Netgear SPH200W WiFi Phone with Skype
PRODUCT FEATURES:Makes and receives Skype phone calls wherever you have Wi-Fi accessWorks with most leading Wi-Fi hotspot providers including T-Mobile USACalls any phone worldwide at low SkypeOut rates and mo monthly feesWorks with security protected home WiFi networksIncludes charging cradleIntuitive menu allows you to see who's onlineManage up to 500 contactsAccess other Skype services such as SkypeOut, SkypeIn and VoicemailBuilt-in speakerphone for hands-free talkSave network profiles for easy and fast accessSupports WEP, WPA and WPA2 Wi-Fi security
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Netgear SPH200W WiFi Phone with Skype Reviews
When I bought this item I had the expectation that a commonly available headset would work with it. But, not if you need hands-free. It was no different. The issue the headset has is that it won't insert fully into the jack. It isn't sufficient to bother, though. The display does get quite warm after talking awhile. Just unexpected. Amazon was on top of this issue with Email responses, sending out a replacement (even though I didn't ask for it), and a follow up phone call.
Netgear's "Engineering" department is working on a list of approved headsets that are "compatible". To my mind, if it won't work with the same headsets that my cell and cordless phones work with, it isn't worth having. Either the connector was designed inset too far or the plastic housing wasn't opened enough to allow clearance for the body of the headset connector to fit below the surface. Otherwise, the phone was easy to setup and worked well enough for me to recommend it. However, after trying 4 different headsets without success, I obtained a replacement from Amazon. Bravo, Amazon.
I strongly don't recommend this item to anyone who is normal, unless you are very curious and would like to see it on your own. However after a very short time the phone became very slow. for the function to be processed after I press the button. I finally lost my patience and the phone went to the garbage. I have to wait about 10 sec. I got this phone 8 weeks ago and was very excited at the beginning.
3) "battery life is terrible." Not true. Have you heard high-quality sound from a mobile phone's speaker. The phone is adequately sturdy, battery life is quite long long (I power the phone down when I'm on the move to keep it from searching for networks, and I get 3-5 workdays of standby out of one charge), and call quality is fine. Setting up the phone is easy and intuitive. If you absolutely must have tons of battery life out of this appliance, get an extra battery and you'll be good to go for a long long time.
I'm glad Netgear is producing VoIP equipment. If you search for batteries which are interchangeable with Nokia BL-5C, you'll find one which will work. Extra batteries are also easy to come by. If this still doesn't satisfy you, wait for the next generation of wi-fi phone technology. The phone connects quickly and reliably to networks, and options for preferred networks, entering passphrases, etc., are many and easy. This works just fine; I can understand what callers are saying when I use the speaker. This is a good piece, and I recommend it to anyone who is weaning him/herself from a 2-year wireless contract.
This review concerns only the SPH200W; I don't know anything about the earlier SPH101. Nokia headsets have worked for me - I bought an HS-47 for peanuts, and it works great. The Netgear battery is the shape of the BL-5C, and many BL-5C replacements are 3.7V (vs. Incoming call clarity is superb; outgoing clarity isn't always great because of the mic placement and quality on this phone. If you want to upgrade, spend a few bucks and get a good headset. from them about compatible headsets or batteries. As is clearly indicated on this product's box, there's no onboard web browser, so you can't authenticate on a network using a browser. "Standard" headsets don't work with the SPH200W.
I did some legwork, and much research later, I have answers:. Don't buy this phone expecting excellent support from the manufacturer. 3.6) and some are higher capacity than the stock one (Lenmar makes one which is readily available and works very well with this phone). Both methods work with either the cradle or without it. Other complaints of others:.
Batteries. Making calls is very easy. Netgear supplies you with an AC adapter which plugs into the wall and terminates with mini-A, so you can charge this phone like you would any mobile phone. If "less than 9 days of standby" is "terrible," then I guess I can see what folks are saying here.
Very versatile charging options. I don't listen to lossless audio playback on my phone. You get plenty of talk/standby time out of this battery, and it's very easy to keep it charged up with all the options you have. There's also an A- to mini-A USB cable in the box, so you can charge from your computer if you need to.
Netgear's support is mediocre at best, and I couldn't get any info. Here's what I think will be useful to potential buyers -. 1) "the speakerphone isn't hi-fi." It's true. You need a 4-pole plug, to start, and then not all headsets of this description will work. This significantly improved outgoing call quality.
I was hesitant to buy this product based on reviews, but I went ahead and got it, expecting to have to do some troubleshooting. No help from Netgear on this one, I'm sad to say.
The battery for the SPH200W is lithium, 3.7V, and has 900mAh capacity. It's often just as clear as a digital/cell connection, but sometimes it's obscured enough to be annoying.
The product has been completely satisfactory to me. I never have.
You can charge the phone using the included cradle which receives a male USB mini-A plug, or you can plug a USB mini-A cable directly into the phone. If you just have to register hardware on a network you use (like I do at work), that's easy - use your computer to register, or just tell your IT person the MAC address of your phone, which is under the battery.
2) "outgoing call quality is poor." Not quite true, though this is the SPH200W's weak point.
I was able to enter in the WEP Passcode at some cafes and that is a big plus. It's limitation is the availability of free wifi access but that is not something any product can overcome. Great product. That fixed the problem I had. Due to it's size, I would recommend bringing a mini headphone/mic set.
I bought this Skype phone because it works specifically with T-Mobile's HotSpots. It works flawlessly. I've logged in at the Red Carpet Clubs at LAX and John Wayne Airport. The sound quality is excellent. We have Roadrunner Extreme Cable Modem service. I also use the phone using a portable Apple Airport connected to a hotel's inhouse wired Internet access. He used his laptop and I used my Netgear phone.
This time we talked for hours over Skype. His cell plan didn't cover Hawaii and his last visit cost him over $300. So, we're well equipt at home for using the Netgear Skype phone. At home, I used it nightly with a friend who is moving to Hawaii. There's three heavy hitting wireless users sharing a single Apple Airport Extreme.
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