Great IP Wireless Phone for Skype

Linksys CIT200 IP Wireless Phone (for Skype)

I picked up this cordless phone after having reading some good reviews. I have been using Skype with a USB headset (to my satisfaction), but I didn't like being obligated to sit behind my PC when calling. Because my PC is not in the living room, I would be using Skype by appointment. If someone wanted to call me, it was sometimes a matter of luck to catch me while I was online.

As with every Skype Phone that I have come across to-date, you need to have your PC switched on and Skype software running in order to use this wireless phone. You also need a broadband connection to the internet. As for many users, this is not a problem for me.

This phone cannot be connected to a normal (PSTN) phone line. If you want to use Skype and normal telephone in one handset, then you will need to look for a so-called Dual Phone.

The CIT200 is one of the first true DECT (cordless) phones that work with Skype. The Base Station connects to the USB port on your PC. The package comes with software drivers that enable Skype to operate with the CIT200 Base Station, a cradle for the handset, a Power Supply / Charger, a handset, and two rechargeable batteries.

The handset is lightweight and feels good to the touch. The color display is easy to read and handset has a simple menu structure that enables you to quickly select the required function. The buttons light up (red) when in use and these buttons feel like the buttons on any good quality phone. Unfortunately, the cradle is made of a fairly soft plastic, and even feels somewhat fragile. I have already considered filling up the inside of the cradle with some epoxy (after the warranty expires), in order to make the cradle more durable.
The handset contains two speakers. The speaker for normal conversation has a narrow sound spectrum (comparable to the sound you get from average cell phones). The sound does not match up to the sound you are used to with a USB head set (as if the person is standing next to you). The second speaker is in the back of the handset and is used for hands free calling. The sound is clear and has sufficient volume. The microphone is somewhat weak for hands free calling. You need to raise your voice, or get close to the handset, in order for the other person to clearly hear you speak. The Hands Free functionality is more suitable for listening instead of making conference calls.

The operation range of the phone is good (distance between base station and handset). The phone uses proven DECT technology and I have found it to work perfectly in all areas of my home and back yard. There is no interference with other devices (I have a WiFi router, and so do my neighbors).

At the press of a single button, all of your Skype contacts can be viewed on the display of the handset. An icon shows if your contact is online, offline, away, etc. The icon is identical to the Skype icons seen on the PC. You can view contact details, with exception of their photograph. You can change your own online status to AWAY. Your ONLINE status only appears when you are actually working behind the PC. This may seem strange at first, but since Skype software is a proprietary system (and they do not provide API's for third party software developments), there may be compatibility issues with newer versions of Skype software if the Phone drivers would actively try to keep your status set to ONLINE.

Skype, with a headset, is already a great service, with a good performance and great sound. This product is a good addition. It seems to me to be very stable product and does what it should. After you have performed the installation, which is fairly easy to do, use of the phone is a piece of cake.

I recommend this product for users with a broadband connection to the internet, and have their PC turned on all / most of the time.

Specifications (I feel are worth mentioning):

Price range: $106 - $139

Part number: CIT200-eu

Base station:
Technology DECT/GAP, VoIP
Cordless phone (handset)
Combination package (Base station + phone)
Max. number of handsets: 4
Built in Answering Machine

Handset:
Illuminated LCD display
Illuminated buttons
Polyphone ring tones
Telephone book for 20 numbers
Weight: handset 130 gram
Conversation time 10 hours
Stand-by time 120 hours
Range indoors 50 meters
Range outdoors 300 meters
Handset supports SkypeOut dialing and Skype contact list
Color: Grey

Functions:
Redial memory for last 10 numbers
Speaker function
Intercom function
Baby phone
Connection for additional headset

Additional comments: No connection for an analogue (PSTN) line. Cordless (DECT/GAP) Skype phone that requires the use of a PC (PC switched ON and Skype software running). You can call from Skype to other Skype users, from Skype to normal (using SkypeOut), and from normal to Skype (using SkypeIn).