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| Date Reviewed: 07/10/2007 |
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Strengths: Easy setup, speaker phone, support for Skype and plain old telephone service, handset expansion support, wide range
Weaknesses: Limited and incorrect documentation in bundled CD
Summary: The SPH200D Dual-mode Cordless Phone from Netgear offers one of the most convenient ways to use Skype. It's a cordless phone that plugs in directly to a router and allows one to use Skype without a computer. It can also function as a cordless phone for plain old telephone service (POTS). Hence the "dual-mode" in the name. The phone uses Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) to connect up to four handsets to the base station.
The phone box arrived the following contents:
* Base station with power adapter
* Cordless handset with rechargeable batteries
* Handset charging cradle and power adapter
* Ethernet and POTS cables
* CD with user guide
* Warranty
It was a breeze to setup the base station and the handset. Once I turned on the handset, the system walked me through a couple of selections for country code and area code, reminded me about the absence of emergency calling (9-1-1 in the United States) and then reset itself to start Skype. It then asked me to login in to my Skype account. I had to use the multi-tap interface to login and voilà I was logged in. (I later discovered that I could have used a web-based interface on the base station to enter my sign-on information.) I had access to all my contacts, and the phone displayed my Skype Out balance correctly.
Then things turned south. I tried making a call and there was no voice. Neither the earpiece not the speaker worked. With no obvious volume controls, I started playing with the settings until I realized that the keypad had the volume controls built in. Setting the volume to max had no effect either. At that point, I deregistered the handset from the base unit to see if that would help. Bad move! After that I just couldn't get the handset to register again. The manual had no information about this either. The base station comes with a password protected web server with default user admin and password admin but I couldn't get to that either.
With the inevitable Google searches I stumbled on three key pieces of information:
1. I found instructions to perform a reset to default state.
2. Someone else had discovered that the manual included in the package was incorrect. The default admin password was password.
3. When connecting via a router/firewall, it's best to place the phone in the DMZ.
Armed with that information, I reset the device and paired the handset to the base station. This time I used the web-based interface to enter my Skype account information. I also noticed that the default connection was using 10 Mbps but that I could switch it to 100 Mbps to match the rest of my LAN. After this, the phone started exactly as advertised. No problems at all with voice even on the speaker phone.
All-in-all, despite the hiccups, I'd strongly recommend this phone.
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| Date Reviewed: 09/27/2007 |
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Strengths: Sharp screen and very similar to Philips VOIP841 from screen to size.
Weaknesses: No bonus minutes like other pc-less skype phones. Didn't like the color, is it a phone or an Ipod?
Summary: I have actually purchased all 3 popular versions of PC-less Skype phones which are the Philips VOIP841, GE 28310EE1, and of course Netgear SPH200D. All three are very similar to each other so it is hard to really say which is better but first thing I noticed is the GE 28310EE1 is a little bit washed out in the screen (not as vivid), so that made this phone rank higher than the GE. Now the nice thing about the GE it turns the screen off eventually in the charger while the Philips and Netgear only dim down the backlight so for those who plan to have the phone in their bedroom might prefer the GE. Though the light isn't that bright but I prefer to sleep in pitch black environment so it would drive me insane. BUT the phone does turn off the screen when NOT IN THE CHARGER. As stated before all 3 phones seem to have the same features, so once you have used one the other will be pretty much exactly the same at least I felt they were. So the next thing that truly separated the phones was the GE and the Philips gave you bonus Skype out minutes and voicemail, while I couldn't find anything in the Netgear's box. The voice quality seems the same on all three and I am not sure if it is Skype or the phones but every now and then the quality would get degraded when getting a Skype in to landline or Skype out to landline call but for how cheap the service is I can't really complain. As for physical attributes I prefer the Philips because I love the sleek glossy black design VS the white Ipod feel of the netgear. But both phones and base units to each phone are actually smaller than GE's bulky silver phone so that was a plus for Netgear and Philips. Finally the technical aspects is the firmware upgrade which the Philips and Netgear have an Auto Update feature (so set it and forget it) and seems to be quicker than the GE's 15 minute manual update. Quick Summary: + Small Size + Standard AAA NIMH Batteries + Auto Software Update - No Free Minutes - White - Screen dims when in charger This pretty much sums up my review which I know didn't go into great detail about the phone itself but everyone else seems to be covering that information. I felt I would give my view of the 3 I have tried so far and their strong and weak points. As stated all three phones seem very alike so it is hard to pick the best but I know what I prefer and if I had to buy any of these phones again I would go with the one that sells for cheapest to be honest since they hardly differ. Their may be a few minor things but overall if one of them is $20+ less than the others then get that one because you really can't go wrong with either of them.
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| Date Reviewed: 07/23/2008 |
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Strengths: The best marriage with Skype I ever saw.
Weaknesses: I would like one in black.
Summary: This device comes from fabric configured with 10 Mps. To change to auto detection 10/100 Mps you follow these steps: 1) In your handset go to menu/ settings / information. Write down its IP address (it is something like 192.168.1.###. 2) In your computer (connected to your homenetwork) go to IE and type the IP address of your device: 192.168....###. 3) It will appear a box asking for user and password. In user type “admin” and in the password type “password”. 4) On your left click “Network” and in the box Ethernet Setup Link Speed choose “Auto”. That is it.
100% of People (6/6) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 10/04/2007 |
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Strengths: No computer need.
Weaknesses: Can't find at present
Summary: I used to have the skype phone that requires computer, Linksys CIT300. It lost connection with computer very often. When I got this Netgear SPH200D, the connectivity problem is gone. The voice is very clear, especically more clear than my T-Mobile cell phone.
I use Sanyo Eneloop batteries instead of the original ones. The standby time is at least 2 days (+2 hours talking).
Like many reviewers said, the LCD backlight is always on when a phone is on the charging cradle. Also, I think it takes long time to charge batteries, may be 8 hours or more. So, my suggestion is to charge it overnight.
Please note that the AC adapters coming in the package are for 110V only. I need to buy another adapters for 220V in order to use it at my home country.
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| Date Reviewed: 08/29/2007 |
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Strengths: Good quality, efficient use, very easy to set-up, lives up to professional reviews
Weaknesses: None so far
Summary: PC Mag recommended the SPH200D in a recent review article, and consistent with their review, this phone meets my expectations. It was remarkably easy to set-up, and adapted to my SKYPE account immediately. Voice and listening quality are on-par with my regular cordless phones, and I am inclined to convert all of my land phones to this dual-mode system. BTW: additional handsets may be purchased.
If I have anything to critique, it is that I anticipated that such a new phone would offer a bit of style. Unfortunately, while not unattractive, Netgear could put a bit more into the exterior design of their phone.
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| Date Reviewed: 05/11/2007 |
- moolman
from CA
- Member Since:
Jul 2004
View Member's:
Reviews
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Strengths: No computer needed to use Skype.
Color screen.
Easy menu navigation.
Weaknesses: Register an account on your computer first, on the phone.
Summary: I got this phone for my mother because she does not know how to use a computer nor does she want to learn. She uses a lot of long distance to another country and the Skype rate is much better than any phone card or long distance company. Both this Netgear made phone and the Linksys are the same but I picked the Netgear because it just looks better. After all the rebates the price is the same but with the Linksys, you don't have to wait for the rebate. I won't talk about call quality because that just depends on your connection and not the phone. The phone sounds natural just like any other phone. My only complaint would be that to dial a Skype number, you need to press a couple of extra buttons instead of just the green talk button which confuses the heck out of my mom.
89% of People (8/9) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/19/2008 |
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Strengths: great sound quality
Weaknesses: none
Summary: I used Actiontec VoSKY Skype Call Center before, I works pretty well, but I don't want to leave the PC on all the time. This phone is everything a skype user wanted in order to obtain pc freedom. I have been very satisfied because it really feels like a regular phone. The voice quality is excellent. However, the manual has quite a few mistakes. But this is nothing to do with the phone itself. I bought 2 sets, and registered both the handset to the same base, I have a phone with 2 hansets so I put into different rooms. Highly recommended.
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| Date Reviewed: 05/09/2008 |
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Strengths: easy to setup, sharp screen, great voice quality, one of the cheapest Skype phones out there in its category(Skype cordless-no computer), web interface to base station, Skype certified
Weaknesses: the default setting for the speed is 10mbps instead of auto with which one can get upto 100. this can be changed by going into the web interface for the base station.
Summary: I was just looking to buy the cheapest Skype cordless phone that didn't need a computer and so I got this one. Its not just the cheapest phone but is also a great phone. I am very satisfied with it expect for the 1 weakness that I mentioned. Right when you take it out of the box, it has the appeal of being a quality product and you can set everything up in as less as 5 min without any guide. Overall, I rate this phone very highly.
33% of People (1/3) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 05/01/2008 |
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Strengths: save me alot of money
Weaknesses: signal drop sometimes
Summary: very easy to use, setup was like 1, 2, 3,, very easy.. sound great, very clear, love the fact that i can add my contacts by just using skype on my desktop computer.. i would recommend it to friends...
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| Date Reviewed: 08/06/2007 |
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 Great Dual-mode Skype / Landline Phone Strengths: Standalone unit doesn't require a PC to work, speakerphone, expandable, small charging unit, good battery life
Weaknesses: Doesn't auto negotiate to 100 Mbps full duplex (defaults to 10 Mbps half duplex when connected to Netgear switch), Muting when using Skype Out causes clicking noises on other end
Summary: Overall this is a great standalone Skype phone that doesn't require you to connect it to a PC. The speakerphone is good for conference calls or hands-free operation.
The big downside to this phone is that when you use Skype Out and use the Mute button, the other people will hear a sporadic clicking noise while you are on mute. You will not hear it yourself, but others will. This is extremely obnoxious if you need to use this phone for conference calls and need to mute your line. I would not recommend getting this phone if you intend to use the Mute feature. This is the reason for a 3-star rating because I intended to use this phone for conference calls.
I've worked with Netgear support (up to third-level engineers) on this issue. I've exchanged units, and still have the clicking noise. Although they have not been able to duplicate it in their labs, I am convinced that it is the fault of the Netgear Skype phone. I do not have problems using mute on my Skype softphone on my PC on the same home network.
25% of People (1/4) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 09/06/2008 |
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 Not Reliable Strengths: Compact, Nice Styling
Weaknesses: Buggy. Base Station requires frequent resetting. Base station crashes and I miss calls. Cannot conference with landline. Poor instructions. Poor tech support.
Summary: I purchased this phone with two additional handsets. I had trouble registering the additional handsets because the directions are wrong. I called tech support and the 1st repair tech told me to return the phone. I got another replacement phone and it had the same problem... So I called support for a second time... This time the told me the "secret" trick to getting the handsets paired.
Now that I have had the system working for a while... I find that the base station frequently crashes in a state where I cannot receive any SkypeIn calls. Also... When it does work for an incoming call only some of the handsets ring. Then I have to reset the base station to get all of the handsets to ring. It's now failing about 1-2 times per day.
I am ordering another system. (The GE system.) I would never buy another Netgear product because the tech support is horrible.
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| Date Reviewed: 05/27/2008 |
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Strengths: Easy to use and setup. Clear sound. Love the speaker phone and ear piece features. Works just like a regular wireless phone.
Weaknesses: Weak manual, but phone is easy to use so not big deal.
Summary: This is my first Skype phone but I'm having a great time with it. I have lots of family outside of the US and the calls are loud and clear. It's really cool how if people call my Skype account from their PC that the phone rings and works like a real phone. I can’t emphasize how clear the sound is, no difference or better quality than if I was using my home phone to call out of the country. Not to mention it's a fraction of the cost of going through the regular phone company. There are lots of features I have yet to explore and if need be I can use this with a regular phone line also. This phone was a breeze to setup, just plug the stuff in to power and cat5 for internet and the phone synced by itself, I didn’t have to do anything but login through the phone. One of its weaknesses is probably the screen and the way you have to type in it, but once you get all your contacts setup it’s a breeze to use. However, this is not that expensive one, it’s only $100. It resembles the style of an old Nokia phone which is totally usable and practical. I would recommend this to anyone who need a Skype phone. On top of everything else you can buy extensions for this phone and have more than one phone set unlike some other major brands.
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