Products

Skype Journal: Actiontec -- Cordless Skype

June 24, 2005 01:52 PM
actiontec.gif  Should you buy an Actiontec Internet Phone Wizard? With it you can make free internet calls using your regular cordless phone and Skype. Its already had many reviews done eg Hardware Geeks and featured positively in many blogs. There are also complaints and observations noted in the Skype Forums. Overall, I've had positive experiences using it. It's also a stopgap or intermediate solution before something much better is launched. Where the Actiontec IPW really shines:
  • You can use your cordless phone.
  • You get a solid ring on the attached phone.
  • It's easy to make a SkypeOut without going to the PC.
  • You can put a landline call on hold and skype and vice versa
  • Finally I can make calls out by the pool.
It has its faults.
  • You need to be at the PC to connect to a buddy not on speed dial or to get any presence information.
  • I can't listen to Skype voice mail via the Actiontec set up  Skype Forum.
  • Dialing SkypeOut numbers is generally accurate although any pause in the dialing and you have to start again.
  • While there is a speed dial function (you assign numbers to your Skype buddies) I'd prefer to scroll the list.
  • No way to initiate a conference call from the Actiontec connected phone.
  • If you unplug the USB it return Skype to Window's default sound settings and not the previous device used.
Net net, this is old technology that wasn't designed for Skype and has been adapted with some success. It provides the freedom to use the phone and if you primarily get inbound Skype calls and you're seldom at your PC then it could be just the product for you. Don't expect to text back chat messages from your phone. You will notice a degradation in sound versus Skype to Skype on headsets. However, you will be comfortable that it sounds just like a phone. Buyers considering the Actiontec should contrast it with a CyberphoneK, which can be purchased for similar money and provides better integration. However CyberphoneK doesn't lead to cordless solutions and is limited to Skype only.

In my case I use multiple headsets and handsets. This has made my desk a mess and the four-into-one USB is fully utilized. Right now I can't say I have a great solution for either "working mode" bluetooth with standard headset or "social mode" using a handset either corded or cordless. What I want is cordless, no cables, great sound and better range than I get from my bluetooth for daily work. I'm still waiting on the solution. It would also help to have a quick toggle on Skype or via a plug-in that would switch devices even while in a call.

From the Forums, someone innovatively Skyperized all the phones in their house.

We've disconnected our main phone line from the patch panel where the lines run to other extensions in the house. We've connected our Actiontec Internet Phone Wizard to a spare PC and simply plugged the phone line into the wall outlet. Incoming Skype calls ring on all our house phones, and of course, we can place Skype calls from anywhere in the house!

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Comments (2)

"Finally I can make calls out by the pool."


-whats the pool?

Posted by: jyden at June 25, 2005 2:02 AM

Re: example of routing the main phone line through a PC, in case of a power outage all phones will be dead - no ability to call 911 or send/receive any calls. As with any system of cordless or digital phones, there should be at least one old fashioned analog POTS phone line in case of power outages.

Posted by: Janis Purins at December 4, 2005 11:35 AM