ASUS AiGuru SV1 Skype videophone hands-on

Sure, it's frumpy, overpriced and rather pointless for anyone who owns a computer with a webcam and knows how to use it, but ASUS and Skype are after the grandma / grandpa / computerphobic set with this here AiGuru SV1 videophone, and aren't doing horrible job of it. The screen is great, the icons are ginormous, and operation couldn't be much simpler. Unfortunately, the video quality is pretty inexcusable for a dedicated box like this: the VGA image is crap, and the framerate is totally weak -- it could've been a problem with the network we were on, but it looked like a straight-up wired router to us. What gives, ASUS?

Gallery: ASUS AiGuru SV1 Skype videophone hands-on

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[chrisaroz @ Sep 18th 2008 11:32PM]

Dude, those cupcakes look tasty...

[Erik @ Sep 18th 2008 11:45PM]

It better come with a free one.

[Ken @ Sep 19th 2008 1:40AM]

2nd.

Got a recipe Engadget? I may be a nerd, but I also know how to cool ;)

[Razor @ Sep 21st 2008 8:05AM]

I'm too much of nerd, I don't know how to cool.

[Graham @ Sep 18th 2008 11:44PM]

Cupcakes!!

[JohnTitor @ Sep 19th 2008 1:10AM]

yes, let's stuff our faces while on video conference

[Alex Linhares @ Sep 18th 2008 11:48PM]

When will the iPhone have Skype???? What the hell is going on? WinMobile phones have it. Android will probably have it, or other VOIP solutions. My guess is Apple is sucking up to AT&T and blocking it, but it is inevitable. Sorry, AT&Tards...

[SFO Kevin @ Sep 19th 2008 12:23AM]

Try this :>
http://www.shapeservices.com/s4iphone/

[Muhammad-Oli @ Sep 18th 2008 11:52PM]

Spose the grandma club that will want this won't mind the VGA. I mean, VGA at least sounds cool... Its got a V in it. Probably stands for Very, right? Right? ...Right...?

[apw76006 @ Sep 18th 2008 11:59PM]

If we cross bred the AiGuru SV1 with a Chumby, I would probably think to myself that I actually needed the hybrid offspring.

[quag @ Sep 19th 2008 12:14AM]

This is a fine idea. I was just thinking the other day that I don't see my mom very often and wouldn't it be great is someone make a Skype-savvy video phone appliance.

That being said, I'm not putting down any of my shekels for this thing. The device I want is a regular old POTS phone that also does Skype. Is this beast included a cordless phone with a regular dial pad and the ability for dear ol mom (who is 69 years old, btw) to call her non-Skype powered friends then this thing would definitely be under the old Festivus tree this December.

Thanks... but no thanks.

[aim @ Sep 19th 2008 12:28AM]

CupCakes!?!
why cupcakes???

[mmh @ Sep 19th 2008 2:31AM]

'Cause cupcakes are AWESOME!!!!!!

[Valicore @ Sep 19th 2008 2:38AM]

Screw the videophone, I wantz me sum cupcakes!

[Taomyn @ Sep 19th 2008 6:08AM]

Doesn't mention that the GUI is screaming "touch screen" but it isn't as you have to use the annoying cursor pad.

[bureX @ Sep 19th 2008 7:58AM]

It seems like this device is so boring, that cupcakes were required to boost the reading quota...
I, for one, am mesmerized by the sweet lure of the previously mentioned food products. Great success.

[morgan @ Sep 19th 2008 8:11AM]

Cake is a lie.

[kam @ Sep 19th 2008 9:20AM]

The ojo videophone is still the standard when it comes to quality of video and design. im with the other readers.. where are the cupcakes

www.ojophone.com

[thedesolate1 @ Sep 19th 2008 10:17PM]

There is already an ASUS video skype phone. Its called the EEE PC and for just a little bit more money it does everything this does and much much more... Sure the footprint isnt as small but the price of this video phone isn't warranted.

[telepheedian @ Sep 19th 2008 10:30PM]

The eee is great, but not quite as old people friendly as this thing probably is.

[dcrob @ Sep 25th 2008 9:13PM]

for 96 bucks a year you can call regular numbers. my parents and I live on opposite ends of the country, and skype is the only way we get to "see" each other regularly. I'm hoping this rig goes on sale for the holidays.

[linh @ Oct 13th 2008 6:35PM]

This must be a joke. Battery only works for 20 mins, then must be recharged, and price is $ 300, wtf ?

[michel @ Dec 3rd 2008 11:05AM]

I've just written a simple software to enable/force/configure/hack Skype to send high quality video even if you didn't bought an expensive logitech webcam.
You may also send higher resolution than Skype's HQ : the unofficial Skype HD !!!

Here is the link
http://www.nodewave.com/software/ForceSkypeHQVideo

[Jon @ Dec 8th 2008 6:19AM]

My brother recently bought one for our mother who has limited computer skills. I spoke to her and my father yesterday for over an hour. I was on my computer here in Germany and they were sitting at their kitchen table in Tennessee. It worked flawlessly, the video and audio are real time and it made for a very pleasant experience for them and myself. I'm thinking about getting one too, since it is a dedicated device you can keep on all of the time like a normal phone (doesn't consume huge amounts of power), I’m always reachable and you can take it wherever you want to sit and talk. The era of everyday video telephoning has finally arrived.