RTX Technologies Dualphone review

Verdict:

Review Date: 23 Nov 2005

Price when reviewed: inc VAT

Our Rating 4 stars out of 5

Review
Specs

If you have broadband and are starting to use Skype, a dedicated handset could be what you need. We looked at two models.

VoIPvoice's uConnect is a USB dongle that plugs into the back of your PC and turns any standard telephone into a VoIP Skype phone. If you still want to use your existing phone line, you can connect the uConnect to your telephone socket. In this mode, you make normal calls by dialling the number, but can switch to Skype by dialling '**' first. It takes a second to make the switch.

The bundled software takes care of the Skype connection and detects a handset lift. It will also cause your phone to ring when a Skype or normal landline call comes in. Dialling Skype contacts involves a combination of audible prompts and the keypad, and works surprisingly well. Audio clarity was fine on our test phone calls, and it depends more on the quality of your internet connection. Overall, it's a cheap way to turn your existing phone into an internet one.

If you want to buy a dedicated handset, the Dualphone does the job. It's a standard DECT wireless handset for normal phone calls over a landline, but it also connects to a PC via USB. A dedicated PC button pulls a list of your Skype contacts from the PC, so you can dial by selecting a name. Call quality is great. The manual isn't very good, though. The Quick Guide, the only paper manual in the box, doesn't tell you how to register the phone with the base station. We had to use the full manual on the CD and hunt for the answer.

The Dualphone is a little more expensive than uConnect, but its full Skype integration and ability to run four handsets from one base station make it excellent if you want to use internet calls at home.

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