Smc Wskp100 Wifi Skype Phone

The Age

Thursday February 14, 2008

Mike Wilcox

SMC WSKP100 Wifi Skype phone

$239

mitron.com.au

3/5.5

Skype has long been the champion of free internet voice chat. Much like instant messaging, it lets you catch up with internet buddies anywhere in the world for next to nix.

Provided, that is, both of you are parked in front of your computers wearing headsets, receptionist-style. Not always convenient; not very 2008 either.

This model is the latest in a handful of similar handsets that allow Skypers to chat wirelessly over a standard wi-fi internet connection while unchaining them from the computer.

Since the handset comes with the Skype software preinstalled, a computer isn't needed to access the service, although the unit has to be able to connect to a wireless access point within range.

Whenever the handset is switched on it begins looking for available wireless access points within range.

Once we'd set it up with our wireless modem, which involved entering basic access details and a password on the keypad, the handset prompted us to join Skype or enter our existing member details. Choosing the second option, the handset logged into our account and was ready to access our Skype credit and existing list of contacts, and all this from the comfort of the couch several rooms from the computer and wireless modem.

The beauty of this product is that you can also use it at a friend's house, an internet cafe, in fact, anywhere with a wi-fi signal - provided you have the log-in details.

The only time you will strike trouble is when signing in for internet access which must be done through a web browser - sometimes the case at airports and hotels.

For the most part our conversations were trouble-free and clear at both ends, though the audio quality of internet voice calls will always rely on a quality internet connection and factors such as the amount of other net traffic. -- MIKE WILCOX

© 2008 The Age

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