Asus AiGuru S1 VoIP Skype handset reviewed

While this may not match your speedy new Lamborghini notebook, the Asus AiGuru S1 handset should make your VoIP calling a bit easier -- while you're on the PC, at least. This Skype-friendly wireless handset resembles a Nokia candybar phone circa 2000, but touts the ability to connect via 802.11b/g to make calls. Unfortunately, that excitement was quickly put back on the shelf, as reviewers noted that it only connects via a computer with "customized software" installed (thoughtfully included on a USB wireless adapter), thus eliminating the thought of hitting up a VoIP call whenever near a stray WiFi signal. The 128 x 64 blue LCD was said to be "responsive" to commands, and the 2.5 hours of talk time should be plenty for all but the lengthiest chats. It was noted that the built-in voicemail was a tad buggy initially, but eventually worked itself out, and the most important praise came from the "perfect audio quality" when yapping over Skype. As somewhat of an afterthought, the phone does have an audio output for streaming tunes via Windows Media Center to your headphones or attached speakers, but we doubt your VoIP handset will become your favorite musical liaison anytime soon. The AiGuru S1 performed well enough to earn 8 out of 10 golden stars, but considering that you still need a (powered up) PC to use this thing, £69.99 ($132) seems a bit steep to get your VoIP on.

[jay @ Aug 23rd 2006 8:19PM]

2.5 hours of talk time is enough?? clearly you've never had a gf

[Alex @ Aug 23rd 2006 8:45PM]

is it just me or does this phone look like a ripoff of 1 of those nokia phones?

[Teddy-O @ Aug 23rd 2006 11:45PM]

No...that review is rubbish...and the phone is a bit as well. AnandTech has a better review of it here: http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.aspx?i=2792

In short, the dongle sets up an encrypted 802.11g connection between the phone and the computer, and then routes your call through whatever your LAN connection you have specified. That seems to make it some kind of poor-man's W-VoIP phone. But one that requires two USB ports, one for the dongle and one for the base-station. I guess you can charge the phone from any USB port, but wouldn't have just made more sense to integrate the dongle into the base-station and then been done with it.

It may not be too expensive, but I don't think that makes it a bargain.

[Alex @ Aug 24th 2006 12:33AM]

Oops, I was not reading carefully enough. My mistake.

[Adam Vaughan @ Aug 24th 2006 1:07PM]

Hi,

we've got a video review of it here:

http://www.stuffmag.co.uk/hotstuffarticle.asp?de_id=2251

[Stef @ Jan 5th 2007 7:48PM]

This phone is a total waste of £65. I would value this device at maybe £20. Take a look at the video interview linked to in the forum thread and you might understand why. It's tacky, clunky and thoroughly disappointing. You'd do way better to consider the Netgear equivalent or wait a while for newer versions from Asus or other offerings to come to market.
That having been said (feels great to have it off my chest) it does actually work; I was just expecting a hang of a lot more.