Netgear Skype Wi-Fi Phone: Transforming the World of Internet Telephony

Netgear and Skype have jointly revolutionized the world of wireless Internet telephony with the recently launched Skype Wi-fi Phone. Netgear, the global provider of technologically sophisticated, branded networking products, and Skype, the leading Internet communications company, has launched a suite of innovative products, including the world's first Skype wireless mobile telephone and a router which facilitates the optimization of Skype.

Netgear's Skype Wi-Fi Phone is the world's first wireless Internet phone which enables users to make free calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world with WiFi access, without PC connectivity. The Skype Wi-Fi Phone hosts an incredible array of innovative features. Around 200 contacts are shown on the phone's color display so that the user gets to know those who are online. As the Skype Wi-Fi Phone does not integrate PC connectivity, you will be also available for your friends to call. Users can even make calls to ordinary phones with the help of SkypeOut at cheap rates and no monthly fee.

Skype allows users to make free domestic and international calls, in addition to hosting conference calls and chat with other Skype users anywhere in the world as well as to non-Skype users for a minimal fee. Headphones or USB phones plugged into a laptop or PC are not required in the Skype Wi-Fi.

The Skype phone is pre-loaded with Skype's software, which is ready to be used with a wireless network. Very convenient and easy to use, the user only needs to enter a Skype username and password after turning on the phone. The Skype software brings up the user's full contact list, indicates the connection status on the phone screen and enables the consumer to connect to other Skype users for free and with the non-Skype users using the SkypeOut feature.

The Netgear phone is loaded with impressive features. Designed in the form of an iPod, the phone provides extremely good audio quality, is easy to set up and configure and operates excellently on personal home or small-office Wi-Fi networks which give the user access to configuration and/or security settings. The Skype W-Fi phone has a clear, bright color screen, an easy functionality and an intuitive Skype interface. However, there are certain flipsides too. The phone is highly expensive and might be inaffordable for the average consumer. In addition, The Skype phone has a poor battery life and lacks USB-to-PC connectivity. It is quite difficult to enter passwords and WEP keys using the phone keypad. The phone is not compatible with wireless networks which require browser-based sign-up, such as hotspots in coffee shops, hotels, airports or even some secure company networks. As a result, the Skype W-Fi phone cannot be used during travels.