SKype says that tens of millions of people around the world now use its software to make and take no-cost or low-cost phone calls over the internet. Most do so with no additional PC hardware other than a microphone headset. Yet there are alternatives that let you use a conventional phone or, better still, a DECT walkabout phone. Bob Crabtree goes cable-free investigating D-Link’s highly-affordable Skype USB Phone Adapter, the DPH-50U, but is none too impressed.At the tail-end of June, Skype brought together over a dozen of its hardware partner in London’s West End for a product showcase of new kit. Our report highlighted the UK debut of Netgear’s SPH101 - the world’s first Skype WiFi phone.However, as we said at the time, although the Netgear was the most revolutionary piece of kit at the show - and the undoubted star - it wasn’t the only product to shine. A number of companies had notables, including US Robotics, Philips and D-Link, each with an alternative - and far cheaper way than Netgear’s - of delivering cable-free Skyping.Unlike the Netgear, which connects wirelessly to a network router, these work only via PCs to which their bridge boxes connect by USB. Even so, they’re not expensive and, when paired with a DECT walkabout phone, one of these boxes lets you make and take Skype calls away from the PC. But, unlike the Netgear Skype WiFi phone, the computer does need to be running all the while.
HEXUS.lifestyle : Review : D-Link Skype USB Phone Adapter DPH-50U : Page - 1/6
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