Skype Three – uConnect V901M www.voipvoice.com/uconnect.htm 

Installation – Installation of the uConnect product is slightly more complex which reflects the fact that the device offers more sophisticated integration between your normal landline and Skype calling. Installation therefore involves plugging in all the relevant cables (you plug in one wire for the handset and another to your standard POTS phone landline), slotting the dongle into the USB port and then inserting a CD to install the software which does all the smarts. A few minutes later the system is ready to run, and after the CD installs the Skype program itself and you’ve logged in, you’ll see two icons in the task bar, one for the VoIPVoice program and one for Skype.

Ease of use – The real clever in uConnect comes from the fact that you can use your normal telephone to either dial as usual on your POTS phone service, or by pressing * twice (i.e. the asterix key twice) you can make a Skype call, without touching the computer at all. This is a quantum leap away from most Skype gadgets, and immediately lifts the product into its own niche. Does it work? Oh yes, and very nicely indeed too. Dial normally and get through on your conventional line. Dial ** first and you’re asked ‘Who do you want to Skype today’ in a Microsoft roboto voice, after which you enter the full number (international code too for a Skype Out call, remember).

If you’re making a free PC to PC Skype call, you use…wait for it…voice recognition to pull up the right Skype contact name. Does this work? You know what, it does, after a fashion. You need to train the system – they’re using the Microsoft Voice Recognition technology – but I found that it recognised just about all names, and since it reads them back to you first, you can always cancel and try again if it gets it wrong. More to the point, this untethers you from the computer completely, since everything now happens at the handset end. It’s truly liberating stuff. For those with no voice, there are hot key and hash key selection options, so you’re not limited by the voice tech, which is good.

Voice quality – The quality is definitely on a par with the other products using the cheapo DECT test phone, although it has to be said that the more dedicated (read expensive) systems we tried did deliver a clarity that was unmistakable. Still, definitely very usable.

Overall value for money – $59.99/£39.99. You get what you pay for, and the uConnect is clearly not at the rock bottom cheapo end of the VoIP market. But as for value for money, this has got to be one of the most fully featured products of its type, offering seamless switching between landline and Skype, as well as total untethering from the computer for both making and receiving calls. It’s brilliantly thought out, works as it should and really could move Skype into a mainstream position in a household’s telecommunications.

Pros – Superb flexibility, voice recognition for calling, landline/VoIP switching on the fly and excellent software.

Cons – A little pricier than some of the alternatives, manual is only on CD in PDF format. Quality depends on handset used.

Rating – 9/10

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Skype Four – Linksys CIT200 www.linksys.com

Installation – One CD, three minutes, working. Get the idea? Plug in the wireless DECT module when requested, install Skype and you’re ready to rock and roll. It genuinely doesn’t come any easier than this. Just remember to charge the handset batteries for 14 hours before you start and you’ll be fine.

Ease of use – Of all the gadgets in this round-up, the Linksys is far and away the most Skype friendly. When you want to make a call all you do is press the Skype button, scroll down through your contact list on the nice little colour screen on the handset, and click the green dial button. Again, it doesn’t get any easier than that. The handset is also a nice size and weight, so you’re not going to complain about clunkiness either.

Voice quality – You would expect excellent voice quality from a company like Linksys/Cisco, the CIT200 doesn’t disappoint. The DECT implementation is as good as conventional standalone wireless phones, which means excellent range, even indoors with thick walls in the way.

Overall value for money – $105.00/£74.99. On the face of it, a little expensive for basic Skype calling, especially when you consider that most of the other products we’ve looked at here also work with other VoIP solutions, so you’re not tied to one supplier. But if all you’re after is consistent and easy to use cheapo calls, then this is an ideal device. It’s also easy enough for your gran to use (as long as she knows to keep her computer running), which could be a major factor in many people’s buying decision.

Pros – Super easy installation and operation, grandma proof. Nice handset, great voice quality, truly Skype untethered! 

Cons – No integration with normal landlines, Skype only, Windows only.

Rating – 8/10

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