Linksys has finally released those 802.11g-capable VoIP phones that we've had our eye on for awhile, although they are going for significantly more than we expected, with the Nokia-esque
WIP300 priced at $220 and the high-end
WIP330 (pictured) sporting a rather steep $370 tag. As you may remember, both models let you do the Internet calling thing from 802.11b/g-enabled routers and support SIP v2 standards, while the pricier unit adds hotspot support and the ability to browse the web on its 2.2-inch color display. If you're on the fence about throwing down several hundred bucks for a handset when
other solutions let you use existing cordless phones on the cheap, the fact that domestic SkypeOut calls are completely free for the rest of the year may help you justify the cost to yourself.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jacques C @ May 17th 2006 3:50PM
We were early adopters of the WIP330, and we are very dissapointed. The sound quality (listening to the WIP330) is very weak and "tiny".
We have had much better results with the older Zyxel 2000W units
kelly @ May 17th 2006 3:56PM
I've had the 330 for about 4-6 weeks... it's ok, solid build quality, but it is too expensive. have some of our engineers playing with it now.
Rob Cameron @ May 17th 2006 4:08PM
How does this work with Skype, exactly? You ain't gonna have Skype running on your wireless router ... wouldn't this need to interface with the software running on a PC?
gil @ May 17th 2006 4:16PM
What makes you think this phone works with Skype? This is a SIP based phone. Anyway, it's brilliant in concept just not practical in cost quit yet.
Jeff @ May 17th 2006 4:57PM
I've had it for quite some time as well. Sound quality doesn't match the Hitachi HCW-5000 however it's still good and the radio's performance is MUCH better in lower signal areas. Huge benefit to the WIP-330 is the built-in browser allowing one to use public hotspots that require one to click to accept Ts&Cs and/or log in. I've used one on T-Mobile's hotspot network to great effect.
AO @ May 18th 2006 5:46AM
Wow! Amazing price, isn't it? I don't think users will trust such a compay to put not logial or reasonable price. They should know it is a shame to play. Or is this typical American capitalism. If so, the economic empire will collapse in the near future.
jared @ May 18th 2006 9:56AM
with a price like that, they should have slapped a "Cisco Systems" badge on the front.
SteveJ @ May 19th 2006 7:14AM
What's the deal with the allegedly free domestic calls on Skype? I got the app and tried to make a call, only to be told that SkypeOut was not activated. So I clicked to activate and all it does is take me to a web page asking me to spend 10 euros to activate SkypeOut! I looked over the web page and could not find any way to activate SkypeOut without spending money. How is 10 euros equal to "free"?
Teecee @ May 26th 2006 10:55AM
When you say the Hitachi HCW-5000 I assume you mean the Wireless IP-5000. We use several of them and they are the best phone on the market, EXCEPT:
1. No WPA support
2. Very short wireless range (hate that)
If the range were better there'd be nothing like them. But...getting back to Linksys, except for the fancy display, I'd say the UTStartcomm F1000G is a better phone. It's range is even better than this phone. WinCE is useless when you can't get at it (the usb port is for power only, you can upload things to it). Way overpriced
dan @ Aug 2nd 2006 9:03AM
Now why cant there be a gsm/wifi with webcam so that you can do a skype video call from the unit.. is this so hard?
jason @ Aug 31st 2006 6:19PM
so can someone please tell me whether this phone works with skype?
VoIP Phones @ Sep 12th 2006 2:43PM
It's only a matter of time before we have MUCH cheaper VoIP phones.