Philips VOIP841 PC-Free DECT 6.0 Wireless IP Phone by Philips Accessories
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Digital camera reviews of Philips VOIP841 PC-Free DECT 6.0 Wireless IP Phone
Digital camera Review: It's functional, but has a lot of problems
Summary: 2 Stars
I was looking for a VOIP system that supported Skype and would work without my computer. This Philips phone seemed to be the best option. I wish there were more choices, because even though it meets my brief list of technical requirements it's got a lousy user interface. Here are just a few of my complaints:
- If you listen to your Skype voicemail messages on your computer, your phone still shows that you have new messages. This is only a minor inconvenience, except that you can not clear ALL messages; you have to delete them one at a time.
- When another call comes in while you are talking on the phone you can push a button to "reject" the call. However, the phone continues to beep to let you know that you either missed the call or that they left voicemail. It's a loud audible beep that interupts your current conversation, and there is no way to get it to stop.
- During some calls I hear an echo of my voice for the entire conversation. If I hang up and call back it's usually clear again. And at other times the other person hears a echo tone (not related to their voice or mine) that does not go away during the call. I would assume that these are VOIP issues, however I have never had these issues using my Skype account on my computer - they have only happened with this Philips phone.
- There is no busy signal tone when you are placing calls from the phone. You only get this information visually on the display, so you have to look at the phone for awhile while it is attempting to make the call to see if it's going to go through or not (minor, but annoying.)
- Often there are errors when trying to place a call. Sometimes it appears that the call is already connected, with the minutes incrementing -- but the call never connected. Sometimes you can hear the other person when the call does connect, but they can't hear you. And sometimes, they can hear you but you cannot hear them. Again, I have never had any of these problems using Skype on my computer, so it seems to have something to do with the Philips phone system or the Skype->Philips software.
- The headset jack is flakey; mostly it doesn't work, but sometimes it does.
- The volume control isn't sensitive enough, so there are some calls that are just too loud and I have to hold the phone away from my ear.
- The phone itself is very uncomfortable to hold, and it does NOT feel comfortable against your ear for very long.
This system does, however, work exactly as advertised. It has a separate base unit that connects to your Ethernet network, and that unit receives your Skype calls whether or not your computer is turned on. The phone does connect with your Skype account so you have access to your contact database, your voicemail messages, and your current account balance. The manual that comes with the unit is sparse with information, and consequently there are still some icons that I do not understand.... but they don't seem important and I haven't found the need to look online for any additional information.
I appreciate the Skype features, especially the fact that I can receive calls (or voicemail) while I am traveling as though I am still home. I don't like this phone at all, and because of the phone I have often considered canceling Skype and returning to a land line. I am hopeful that someone else will make a better unit sometime soon.
Digital camera Review: voip 841
Summary: 5 Stars
this phone has been discontinued so dont buy it any more it is veyr good phone i might add
this is the 2nd set i have bought but i even wanted another handset could not find it any more as they have discontinued it
if i get anther set i may still buy it this phone is my first choice though
Digital camera Review: Great device
Summary: 4 Stars
We bought this phone because we got tired of paying exorbitant rates to speak with friends and family in different countries, and also tired of the calling card game (which is cheap, but painful). We've are happy users of this Skype phone and recommend it unconditionally.
The phone is able to use Skype or your regular telephone line. We use Skype for international calls and the local phone monopolies for local and long-distance. International Skype works great (you're paying a couple of cents per minute), but the local and long distance seems to have lower quality, but then it is free.
The handset works exactly as you'd expect. It's a telephone with a simple menu. It downloads your Skype contacts and you can decide whether to use skype or your outgoing telephone line when making calls, no surprises. We prefer using the handset to using Skype on the computer(s) in the house because there is less uncertainty about audio quality (e.g. echoes and microphone proximity).
Digital camera Review: Sleek and stylish, but has problems.
Summary: 2 Stars
I use Skype several times a day and it seemed like an excellent idea to buy a cordless phone that would combine both Skype and landline functionality. The Philips was the obvious choice, with its piano black finish and sleek European design. After a year of using the phone, however, I find it has the following flaws:
1. The handset needs to get data from the base everytime you need to check call history, contacts, etc, which does make sense. However, it takes quite a long time and can get irritating.
2. My Skype calls seldom connect at the first try, and a "Sorry-Call Failed" message appears frequently. Expect to try at least twice. Also, Skype calls get dropped at a much higher rate than when using a PC.
3. Sound quality is OK, although I get a lot of ambient noise feedback that I can't explain. This happens on both the sets I own, so it can't be a defective set.
4. Battery life is very short. If you leave the unit off it's cradle, it will run out of juice quickly, even on stand-by.
In summary, this unit will be a great addition to your decor, but don't expect flawless operation. It has some bugs.
Digital camera Review: Need original packaging for warranty.
Summary: 1 Stars
Does anyone keep the box for what ever how long? No warranty inside the box but on wedsite, so I only found out I need the box after the phone is broken.