Review: Belkin Wifi Phone internet telephony

We’re beginning to see a proliferation of Skype wireless phones, which allow owners to make calls using the voice over IP service (VoIP) without needing their PC to be switched on.

To use the handset you need a free Skype account, a broadband account and a wireless router in your home. The Belkin handset then connects to the internet via your wireless router, allowing you to make or receive free Skype or low-cost Skype Out or Skype In calls.

Although this sounds better than being stuck in front of your PC, using Skype via a USB connection, the handset comes with several restrictions and novices will, we think, struggle to set the Belkin Wi-fi Phone if they have a secured network.

While set-up should be a case of the phone finding your wireless network and you typing in your secure pass phrase, this will depend on the type of security being used, and you may find that you need to open your router software and type in the elaborate 26 digit key number; hardly practical.

The handset looks good in its black casing, but the plastic keys wobble a lot. And there is no key lock on the handset, which we found annoying.

Once up and running, it’s an easy phone to operate. You can search for new contacts, set your online Skype status, and easily make calls. Call clarity was okay – we experienced some voice break up, but this will also depend on the quality of broadband connection.

Despite being a wireless phone it doesn’t give you much freedom from your PC. You cannot use Skype’s instant messaging tool, or create a conference call. If you often use a webcam when on Skype you’ll have to ditch that as well, because the handset has no camera.

Our biggest criticism though is you can’t use this phone with a wireless hotspot that requires you to sign on via an internet browser, such as those used at Starbucks or many hotels. Belkin has signed a deal with the Cloud, allowing you to use its 8,500 European wireless hotspots, for £6.99 a month, but in the UK most of these are in pubs. However, if it finds an unsecured, free hotspot, then it will join that network.

At £99, it’s more financially attractive at launch than some rival phones, although they are now quickly dropping in price. But unless you must have the latest, we’d recommend you wait for the next generation of Skype handset, which will come with inbuilt cameras for video calls and allow Skype IM to work.

Also consider:
SMC WSKP100 Wifi phone
May appeal to some business users, but its limitations and price make it hard to recommend

Netgear SPH101 Skype Wifi phone
Too many limitations and too expensive to appeal to most people, despite its good call quality

Linksys Cordless Internet Telephony Kit
An ergonomic VoIP handset with excellent call clarity, but it's expensive

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