VoIPvoice Uconnect

If you're tempted to enter the world of VoIP but don't like the inconvenience of being tied to your PC when making calls, the Uconnect device from VoIPvoice aims to help you out.

Uconnect lets you operate the free Skype software via the convenience of your home phone.

You can then make and receive all types of Skype calls from any phone, including Dect cordless handsets.

Setting up the device up is simple. It plugs straight in to a USB port, and the home phone is routed through the device before connecting to the wall socket.

A 2m cable is included to assist with this, but if (as is often the case) the PC and phone are in separate rooms, there's going to be a lot of wire running around the house.

This will require extra wiring, and therefore extra cost.

Software needs to be installed to enable communication between the home phone and Skype, from which point on the VoIP features are accessed by pressing the star button (*) twice on your phone.

You then have the option of a free Skype to Skype call or low-cost calls to mobiles and landlines with Skype Out (pre-payment required).

Incoming calls of all types are received on the home phone.

Speed-dialling is supported and call quality is good, even with over 10m of cables used.

There is a slight delay in Skype responding to initial key presses, but this isn't too much of an inconvenience.

What is more problematic is the inability to listen to audio on your PC while the Uconnect device is plugged in - it uses it's own soundcard, which become the default selection whilst the device is connected.

The solution is to disconnect the device when you want to listen to music, but this is a little inconvenient to say the least.

Uconnect will also only work when your PC is switched on.

Despite the convenience Uconnect offers, it's let down by the physical connection required between PC and phone.

The way in which it overrides your PC's soundcard when connected also holds it back.