The NETGEAR Skype WiFi Phone and the more recent, Netgear SPH200W WiFi Phone with Skype, enables use of the free Internet calling service Skype without the need for a computer.
Popular competitors in the Wi-Fi phone market are the IPEVO SO-20 Wi-Fi phone for Skype, a more popular model on Amazon selling for about the same price, but packed with more features and greater security features. http://www.amazon.com/IPEVO-S0-20-WiFi-Phone-Skype/product-reviews/B002V45UEE/ref=dp_db_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1
The cheapest model with similar features now available is the Belkin F1PP010EN-SK Desktop Internet Phone for Skype, selling for under $60 on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F1PP010EN-SK-Desktop-Internet-Phone/dp/B00158UZTW/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1269147766&sr=1-5
With the popularity of the Apple I-Phone that can also make Skype calls for free, similar in concept to the Wi-Fi phones, but can also do web-browsing by picking up on free Wi-FI access in coffee shops where you need an internet connection to log-in. iPhones and similar can also send and receive text messaging and although are more expensive because of it, you can switch to the cellular services if you are having a problem due to "echoing" or other auditory problems as many Wi-Fi phones seem to have problems with. Because of these reasons, Wi-Fi type phones like the Netgear Skype Wi-FI Phone and similar are quickly losing market appeal.
Fast Facts:
- Released: 2004
- Weight: 4 Ounces
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 1.8 x 0.8 inches
The Good and The Bad
Good:
- Cheap- used models now being sold for just over $100 on Amazon.com
- Easy to use at home
Bad
- No browser, so it is not possible to do any web searching or web based-authentification
- Not as versatile as other comparable models (i.e no google or net access)
- More expensive than other models, some with better features
