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gadget — Episode 084 – The Belkin Desktop Skype Phone
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First things first: Belkin call this product the “F1PP010EN-SK Belkin Desktop Internet Phone for Skype” which continues their tradition of having some awesome products with really awkward and unnecessarily long names. So, we’re just going to call it the “Desktop Skype Phone” –
The Desktop Skype Phone is attractive in its simplicity and functionality. It has a 1.8″ LCD screen above two main function buttons, a touch-sensitive circular pad controller and all the typical buttons including call, disconnect, volume, return call, pause recording, mute and mic. Next to the control pad is a standard keypad, and above the keypad is the speakerphone. The handset is a simple brick design with a catch clasp to keep it docked on the phone when not in use. It has a typical swing switch for on-off hook status and is actually quite comfortable against the side of the head. Belkin has designed the Desktop Skype Phone for wall mounting via the two mounting brackets on the back of the unit, or you can use the “rubberized kickstand” to prop the device at a 45 degree angle. Using the Belkin Desktop Skype Phone is quite easy. All you need is a power outlet and an Internet connection. Simply flip the phone over, plug in the power and Ethernet cables, and the Phone will automatically boot up and look for any Skype updates. Once it’s booted you simple setup the phone to your language and account preferences. One thing that distinguishes this unit from other Skype phones is that you can easily use a Skype account that you have previously setup on your computer, but you can also apply for a new account directly from the phone interface, meaning that you could give this phone to a Skype newbie and the phone would guide them through the process of creating a Skype account. After entering in your Skype username and password, the phone will be able to access all your Skype function and features including your address book, messages, voicemail, SkypeIn and SkypeOut, as well as any customizations you may have made to your account. Calling somebody is as simple typing in their username, or choosing their entry from your contact list. The Skype Desktop Phone will automatically let you know if the party is available, just as if you were using the computer client. If you have Skype-In or Skype-Out, Skype’s services that allow you to connect to the POTS (Plain ‘ole Telephone System) network, then you can make and receive calls with “real” phone number. |
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You can also check your history, set your status, add contacts, search for users, and change the settings that govern all the minute details of your Skype Desktop Phone from screen brightness to ring tones. Essentially everything that is possible from your computer can be accomplished through the phone’s interface.
As far as quality is concerned, our in-lab tests showed that the Belkin Desktop Skype phone had excellent sound quality, both through the handset and the speakerphone. However, your overall call experience will depend on the quality of your Internet connection and the setup of the person that you are calling. The Belkin Desktop Internet Phone for Skype is available online and at popular retailers for between $85 and $100. |
