Logitec's LAN-WSPH01WH Skype phone

Logitec, the h-free variety, has revealed the existence of a new and delightfully named LAN-WSPH01WH Skype handset with a particularly Sony Ericsson-esque design. The candybar handset is rocking a 1.8-inch screen along with WPA2 capable WiFi: for added convenience, Logitec has also made it so the phone will charge over your computer's USB port. Pricing is at ¥25,100 (which is around $214 US) and according to the official site the phone should be hitting Japanese shores sometime around late September. Judging by Logitec's track record, don't be shocked if this remains Japan-exclusive for a while.

[Todd @ Aug 29th 2006 10:52AM]

Cool - Since Apple refuses to provide people with what they want ( the iPhone ) its good to see another company step in and meet consumer demand. Way to drop the ball Stevie J!

[Hammo @ Aug 29th 2006 11:00AM]

SJ no tool mofo.

This won't sell as much as you think.

[cmonkey @ Aug 29th 2006 11:39AM]

Actually, like the WRT-54GSs currently available from FON for $5, it looks like FON will be subsidizing these phones (including a router/docking station) for $150.

According to a FON blog post, http://blog.fon.com/en/archive/gadgets/fon-router-with-skype-handset.html
it will be available this October.

There is also some info about it in the New York Times article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/29/technology/29phones.html?pagewanted=2&ei=5090&en=f4e35ba52faa0380&ex=1311825600&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

[Eugene @ Aug 29th 2006 1:07PM]

I like how it looks. I think they should make a GSM version. ;-]

[donely @ Aug 29th 2006 2:34PM]

this looks like exactly the same version as Belkin's announced phone (only Belkin's is pictured in black). Also, Blekin's is "only $180. Check it out at http://www.belkin.com/skype/howitworks/

[Scott @ Aug 29th 2006 3:00PM]

My Question is, When do we get a Skype Phone with EV-DO or it's GSM Equivalent?

[RikF @ Aug 29th 2006 4:38PM]

If it doesn't have a built in web-browser it will be next to useless in many places. Even if they are free, many hot-spots have a click-through terms and conditions web page before they let you connect.

[yubastard @ Aug 29th 2006 5:57PM]

this looks just like my sagem my-x8... looks good, tho.

in fact, it's like, almost exactly the same!

[Yosuke @ Aug 31st 2006 3:02AM]

The handset shown looks precariously similar to both a) Netgear's Wi-Fi phone, a contraption that is reportedly manufactured by INVENTEC of Taiwan, and sold under various lables includings those of Netgear and Belkin - as well as b) Accton Technology (again another Taiwan outfit)'s SkyFone WM1185-T. I suspect that Logitec may simply be one more OEM partner of Accton or INVENTEC in this case.

[sub100 @ Sep 21st 2006 3:03PM]

Not in us? logitec must concentrate on mouse
and not to cell phones. there is only one quality cell phone to buy in 2006 is motorola RAZR v3i
http://www.cellphonebulls.com/cellphones/Motorola-RAZR-V3i.htm
all other cell phones are nearly same.

[James @ Oct 10th 2006 2:47AM]

I just picked one of these up in Tokyo for 22,800 Yen and it is fantastic - it finds networks and the call quality is grand (same as Skype). However it does very occasionally lock (it seems to object to a few networks) and the clock is very problematic. All in all though i would highly recommend it. I sat eating Sushi in a bar in Tokyo and called Madrid absolutely free. Very impressive.

[john8880000 @ Oct 31st 2007 5:30AM]

does this unit come in english version? if this unit is currently for japan only what are the other models that bare similar in functions that we can buy in the u.s.?

[Special Note @ Dec 27th 2007 7:15AM]

I bought one, had friend buy and bring it back from Japan for me! It is without question the best Wi-Fi phone made very easy to use and gets twice the battery time over others being made. Very easy to connect any where it is Auto connect and so simple to use. The voice clarity is excellent, I motorcycle ride allot and I stop for gas where there is a Hotel, gas station side by side and I have never any problem getting a Wi-Fi connection! Logitec’s Wi-Fi is just awesome compared to others being sold and I love it! If can get do you will be one lucky person.

[Daniele @ Dec 30th 2007 10:49AM]

@ Special note!
I bought one of this Logitec two weeks ago in Tokyo and it works great, I agree.
I had just a question, due to no english translation either on the manual or the website, I would have wanted to find a driver for install this device on my lap top but no way, sure once you connect it it charge the battery but the lap top find a new device and I'm not able to fix it.
Anyone could help me?

THKS

[Special Note @ Dec 31st 2007 1:15PM]

Dear Daniele:

I have the Logitec LANWSPH01WH Wi-Fi phone complete manual in a PDF file in English. So one can read it on your computer step by step and it's not a large file. Anyone wanting it can email me at [e-mail] requesting the file!

Next the USB plug for this phone is for charging only so there is no file to install it.
Just wait a few minutes and the request for USB driver will go away. Any Firmware is done wireless and will have any drivers and instructions included with Firmware updates. I also purchased the Logitec charging cradle so the phone is kept fully charged when not using it. I have gotten over 6 hours strait talk time with still power to spare. Without Question the Logitec Wi-Fi phone is far superior to the other Wi-Fi phones, I should know I have owned the others and have gotten rid of them, Logitec’s are Awesome!

[Special Note @ Dec 31st 2007 12:38PM]

I bought one, had friend buy and bring it back from Japan for me! It is without question the best Wi-Fi phone made very easy to use and gets twice the battery time over others being made. Very easy to connect any where it is Auto connect and so simple to use. The voice clarity is excellent, I motorcycle ride allot and I stop for gas where there is a Hotel, gas station side by side and I have never any problem getting a Wi-Fi connection! Logitec’s Wi-Fi is just awesome compared to others being sold and I love it!

[Rob @ Feb 8th 2008 3:40AM]

Well, I've recently upgraded to the new version from jan 2008 (v..0.22) and I'm not happy anymore.
-auto-connect does not seem to work correctly
-it does not connect to my preferred network anymore (just sits and waits)
-if I force it to connect to my router, it will disconnect for no reason few minutes later (5-20 ... no rules). I am 3 meters away from my wireless router, and the signal is at 5 bars.

The phone was indeed ALL OK with previous version (0.17).
Now it's pretty much piece of rubbish.

DOES ANYONE HAVE by any chance previous version 0.17 and could send me to mail.acc78-this mark on 2 key-gmailcom.

(Previous version is not available on the website ...)

Rob

[Rob @ Feb 8th 2008 6:28PM]

ok, finally one more reset brought the phone back to normal.