Review: US Robotics Internet Speakerphone internet telephony

As internet telephony becomes more popular, manufacturers get more and more inventive with the technology.

So far, we've had headsets and handsets, the traditional combination of a microphone and a pair of speakers and even a mouse-cum-microphone to make internet calls using a PC.

The US Robotics Internet Speakerphone combines both of those functions into one small device that works with Skype.

It's the size and shape of an ice-hockey puck, and connects via USB to a computer. It acts as both a speaker and a microphone, so it can sit on a table and be used to make and receive Skype calls, which is good for group-calling.

Installation was remarkably easy – the supplied guide is thorough and easy to follow. The only thing that wasn't automatic was setting Skype up to recognise the device, but this is explained in the manual.

Call quality is very good – although this also depends on how fast your broadband line is – but the volume buttons on the device didn't respond well. We resorted to changing volumes using the Windows volume control.

At £50, the US Robotics Internet Speakerphone is priced a little high, particularly compared with Skype handsets and headsets, but if you don't mind your calls being overheard, this is a great product.

Also consider
Tesco Internet Phone 
Verdict: Not a perfect service, but the Tesco Internet Phone benefits from easy installation and an extremely low price.
Price: £20
Rating: 4/5