Skype's WiFi phone -- Accton's WiFi SkyFone WM1185-T
By Peter Rojas 
posted November 8th 2005 11:10AM
posted November 8th 2005 11:10AM
Skype's been talking for months and months now about their plans to release a Skype WiFi phone, and now they've just announced that they're teaming up with a little-known Taiwanese company by the name of Accton Technology on the WiFi SkyFone WM1185-T, an 802.11b/g handset that can make Skype calls from any WiFi hotspot (just don't buy Accton's claims that this is the first phone for making VoIP calls without a computer — that just ain't true). Should start shipping early next year with a retail price of below $150. Ok, not bad, but where're those Palm and Symbian softphones we've been waiting for?
I would seriously consider getting one of their Skype/GSM combo phones they mention in the article...very cool
look like k750i
Sounds like a good idea
From the Accton press release:
"Accton will begin embedding Skype technology into an array of standalone devices to enable consumers and business users to take advantage of the free and low-cost calling options offered by Skype - without a PC."
and
"We’re pleased to team with them to offer products that will extend those benefits beyond the PC."
Sounds unlikely, but they're definitely saying it.
Oh...the first. Right. They're wrong.
"Should start shipping early this year with a retail price of below $150."
Isn't it a little late for that?
I'll ditch my cell phone when this happens. The only reason I have a cell phone is to get a hold of people, not so they can get a hold of me. If I have to find a hot spot, or just call from my house to make a call, that would almost be heaven. Screw paying 60 bucks a month to get text messages and calls that you don't want to receive. (I don't like talking to people, hence the rant)
I like this, but since I got t he Vonage service, I am really looking for a WiFi Phone to work with its services. Samsung (or was it Siemens?) has a nice one, but its in the 300 range, which is simply ridiculus. Maybe this one could be hacked :)
That white one sure looks like a Sony Ericsson w800i
I´ll wait to see Skype in Nokia
I´ll wait to see Skype in Nokia
I'd heard the ZyXEL WiFi phone could be used with Vonage provided you tell them it is a "softphone".
Screw paying 60 bucks a month to get text messages and calls that you don't want to receive. (I don't like talking to people, hence the rant)
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Hmm.. it seems almost dangerous selling a cell phone that relies on VOIP.. imagine if your car died or sth and the cell phone is not working since you're not in a wireless hotspot.. :(
I think Accton is the same/parent/child as SMC, in that case the product should be pretty good.
Waiting for Dual-mode phones makes sense. Who has enough pockets for another device? Also allows Skype a chance to get SkypeIn out of Beta which would increase the device's usefulness.