I purchased this phone a little over two months ago.Overall I'm quite happy with it, though I do wish I had waited until the price dropped and saved some $$!I've read many of the reviews and agree with many of the good ones, and can empathize with many of the not-so-good ones.
First of all, I think everyone assumes someone looking to purchase this phone already knows about Skype, which I'm sure is usually true, BUT if you're unfamiliar with Skype, be sure you visit www.skype.com first to find out exactly what it is, and what it is going to cost you (if anything) to join and use the system.Different plans are offered such as talking to only other people on Skype. . . . Making calls to people on "regular" phones (fee based, but really cheap). . . . and if you want to have your own phone number so that anyone can call you (fees involved).After reading a lot of reviews, I didn't see where anyone mentioned about what Skype actually is, so I wanted to get that out of the way.This phone works with Skype, but you still have to sign-up and select what plan you would like, and that's where there could be fees.Also, you must have high-speed internet access to use this phone. . . BUT you can use the phone without your computer being turned on, which is one of the main reasons for purchasing this phone. Now for the review. .. .
When I first got this phone, I had both a land line and Skype.I have since dropped the land line because I'm more than happy with the Skype service, especially due to how much $$ it's saving me (a ton, by the way).As Skype will tell you, they recommend you keep a land line, because Skype does not work with 911.I have a cell phone which works with 911,so I'm less worried about that and I live in a condo with lots of people around me.If 911 service is of a concern, then you might want to keep the land line.When you place a call the phone will ask you if you want it to go through the land line or Skype.FYI, someone wrote that they were still asked that even though they didn't have a land line, but I was able to change the settings and now the phone always uses Skype.
I agree with someone else who said that they thought that Skype was not as good as a land line, but better than a cell phone.Sometimes the quality is better than others with Skype, but again, I can live with that because of the cost savings.
I have Skype on my computer as well, and it's great that the phone will update when you add new contacts to your computer and vice-versa.You can load all of the phone numbers from Outlook into Skype, and then it will load onto your phone.Really great feature.
As for the phone itself. . . well. . . yes, it is sleek, modern, etc. . . but I agree with someone else who said that it's kind of a pain because it's not like a "regular" phone receiver where you can hold it against your shoulder and ear.Yes, you can use a headset, and yes there is a speakerphone which I find works quite well.But if you're not using either of those, it can be a bit of a pain holding the phone all the time.FYI, there is no volume control, and I really hate that.If you're the slightest bit hard-of-hearing, I would not recommend this phone.Though it's not difficult to use, it is more like using a cell phone.If you have Skype voice mail (fee-based feature) there is an icon on the phone to let you know that you have a message so that you can listen to it.The phone keeps a detailed log of all of the calls which came in, and also that you made.Someone mentioned that the phone does not have the best ring tone options, which I would agree with, but surely you can find one that you'll be satisfied with.Oh. . . I don't know if this is still the case, but my phone came only with a disc with the instructions.There wasn't a printed manual.I found one at the Philips website though.I HIGHLY recommend that you go to the Philips website and take a look at the owners manual before you purchase, just so you know all of the details and what features this phone offers, which are quite a few.Once you get to the Philips website, just do a search for VOIP8411B/37.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Philips VOIP841 PC-Free DECT 6.0 Wireless IP PhoneProduct Description: The Philips VOIP841 Wireless IP Phone offers:
The ability to make Skype calls without a computer.
It can be used as a landline telephone and an Internet phone.
A full-color display for clear and easy navigation.
Memory for up to 500 phonebook entries.
The Philips VOIP841 is the first completely independent DECT cordless phone that lets you make Skype calls without a PC. And with the added flexibility of letting you connect your land line, this phone can take care of all your calling needs.
Use the VOIP841 to make free Skype calls to anywhere in the world without a computer. View larger.
Quick Installation and Convenience The Philips VOIP841 is a self-contained unit that requires no installation of software or connection to a computer; simply plug the base into any power outlet in your house, connect it to your broadband connection, and you can start making free Skype telephone calls right away. (To make Skype calls, you must open a Skype account. A Skype account is not included with this phone.)
And by simply plugging your home telephone line into the VOIP841, this phone can double as your everyday landline, giving you the ultimate in convenience.
Easy to Use If you've used a cell phone or cordless phone, you'll quickly be able to take advantage of all the features the VOIP841 offers. For easy readability, the phone features a 128x128 full-color display, and a 4-way directional pad provides you with easy navigation through the intuitive interface. The handset has enough memory for up to 500 Skype phonebook entries, giving you quick access to your contact list.
You can choose from up to 15 ring tones (5 standard, 10 polyphonic), and the phone allows you to set your ring tone by call type, distinguishing between landline and Internet calls. A speakerphone mode allows for hands-free operation, so you can take notes during the call or share the call with others. There is also a jack connector on the handset for connecting a headset.
DECT Frequency for Security and Extended Battery Life By using the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) frequency at 1.8GHz, the VOIP841 offers you enhanced security features and a longer battery life than other frequencies. On battery power, the VOIP841 offers talk time of up to 12 hours and a standby time of up to 120 hours.
Each base station can accommodate up to four handsets, and up to four base stations can be used together for a total of 16 handsets. For office or home use, the intercom mode allows you to use one handset to call another handset located in a different room.
Want to buy Philips VOIP841 PC-Free DECT 6.0 Wireless IP Phone at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:
Works great with DD-WRT, and easy to install too.Don't know how it works with factory firmware though. I'd say the only con is that it has a pretty big footprint for a router, but it's not huge by any means.
