Two ways to connect to Skype

Neither of which is via a PC however both require an Ethernet connection, the first the Belkin Ethernet Skype Phone is wired and the second the Philips VOIP 841 has a wireless link to its base station that connects to the router.



Belkin Ethernet Skype Phone

This looks exactly like a standard office phone. Looks are deceiving as it is a Skype phone and unlike most other Skype phones needs just one thing an Ethernet port. It is not wireless but wired and probably because of that sound to the caller and receiver is excellent.

It is 15cm tall, 18cm wide and 3cm thick. However the phone sits at 45degrees making its display very clear on your desk. The handset is 17x4.5x3cm max and this sits on the left side of the unit. Also unlike a lot of Skype and indeed most mobile phones the display is always visible as it is on the body of the unit.

Once you have plugged in the Ethernet lead (supplied) to your phone and a port on your router you only need to plug the power adapter into the phone. Once it has power it will ask you to login (or create an account) and once your user name and password are entered it can remember them so – if like me – you do not keep it permanently turned on next login is rather quicker.
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On most occasions the router is also off at night so as the phone and router are both connected to the same surge strip I need to retry the login as the phone is up and ready before the router is, the display is clear, bright and easy to read and another advantage you can see messages something that is more than difficult when the display is on the underside of the phone. Just like a normal wired phone lift the receiver to answer.

In use this was a dream, the best reception I have had, the best sound quality, no drop outs and no problems with echo back from the other end whatever the other user is using. Skype out also worked without problem.

So if you are happy to be tied to a phone cord then I heartily recommend this offering from Belkin. Doing my Internet searches found the Belkin Ethernet Skype Phone at a best price of £69.51 from first link below

http://www.amazon.co.uk/

http://catalog.belkin.com