Siemens' M34 USB adapter for Skype reviewed

There are now a handful of specialized phones and devices that let you make Skype calls using telephones. While our preference is to use something like the Actiontec Internet Phone Wizard, which lets you make Skype calls using any telephone in your home, most of the action is concentrated on specialized phones or adaptors that typically connect to your computer via USB and to your home phone system via an RJ11 in a base station, allowing you to make calls using both Skype and your landline. One of the first of these to hit the market was the Siemens Gigaset M34 USB adaptor, which lets certain Siemens phones work with Skype. Digital Lifestyles tried one out, and came away impressed, both by the Siemens S440 handset they tried out (which, of course, still works without Skype), and by the M34, which, in addition to Skype, allows you to IM with your phone, and even control your PC to some extent (so that, for example, you can use your phone as an iTunes remote). Of course, all of this doesn't come cheap; the M34 will set you back about $129, and the cheapest compatible handset is $65. But if you're facing hefty landline bills, it could end up paying for itself pretty quickly.

[poopy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I have a friend who lives in Germany and could probably get hold of one of these quite easily, but will it work in the UK? Will I need a German Siemens phone? Will that work in the UK?

[Reinhard Haberfellner @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Looked at it recently in detail and found a major hurdle for use: It works only with dedicated version of Skype software, so if you want to use any of recent improvements or updates offered by Skype you are lost, until Siemens follows with an update. The much easier way is to use a Bluetooth Headset (e.g. HBH 600 from Sony Ericsson), but make sure your Bluetooth Adapter supports the protocol for Headsets.

[Vincent Oberle @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Personnaly, I'm more looking for a nice handsfree solution that doesn't require to wear a headset.

[Simon Perry @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Reinhard - I reviewed the Skype/Siemens combo and had originally though software upgrade might be a problem. Today I upgraded the Skype software to the latest release and it's worked just fine.

Vincent - The tested combo can also be used handsfree as a speaker phone.

FYI - You could win this Skype/Siemens M34/S440 Wireless phone just by completing our readers survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=32249826819

[Jenny @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Please note that the Siemens M34 USB was not released in Australia. is that still like that??? Have a great day!