NETGEAR Skype Wi-Fi Phone

6 out of 10 - Good
does not support web based log-in , urghhhh
this phone will not allow you to log on to subscription based public hotspots (such as T-Mobile) as it does ...
this phone will not allow you to log on to subscription based public hotspots (such as T-Mobile) as it does not have a browser... My reason for not buying one, because my Linksys skype phone connected to my PC is fine for home use and half the price. I like the Netgear phone, but I cannot see sales surge until the price drops and public hotspot support will be integrated... Read more
by douwemik (see profile) - June 2, 2006

6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
2 comments posted to this opinion

7 out of 10 - Very good
Looks good, but WAIT for Web-based log-in, integration with phone services, etc.
While the Netgear Skype WiFi phone seems like the perfect phone to use Skype on, this technology is still relatively ...
While the Netgear Skype WiFi phone seems like the perfect phone to use Skype on, this technology is still relatively new, and I personally think you should wait until better technology is available instead of dropping $180 for this phone, or even more. They're two problems with this phone already:

1) No Web-Based Log In: This means that even if you have T-Mobile or Verizon's powerful Wi-Fi access plans, you will not be able to access wi-fi. Why is this a problem? Most access hotspots require web-based log in.

2) Not Integrated with your Home Phone/Cellular Device: This means that you need two devices at home: a set of home phones & a Skype phone. Why is this a problem? If you're like me, you enjoy the all-in-one hybrid devices. Read more
by gamespy2945 (see profile) - July 22, 2006

4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
3 comments posted to this opinion

7 out of 10 - Very good
Does what it claims on the box
Having read some of the negative reviews, I must have bought a different product. The sound quality is excellent, it'...
Having read some of the negative reviews, I must have bought a different product. The sound quality is excellent, it's easy to use, the auto connect & log-on works fine provided you have set the phone to do this - read the manual! Perhaps the reported problems are down to early firmware - download the upgrade, which is quite straightforward. Chat, ie SMS, is not supported, which is a pity. The only other downside is the battery life - Netgear claim 20 hours - mine's around 7 to 8 hours. Read more
by peterthegrate (see profile) - March 30, 2007

2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

7 out of 10 - Very good
Room for refinement, but a solid start
First impression was of the physical quality of the handset. It's compact and very solid with sturdy feeling buttons. ...
First impression was of the physical quality of the handset. It's compact and very solid with sturdy feeling buttons. It feels better built than most cell phones I've touched. I guess I expected something flimsy like a Logitech grade webcam or the Netgear routers or something.

I turned it on and was going to grab the manual to get it configured. I saw my network listed, I selected and entered my WPA password, then entered my Skype credentials. I was about to then get the manual to see what else I had to do when I realized I was already connected, up and running. Setup is a snap, though only with simple home networks. It doesn't support any custom web based logins.

Button layout is intuitive. It was easy to make calls. Other party sounds solid, but they noticed a lack of resolution in my speech. I cross checked and confirmed that the outgoing audio is a little muffled. Under worse conditions, the lack of crispness would reduce intelligibility, but I wasn't being asked to repeat myself.

After a five minute phone call, I was well aware of the LCD display which was warming my cheek like a warm washcloth.

If you want to be ready to take calls, remember to leave it charged. Otherwise the battery dies without warning in a day or so.

I'd say this phone is ready for the real world. It is clearly a 1st generation device with room for maturing and refinement, but as a first pass, it's a solid start and ready to use. Read more
by randomandy (see profile) - January 11, 2007

1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

1 out of 10 - Abysmal
Great idea, lousy execution
I was excited about getting this phone being an avid skype user. However after spending 1 hour on the phone ...
I was excited about getting this phone being an avid skype user. However after spending 1 hour on the phone with a Netgear technican in India who had no idea on how to get it to work, I returned it to buy.com. Netgear service sucks and this phone could never connect to my belkin pre n router even after disabling the security on my router. The phone would not connect to my network. Read more
by gatesbuster (see profile) - October 13, 2006

1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

3 out of 10 - Poor
Poor Call Quality but easy to setup and Use
Buy something else! I would recommend buying a Skype Phone with DECT support unless you are going to carry the ...
Buy something else! I would recommend buying a Skype Phone with DECT support unless you are going to carry the phone around to different hotspots. If you need to roam to hotspots, try another brand. Read more
by kurtze (see profile) - June 24, 2008

1 out of 10 - Abysmal
terrible phone
phone heats up so hot it will burn your ear. battery has very short lifetime. phone continually drops signal. Don'...
phone heats up so hot it will burn your ear. battery has very short lifetime. phone continually drops signal. Don't buy this phone - it's not ready for primetime! Read more
by era8909876 (see profile) - June 16, 2008

7 out of 10 - Very good
Best 1st wifi phone generation
This is a great phone to have at home or open wifi keeping your computer off during the night. Unforutantly ...
This is a great phone to have at home or open wifi keeping your computer off during the night. Unforutantly this doesn't have any kind of web broswer for web login. I really enjoy my netgear skype wifi phone. I was sad to find out that handsfree jack not working. I called about it and they told me that it was a common problem. If I would have know I problobly would have bought a dual skype and lan cordless instead. I think that this is the best in its class. I can't wait to see new ones. NETGEAR FIX you headphone jack. Read more
by rsp1218 (see profile) - February 4, 2008

6 out of 10 - Good
Usable but there are quirks and no hope for upgrade
This phone works with Skype. But... there are some quirks:

- it seems does not work as well as PC

...
This phone works with Skype. But... there are some quirks:

- it seems does not work as well as PC at least I have this impression. It has tendency to cut phonems. Anyway, remember to have good WiFi link.

- it seems the phone is not completely stable or recovers when there is problem with the network, it has to be reset from time to time

- annoying quirk is that call ID does not work like in cordless phones. Thats is if you have a name stored in memory and a call comes from this name, only the number is displayed and no name.

- using DTMF tones is awkward, they have to be called from a list, not directly from keypad, they can not be stored.

- there is no hope for software upgrade. This phone is not made by Netgear and apparently they outsourced support too.

- power supply goes through USB-shaped connector. I wonder why the phone could not have craddle like in the wired network model

In the end, the phone works, and can be used. If networks are fine, it works fine. But the quirks make it less than ideal and it could be ideal if software upgrade would be provided. Read more
by comentator (see profile) - October 13, 2007

1 out of 10 - Abysmal
Is this some type of joke?
This phone was a complete waste of time. Half of the time it doesn't see my wi-fi network. When ...
This phone was a complete waste of time. Half of the time it doesn't see my wi-fi network. When it does the phone is overheating and losing its charge in a matter of minutes. This phone is garbage. I know that the phone isn't just having battery issues because I found others who had the same exact problems with this phone. Read more
by catron29 (see profile) - October 2, 2007