Belkin Skype Wi-Fi Phone Review
The Basics
The Belkin Skype Wi-Fi Phone allows you to make unlimited free calls to other Skype users when you connect it to any Wi-Fi network. You can also call people who use a traditional phone (land line) using SkypeOut credits. Skype recently offered 1 full year of unlimited SkypeOut calls to call anyone in the US and Canada for just $29.95 per year. That means you can have a free cell phone for one year!
The Belkin Skype Wi-Fi Phone Interface
The pre-installed Skype software is very similar to the computer version of Skype. The home screen displays the time, your Skype credits, quick access to the Menu and Contacts. Do not expect things that you get with normal cell phones like games, text messages, pictures, etc…
Contacts
The contact list works just like Skype. Your contacts have the same Skype status icons next to their names as the computer version. This allows for easy connection to online Skype contacts. You can add contacts, even search the entire Skype network - all from the mobile handset.
Connect To A Wi-Fi Network
This is easy. The Belkin Skype Wi-Fi Phone basically does a search for wireless networks in range and allows you to connect to the one you want. If the network is secure, it prompts you for a network key (which your system administrator can provide you). You can also set a "Preferred Network" easily.
Calling Regular Phones
This is why most people will buy this device, and calling regular phones is easy. All you need are SkypeOut credits - or the unlimited usage package. To dial a land line simply dial 1 then the area code and number, you'll be connected to your party instantly. BONUS TIP - If the person you are calling has caller ID, (000) 123-4567 displays as the number calling.
Belkin Skype Wi-Fi Phone Battery Power
The Belkin Skype Wi-Fi Phone comes with 2 chargers - 1 wall charger and 1 USB charger. Once the device is fully charged, the battery life is exceptional! I don't know exact numbers, but I can tell you that the first day I had it I called lots of people to test it out, it was left on all night long and when I used it the next morning, there was still 75% battery power left. The battery life is great on this device!
What Is Missing
The only thing missing on the Belkin Skype Wi-Fi Phone is the ability to IM. This causes problems when computer Skype users try to IM your Belkin Skype Wi-Fi Phone. When this happens the IM sender receives a message informing them that the device you are using does not support instant messaging.
Price
The current price of the Belkin Skype Wi-Fi Phone is $159.95 USD. This in combination with unlimited SkypeOut credits $29.95 equals $189.90. Not a bad price to pay for an unlimited use cell phone (as long as you can find a wireless network).
Related Tags: voip, wi-fi, p, skype, intersection360, charityhelper360, webedit360, impress360, belkin, wifi phone
Ian Anderson is co-founder of Intersection360. Ian specializes in hosted application architecture and GUI design. Intersection360 offers a wide range of non-branded web applications for the small business/non-profit markets. Some of Intersection360 products include: CharityHelper360 - secure forms processing for non-profits, WebEdit360 - an online website editor and more.
Learn more about how you can sell Intersection360 products as your own with the Intersection360 Partner Program at http://www.intersection360.com/partners/index.htm.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Free Internet Security Software from Google
Selecting the internet security software for your computer can be a daunting task for most home user - Home Key Logger - Track Computer Activity
What goes through your mind when you think about a home key logger? Do you think about a rogue progr - Computers and Electronics Have Changed The Way We Live
You push the on button and your monitor screen springs to life. Next, you use your mouse to bring up - What PacketShaper Can Do For You?
What is PacketShaper?It is an application-intelligent traffic management system which delivers predi - Key Logger Software for Your Computer
One thing that many of us are concerned about is the safety of our children and what happens when th - Keep Your PC Healthy With Computer Tips & Tricks
Everybody just has to have a computer these days. Life without a computer is unimaginable. I am sure - Antivirus - What is a Computer Virus?
Before understanding what a computer virus is, it is necessary to understand what a virus in when it - Gibberish Spam Email - Why Do Spammers Send It?
We have all seen many spam emails that just make no sense. They contain pure gibberish in the subjec - Your Children And The Internet - 5 Tips To Keep Your Children Safe While They Are Online
If your children are on the Internet you may be concerned about their safety. We hear stories regula - How To Compare Residential VOIP Offerings
Many people are turning to VOIP phone for several different reasons, the biggest reason being cost.
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Experience the new Microsoft Zune and Future Technology with Bill Gates at CES Keynote
After the demonstration of Windows Vista by Bill Gates at the CES keynote, Robbie Bach, President of - Internet Connection Sharing in Windows XP
This articles explains in detail how to set up a small network at home so you can share your Interne - Nortel VPN Client Overview
The Nortel VPN Client creates the secure connection for VPN users into a private network. Once you l - Computer Phobias
Years ago around the end of January I would develop Chinophobia (fear of snow). Maybe it was becaus - iPod Stuff: How To Set Your iPod's Alarm Clock
The good thing about the iPod alarm clock feature is that you can wake up with the tune of your favo - CCTV: the story continues
CCTV – Closed Circuit Television – for some time at least has been used by various gover - Why Someone Stole My Mobile Phone
Not so long ago my mobile phone was stolen. I kept asking why I was the one who got targeted, especi - Computer hardware simplified
Computer Hardware is a comprehensive term which refers to all the physical parts of a computer inclu - Office printers: introduction to technology and types
With every bit of information transfer and manipulation going digital these days, almost the entire - A to Z of Mac Parts
The Mac OS: Mac OS runs smoothly. That's what I noticed first off. There's very little waiting, very
