Cingular Go Phone: Philips VOIP 080 Skype VOIP Travel Phone Review

This phone has excellent sound quality compare to other Skype phones I've tested. So far, the voice quality for all the Wi-Fi Skype phones from Belkin, Linksys, and Netgear are mediocre. The dual mode models (ones that won't need a PC) offer better quality but still on the pricey side. This USB phone hits the perfect spot in terms of having great sound quality and low price.

Currently it only supports XP/2000 with a newly released Vista driver. No MAC support. Also, buyers beware of the VOIP0801B driver software and Skype version compatibility issue. I installed older version of Skype v2.5.0.122 with VOIP080 Phone Driver v3.1.0.0 that came with the CD. Those are guaranteed to work with each other by Philips. On their support page, they mentioned the latest driver VOIP0801B v3.5.4.0 for XP currently only supports up to Skype v3.6.0.xxx. So check for compatibility status before you decide to upgrade your Skype software or phone driver.

Usability is simple and straightforward. First make sure you've logged into your Skype account and activated the driver software. Pressing the center "S" button on the silver wheel pad will make Skype pops up. Keep pressing "S" allows you to toggle between Contacts, Dial, and History tabs. Hitting Up/Down arrows to select phone numbers within Contacts or History. You can also just simply dial the number like you would for a regular phone. Press "talk" to make the call and "off" to hang up. Press and hold "off" to minimize Skype when you're done.

The earpiece and microphone volume may be adjusted through driver software. Earpiece volume is also adjustable during a call using up/down keys. There are 8 different ringer tones to choose from. Volume for ringer can be set to off/low/high.

It looks very nice and sleek on the outside. The casing was well-designed with extra spacing around the sides for USB cable retraction. Comes with a phone stand as seen in the picture. Also includes a black travel holster that protects your phone on the go. Overall, this is an excellent USB VoIP handset from Philips...definitely one of the best for Skype!

As of today, 02-24-2009, VOIP080 Phone Driver 3.5.4.0 is NOT fully compatible with Skype version 4.0.0.206. After upgrading Skype from version 3.8.0.xxx to version 4, the Up/Down/Talk/Off buttons and center "Skype" button failed to work. Pressing the "Off" button will highlight the "Call phones" tab in Skype and I can still using numerical pad to dial a number. However, everything else such as calling/hanging-up or shifting through your Contacts requires the use of mouse and keyboard. I can still talk using this phone after a call has made through, but navigating through Skype version 4 is now a pain.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Philips VOIP 080 Skype VOIP Travel Phone

Product Description:
Philips VOIP 080 Skype VOIP Travel Phone is a phone with a wired USB connection to the PC and an integration with Skype. It features ClearVoice providing face to face conversation quality with the convenience of a classic phone.