and SMC WiFi Skype Internet Phone's reviews. If you love new gadgets AND don't mind finding some or lots of bugs, then give it a try. It makes cheap calls cheaper by not having to keep your computer "on".
BUT, If you don't want a "Beta product" (Amen, "Blue Devil"), or waste time "debugging" a poorly tested device, then wait until similar, more mature products are rolled out on this side of the planet. Maybe I should check again the "Panasonic Wi-fi Phone for Skype". With excellent reviews... hummmm.
Hope you'll find this review as useful as I've found the rest to me.
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This review is from: Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) (Electronics)
I too was awaiting this -- for many months. It works well so far on my home network. Haven't taken into the big bad world yet. Sound quality is fine -- the person on the other end sometimes hears an echo, but overall good. I wish there were some controls on the side of the phone to get into a memorized setting, or an indicator for voicemail. Wish the screen didn't smudge as much. Wish the battery laster longer. And last but certainly not least, I wish it had a cradle. That's a biggie. But it's cool and I've bragged about it to a few people, which hopefully enhances my reputation as cool phone guy.
The keypad and display are nicely done. And Skype has a deal running through January for unlimited calling for $30 for a full year. Go to their site to find out more.
It's fun to snub your nose at the traditional phone companies. I just hope they don't laugh when my house burns down because I could't dial 911.
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This review is from: Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) (Electronics)
why I bought it: We have 5 cell phones among 2 people; wanted to get rid of landline phone which we don't use much at all; vonage and AT&T no cost alternative
what's good: works, works without a computer ( I used to have a headset and carry my laptop around )
what's not so good: battery life is terrible (1 day max with 2 conversations), speaker is very cheap, sounds like a tin can, rubber cap protecting USB charger will break off very soon.
My ROI is about 6 months so its not so bad. If you don't have urgency I would wait a year and I am sure you get a much better quality for half the price.
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This review is from: Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) (Electronics)
I was very disappointed to read all of these nice reviews on this product. Out of the other candy-bar style Skype phones, this looked to be the winner. I am attempting to connect to an Airport Extreme Base Station with WEP security (tried both 40bit and 128bit). The phone simply won't connect. I bought this for my parents so that they would have a simple, no-nonsense skype setup. Something that would be less complicated then using their computer to make phone calls. Well, back to the computer. The bugs haven't been worked out yet and if you need to connect to a network that requires a 'terms of agreement' form (uh, most of the hotels and airports and public wifi requires this) you are SOL. Wait six months and try again when they hit version 2.5.
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This review is from: Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) (Electronics)
I am in love with this Phone!! After waiting for this phone to come out for months it does not dissapoint. The Black design is sleek and screen is bright and clear. The user interface is very easy to use and it makes calling your skype buddies fun and easy. I showed my mom who has never even used skype before and she was able to call my sister who is away at school without my help at all. Showing my friends this phone has definitely created some converts to this new technology that is going to be huge. Overall with this phone being 50 dollars cheaper than netgears, and the fact that it uses Boingo software to connect to its 60,000 hotspots worldwide, buying this phone was a no brainer. I Recomend this phone to anyone that likes to keep in touch with friends and family over long distances, a skype fan, or to anyone looking for the next coolest gadget to show off to all their friends.
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This review is from: Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) (Electronics)
As most reviewers I had similar problems with this phone:
-poor sound quality, very annoying echo
-short battery life
-phone disconnecting from network or freezing
-phone looks amazing on pictures-in real life is rather cheaplishly made
...anyway I returned back to the store.
Don't buy it, wait for next generation
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This review is from: Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) (Electronics)
Against my better judgment I ordered this first generation product, and unfortunately even my low expectations were not exceeded. With an otherwise nice handset and serviceable interface, the phone's software is unreliable at best. Battery life is extremely short, which is ok, at least for me, because I keep the phone close to my computer for charging anyway. There does seem to be a problem with the phone locking up and it appears to happen when the batter gets low. Frequently I hear the "disconnected from network" sound which means the phone has lost connection with wireless network (all of my other devices/computers are still connected). Just this moment I couldn't actually re-connect to my network, even after recycling the router. It took re-starting the phone (again). Voice quality on calls is ok, but don't expect the same quality you might get on your headset using Skype on the computer.
All in all, caveat emptor on this one. My advice is to wait for the next generation. Here's hoping they update the firmware on the current one.
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This review is from: Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) (Electronics)
I agree with some of the posters on here. The phone feels real cheap and the buttons are hard to push. The battery life is bad. I leave the phone hooked up to the charger and if I make a call- you have about 30 mins of battery before it dies.
Phone call quality is good and it does interfase with Skype well. If the phone was 49.95- it say it was good deal. It is no way a 150.00 phone.
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This review is from: Belkin Wi-Fi Phone for Skype with Boingo Hot Spot Manager ( F1PP000GN-SK ) (Electronics)
I bought this phone from Amazon in January. I had high hopes to use this product even the reviews were mixed. I tried this phone all over the world on different network configurations and different types of calls. The biggest problem with this device is the inconsistency with the call quality. Sometimes the phone will be perfect on a call and other times it will have echos, feedback, cuts, etc. I would claim to be a techie and solve most of the problems, and for whatever reason, its not the network (since my computer on Skype can have better call quality than the phone), but its the phone.
I have to give this product a 1 star because I cannot rely on it at all. I end up having to use my computer which works much better for Skype than this phone. I might as well thrown away my money. Still waiting for a self contained wifi skype phone that is reliable and has the call quality as my computer.
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