Okay Geek Farm
t3ch Review - IPEVO WiFi Phone for Skype
Ricardo Trejo
IPEVO comes up with a ton of interesting tech gear, which is why we’ve been given the chance to review just about their full collection. The newest item I’ve spent time with is their S0-20 model, WiFi phone made specifically for Skype. How’s it stack up against a regular ol’ PC headset? Let’s find out.
Product: IPEVO WiFi Phone for Skype (Model: S0-20)
What it says it does: Make wireless Skype calls without a computer
My Experience: I use Skype sparingly. Heck, I would even go so far as to say that I mainly use it as my IM client rather than a phone line; I rarely use the actual talk features. Although, I’m sure Brandon from here at T3chh3lp would love to change that! Meetings, meetings, meetings, haha! So getting a chance to try out a Skype gadget got me a little excited about trying out the talk features again.
So what comes in the box? Packaged is the handset, a battery, a charging cradle, and a A/C plug with a mini USB plug for the phone.
My first impression of the phone itself was that it was a a lot lighter than a I expected. It’s even more lightweight than most cell phones! And in my opinion, it feels a little cheap considering its price. Though the light up keypad is a nice touch. The mini USB port on the bottom was also convenient since lugging around the cradle isn’t needed to charge the device. The screen is a 1.8-inch display that does well showing colors. The volume buttons are well placed, and the same goes with the keypad itself, with buttons that aren’t too small for those who have big sausage fingers.
What make this phone so special? How about the fact that there’s no need to connect to a PC of any kind for it work. So as long as you have access to a WiFi access point and a Skype account, you’re ready to make some calls.
After giving it the suggested 6 hours of charge time, I powered it on and was met with two long lasting logo’s - a yellow sun, and then a rotating Skype logo. Once that was done I went through a painless set up process: language options (English, Chinese, Japanese), terms of agreement, network connectivity, and Skype account set up. Connecting to a wireless network is pretty easy; just key in the password. And when signing into a Skype account you have two options: sign into an existing account, or create one on the spot within the phone. Don’t worry, it’s a simple process.
Within about 5 minutes I was ready to make calls.
The sound quality was quite good, for a VoIP device, that is. It’s nowhere near the sound you’re used to hearing with a cell phone or a land line, but it’s not terrible, or even really that noticeable to be honest. In terms of dropped calls, I didn’t get that many - probably just dropped out twice out of 50 calls, but since this is a WiFi phone you have to factor in my internet connection. That being said, the faster your connection, the better and more reliable this phone will be. This also means that you’re going to want to stay within a reasonable distance between you and the access point, to lessen your chance of being cut off or disconnected.
It doesn’t even need a computer!
Yes, it doesn’t need a PC to set up or even necessary to be used, but here’s my problem with that: why? I can only imagine a few instances or examples of why this is even needed. I suppose that if you have only one computer and someone else is already using it, you could pick up this handset and use Skype without being on your computer. And then I could also assume that it could be used when not wanting to disturb others in the same room as your desktop PC is in. Other than that, however, I see no real practical application this phone might have. Maybe there’s something I’m just not getting, but I guess the big and obvious reason is just to walk around your house or wherever, without having to be chained to one room.
But aside from that, IPEVO’s Skype phone can do just about everything the Skype application can do - like check voice mail, add contacts, and status updates - with the exception of text chatting and video chat. It’s an interesting device, and although it does feel like those mobile phone you’d buy from the 7-11 back in the early 2000’s, it’s a solid handset with all the onboard features necessary to make your wireless Skype experience an enjoyable one.
Pro’s: sound quality is good, only needs a WiFi access point - doesn’t need a PC, works quite well
Con’s: a tad pricey, feels cheap, isn’t all that practical or necessary
Price: $114 - $126.18
Where you can buy it: IPEVO, Amazon, Buy.com
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