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Linksys Debuts Cordless Skype Handset

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the voip-spam-still-in-development dept.

An anonymous reader writes "A new cordless Skype-based VoIP handset will hit Internet and retail stores next week. According to Linksys, the CIT200 handset will allow users to make VoIP phone calls as easily as today's cordless handsets make conventional land line calls. The device uses DECT wireless protocol, claimed to eliminate interference with 2.4GHz phones or devices. It comes with a DECT dongle that plugs into a PC's USB port. It's expected sell for around $130. Initially, Linksys is requiring that the PC run Windows XP or 2000, so no Linux yet."

5 of 163 comments (clear)

  1. VOIP is still not worth it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Why should I go to a service that 1) requires me to own a computer, 3) requires me to have a broadband conection, 3) is dependent on my electricity not going out, and 3) requires me to purchase an expensive phone when I could simply get Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS - with better sound quality and no dropouts) for a mere $8 monthly (yes, that's really what I pay)?

    At the price VOIP costs, I might as well just get a cell phone, and not be tethered to only being able to use it in my home.

    1. Re:VOIP is still not worth it. by Trejkaz · · Score: 3, Insightful

      It's all about cost of investment vs. ongoing costs. Phone calls are a great deal cheaper on VOIP, especially if you regularly make calls internationally, or even interstate.

      But that being said, forking out for something which just runs Skype is a waste of money, because you miss out on free calls to the much larger number of accounts using the (more standard) SIP. That is, unless Skype have properly opened up their SIP interface lately and not informed Slashdot. :-)

      --
      Karma: It's all a bunch of tree-huggin' hippy crap!
    2. Re:VOIP is still not worth it. by DARKFORCE123 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Why should I go to a service that 1) requires me to own a computer, 3) requires me to have a broadband conection, 3) is dependent on my electricity not going out, and 3) requires me to purchase an expensive phone when I could simply get Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS - with better sound quality and no dropouts) for a mere $8 monthly (yes, that's really what I pay)?

      Well lets see:

      1. Skype is free with other skype users so that means unlimited worldwide calls. How much do you think your $8 phone plan with the default long distance provider is going to charge for a call from the US to India?
      2. Your local plan will probably still charge you for local extended calls so enjoying calling the place across the street from you for free but you'll get charged in 6 second increments for everything else.
      3. Most people own a computer that has USB support
      4. A lot of people have broadband.
      5. A one time cost of $130 is not excessive.
      6. Skypeout is extremely cheap when you need to call regular folk with their own line. I bet I can call a lot of far off places for awhile on that $8 you spend just keeping the phone line active.

    3. Re:VOIP is still not worth it. by Solder+Fumes · · Score: 4, Insightful

      You only pay $8? Strange, in order to get a phone line with just Caller ID and Voicemail, my phone bill was cracking $40. And that was before any calls, or any long distance. I got my first bill, then immediately signed up with Vonage. Now I pay $25 for dozens of services I'd never afford on a standard line, and use every day. Plus I don't pay any long distance charges.

      Of course, if you have no one to call, it doesn't seem very impressive.

  2. Requires PC? Skype? Yawn... by bobcat7677 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    When I first read the headline I got excited...but then it turned out to be a huge letdown. We VOIP users have been waiting for a good mainstream SIP based Wifi handset for a long time now and having one from Linksys would have been great. But this is nothing of the sort. Just yet another "dongle" for your PC for making PC to PC calls. You are still tethered to your PC (just through a wireless tether) meaning it has the cool factor but is not practical for most real-world users to replace their traditional cordless phone. Come up with a SIP standard device that uses my existing Wi-fi access point and can support multiple access point profiles and then you will have something.