GE 28310EE1 (Skype)
Manufacturer: GE Part number: 28310EE1
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- GE's dual-mode Skype phone/cordless handset may not be the sexiest model out there, but its ability to toggle between Skype and landline calls--and even do three-way conferencing between lines--sets it apart from the current crop of dual-mode Skype phones.
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CNET editors' review
GE 28310EE1 (Skype) price range: $209.00
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 11/28/2007
- Released on: 07/15/2007
The good: Internet and landline calls on one cordless handset; no connection to your PC required for Internet calls; relatively simple setup; phonebook stores up to 200 Skype contacts; built-in speakerphone on handset; additional handsets are available (you can have a total of four connected to the system); you can jump between landline and incoming Skype calls and even conference those parties into a three-way call with you.
The bad: Look and feel of the system seems a tad cheap.
The bottom line: GE's dual-mode Skype phone/cordless handset may not be the sexiest model out there, but its ability to toggle between Skype and landline calls--and even do three-way conferencing between lines--sets it apart from the current crop of dual-mode Skype phones.
We've reviewed several dual-mode cordless phones with Skype in 2007, and if you've compared the various models, you'll notice that our reviews sound very similar. That's because apart from styling and the availability of additional handsets, there's very little difference between the current crop of Skype phones. GE's dual-mode Skype/cordless handset also shares a lot in common with its dual-mode brethren--with the exception of one key feature: The GE 28310EE1 allows you to toggle between Skype and landline calls and--better yet--conference the two parties in for a three-way call with you. This feature may become standard in 2008 models, but as of this writing, the GE phone is the only Skype phone we know of with this feature.
Like we said in earlier reviews, the vast majority of Skype users still make their Internet phone calls through their computers, employing the built-in mic and speakers on their PCs or a headset. But as Skype's VoIP (voice-over-IP) service has become the dominant application for making cheap--or free--phone calls throughout the world, manufacturers are coming up with ways to untether you from your computer and bring a more traditional landline phone experience to making Skype calls. Like the Philips VOIP8411B, the Linksys CIT400, and the Netgear SPH 200D, the GE 28310EE1 operates independently of your computer, though it does require a wired (Ethernet) link to a broadband connection to work. It also does double-duty as a standard cordless phone on a plain old landline.
The GE 28310EE1 comes in three pieces. The largest item--a gray box the size of an average cable or DSL modem--is the hub, and it must be connected via its included Ethernet cable to a broadband modem, router, or switch/hub. (If you don't have a wired connection nearby, a wireless bridge or powerline adapter will do the job; we used a Netgear powerline Ethernet adapter, for example, and it worked perfectly.) If you want to tap into your existing phone system, you'll need to have the hub close to a phone jack (there's a standard RJ-11 phone jack alongside the Ethernet port on the back of the hub). The box is powered by your typical oversize AC adapter, which can be a pain to deal with if your power strip is already full. It's worth noting that the look and feel of GE's "hub" doesn't quite measure up to competitor's hubs in terms of build quality or styling, but this is a minor complaint.
The other portion of the kit consists of a single handset and its small cradle/recharging station that draws power from a second, smaller AC adapter. The hub communicates wirelessly with the handset using something called Advanced DECT 6.0 (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology--it operates in a wireless spectrum (1,900 MHz) that shouldn't interfere with--or receive interference from--other technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microwave ovens, and other cordless phones.
As far as handsets go, the GE 28310EE1 isn't as stylish as Philips' Skype phone, but it's got a distinct modern look that luckily stops short of being ugly. We also thought the buttons were simply laid out and aptly sized--this handset's a little larger than some of the other Skype handsets and looks more like a traditional cordless phone than a cell phone. That's not necessarily a bad thing.
Like other dual-mode Skype home phones, this has a 128x128-pixel color screen (65,000 colors to be exact). Once we had everything plugged in (selecting where you want to put the hub and handset can be something of a dilemma), setting it all up was pretty simple, though the system--at least at first--can be a little finicky. Our review unit actually came with another user's Skype info installed on it, so we had to reset the phone from the menu system and unplug the hub to get restarted.
One small difference between the GE unit and other Skype phones is that the hub doesn't have a Page button, which typically acts as a handset locator. This model has an intercom option within its menu system that allows you to communicate with other handsets around your house (the system is expandable up to four handsets--the handset-only model is the GE 28311EE1, which will run you about $80). Unfortunately, we only had one handset, so we can't tell you how well it worked, but the option is there. We can tell you that the ringer on the handset is quite loud--you can choose from a few ringtones--so you won't have any trouble finding the phone if you misplace it.
A wizard on the handset asked us whether we had an existing Skype account, and after we said we did, it instructed us to input our account name and password (you can choose to store your password and be automatically logged in, or input it manually each time). Inputting the info is just like text messaging using a dial pad, so if you're proficient at that it'll seem like a snap.
After logging in to Skype, you can bring up your Contacts list, which also incorporates the familiar Skype icons that let you know whether a contact is online and potentially available for a call. Making a call is as simple as navigating down your contact list and selecting that particular contact; the person is automatically dialed, and the call goes through with virtually no delay. What's impressive about the process is that feels very much like you're making a speed-dial call using a standard cordless phone. (It's also worth noting that you can speed-dial any phone number attached to a contact using your landline).
We won't spend too much time explaining Skype's rates, but when you're calling a fellow Skype member, the call is free--anywhere in the world. To call other phone numbers, you can opt for an a la carte Skype Credit plan (you add money to your account and have it deducted as you make calls) or purchase an unlimited minutes Skype Pro plan for the region you're in. For example, the current rate for unlimited calls within the U.S. and Canada is $36 per year, which is a much better deal than other VoIP services out there. If you don't have a landline number from your phone company or VoIP provider, you can purchase a SkypeIn number that allows people to call you at a specific number from any phone.
In terms of call quality, we found call quality to be acceptable for a Skype phone, but we can't say this is the best-sounding Skype phone we've tested. It did fine on landline calls, but when we routed our calls through Skype, callers said the sound quality diminished--our voice sounded more "processed," which was simply the result of the audio signal being more compressed. Like your typical Skype call, you will get some clipping if your broadband connection--or the broadband connection of the person you're speaking to--is hit with any sort of congestion.
Was quality any better compared with using a basic USB headset connected to your computer? Not to our ears. But that's not really the point. The real key is that you can use the GE 28310EE1 just like you would a normal cordless phone. As you talk, you can walk from room to room and there's a built-in speakerphone on the handset if you want to go hands-free. That said, from a features standpoint, the GE 28310EE1 is geared more toward being a Skype phone, with most of its advanced features (call forwarding and voice mail, for example) designed for customers using Skype's optional services.
As a landline phone, the GE 28310EE1 is pretty basic. You do get support for caller ID (you can store caller ID numbers to your Skype contacts list) and a flash button for call waiting. As noted, the key difference between this model and other Skype phones is that you can toggle between Skype calls and standard calls--taking one does not disconnect the other. Better yet, you can join your Skype caller with your landline caller, creating a three-way conference call. We had no trouble making this happen.
GE says you can get up to 12 hours of talk time and up to 120 hours of standby time from a fully charged handset (a pair of AAA 900 mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries are included). We didn't run any rigorous battery tests, but in one stretch we spoke on the phone for well over an hour and it barely put a dent in the battery-life indicator. If you do end up leaving the handset off the dock for a few days, the battery will drain and doesn't seem to hold a charge like a cell phone can if you have it completely turned off. Of course, if you place the handset in the recharging cradle between calls, you'll be fine.
Like all cutting-edge technology, you can expect to experience a few quirks with the GE 28310EE1. Every once in a while, the phone will completely freeze up and you'll have to pull out one of the batteries to restart it (you have to hit the Page button on the base station to link the handset to it again). Also, when you add contacts to your Skype contact list on your PC, it doesn't immediately update on the phone, and you may have to restart the phone for the new contacts to appear.
We should mention that the phone is firmware-upgradeable, so there's a possibility GE will makes some tweaks as time passes. An option in the menu system allows you to see what your current firmware is and upgrade to the latest version--or downgrade to a previous version if you wish.
All in all, we were pretty pleased with the GE 28310EE1. There's a little bit of a budget quality to its design, but if you value function over form--and are particularly interested in the added feature of three-way conferencing of Skype and landline calls--this is the dual-mode Skype phone to get. That said, we expect new, improved Skype phones for 2008 and beyond--so the 28310EE1's extra functionality may not look so special a few months down the road.
User reviews
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Stopped working after 2 months
by asoltesz on November 17, 2008
Pros: Did it job acceptably until it died on me.
Cons: Several firmware problems. I had to use the old firmware because the new one caused more problems than the old one. The phone often threw a message that I should upgrade to the newer firmware and it was impossible to disable this continuous warning.
Summary: After 2 months of use the base simply stopped working. It does not seem to be repairable, nothing helped it (and I did quite a research believe me) and since ...
Summary: After 2 months of use the base simply stopped working. It does not seem to be repairable, nothing helped it (and I did quite a research believe me) and since I live in Europe it is too expensive to send it back. So the money is gone.
This problem seems widespread, found a lot of people who experienced it. They were luckier to be able to send it back.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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GE 28310EE1 major flaw
by writer21 on December 6, 2007
Pros: landline/skype conference
Cons: Unable to dial extensions
Summary: Hi...time after time in reading reviews of these skype phones whether they be dedicated or as in this case a combo landline/skype model, I see reviews skipping over ...
Summary: Hi...time after time in reading reviews of these skype phones whether they be dedicated or as in this case a combo landline/skype model, I see reviews skipping over what I consider one of the most important features that they LACK - the ability to dial extensions. The GE 28310EE1 does not appear to be able to dial extensions once you connect to your destination.
Who would purchase a phone or use a phone service, no matter what the cost, that could not complete a call to one's bank, to a business, etc.? I mean think about it, how many times a day do you end up calling a place that has a menu and endless number of submenus requesting that you enter in a number, series of numbers or spell out something? At least once or twice right? Even your doctor's office probable has a cue you have to navigate through.
It seems like the people reviewing these phones use them to just call their grandmothers and girlfriends? Lets get serious. I'm sure most people don't want just another internet chat toy, they want something that can perform at least with the capabilities of a cheap $5 Walmart phone, especially if the phone like this GE is going to cost 40 times as much.
At this point the GE 28310EE1 is good for calling your grandmother and girlfriend, but would you take it seriously as a tool for business or plain everyday calling? No.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great phone with all the features you'd need.....INCLUDING DTMF EXTENSIOSN!
by ihaveabu on January 11, 2008
Pros: Caller ID for SkypeIN and Landline, DTMF does work with new firmware, good battery life, DECT 6, nice loud ringtone, call volume is loud enough
Cons: Expensive, could be built a bit more sturdy,
Summary: The GE28310EE1 is the best of the current gen Skype phones in terms of functionality. The Phillips one looks prettier.
This phone:
1. Does indeed work with DTMF extensions. With ...Summary: The GE28310EE1 is the best of the current gen Skype phones in terms of functionality. The Phillips one looks prettier.
This phone:
1. Does indeed work with DTMF extensions. With the new v224 firmware, when you press a button, the correct tone is sent across.
2. Caller ID shows up correctly with incoming SkypeIN and Landline calls that match the stored contacts
Currently the other phones on the market do not do these 2 things properly. This phone didn't have DTMF until the newest firmware update.
The phone, however, is not perfect. It feels a little brittle. You definitely do not want to drop this thing. I did, and one of the softkey buttons fell off. GE replaced it for me though.
It's also expensive. At $180, it's a hefty investment, but I still feel a hell of a lot cheaper than Vonage. (Unlimited SkypeIN + SkypeOUT to USA and Canada is like $60 a year, aka $5 a month)
I definitely recommend this phone to all skype users who have skypeout and in. I'm pretty sure new models are coming out for 2008, but there's been no news about anything yet. This is by far the best skype phone on the market today.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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PC doesn't have to be on!
by rdelvalle on October 25, 2009
Pros: I use Skype as my 100 percent phone line and this phone doesn't require the pc to be on 24/7.
Cons: Not a great choice of ringtones, but they will do!
Summary: I have used this phone now for about a year. Bought it new from Ebay for 130.00. I am now looking to buy the additional handsets. The sound quality ...
Summary: I have used this phone now for about a year. Bought it new from Ebay for 130.00. I am now looking to buy the additional handsets. The sound quality is good. Batteries stay charged. It is an ugly phone but it works so I can't complain too much!
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Solid, reliable Skype phone for long distance use
by Robert Campbell on August 23, 2009
Pros: With four handsets active, it co-ordinates updates well between sets. Does what it is supposed to do with none of the troubles others report. Available where you can find it for much less than advertised (destandardized now so buy it where found)
Cons: A bit flimsy in construction, but acceptable. Voice quality at times over a landline is inferior to a regular handset, but acceptable.
Summary: Four handsets around the home allow easy access to Skype out long distance calling. Units all seem reliable after six months in use with no reboots required. Does what it'...
Summary: Four handsets around the home allow easy access to Skype out long distance calling. Units all seem reliable after six months in use with no reboots required. Does what it's supposed to do solidly and reliably.
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good phone works very well (no computer needed)
by timjordan on July 12, 2009
Pros: this is a good phone, not having to have a computer on is a big plus...Sits in its charger and makes phone calls with great clarity even though we put the silver box that plugs into the router in the shop about 100 feet away.
Cons: does not have a "page the handset" feature. If it does i have not found it. I miss this feature cause I have kids.
Summary: Good phone, I bought mine used on e-bay for 60$ but had to repair the power cord, which was easy. For 60$ its great. also I pay about 60$ a ...
Summary: Good phone, I bought mine used on e-bay for 60$ but had to repair the power cord, which was easy. For 60$ its great. also I pay about 60$ a year for a incoming number, voice mail and long distance. which is a little over 5$ a month.
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It's great for a while. Get used to the reset function.
by buildakicker on July 4, 2009
Pros: It works great when it works, which is MOST of the time. I love the address book from skype, you never loose your contacts. It's easy to use and easy to set up. Sound is Great! Doesn't cut out at a long distance, say 300 plus feet. Great speaker!
Cons: Doesn't always work. Can't always dial out on either skype or local line. You must reset the phone about 2 to 4 times a month. Battery life isn't super great. GE has TERRIBLE SUPPORT! TERRIBLE!
Summary: Overall this is a good start to the skype/landline phone idea. I hope they IMPROVE on this phone SOON! Maybe a firmware update? I couldn't recommend this phone ...
Summary: Overall this is a good start to the skype/landline phone idea. I hope they IMPROVE on this phone SOON! Maybe a firmware update? I couldn't recommend this phone to my friends. Maybe if we get an update... maybe.
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Poor Quality
Pros: Good coverage inside home.
Good voice Quality
Good interface ? easy to useCons: - unreliable, requires frequent reset from the base
- after 2/3 months completely stopped working for Skype with a ?system is busy? message and nothing would bring it back to functionalSummary: Not a reliable phone for day-to=-day use. Especially for folks not comfortable with trouble shooting upgrade/downgrade firmware, reset etc. I bought this phone for my parents about $150 ...
Summary: Not a reliable phone for day-to=-day use. Especially for folks not comfortable with trouble shooting upgrade/downgrade firmware, reset etc. I bought this phone for my parents about $150 US. I just wanted a simple Skype phone that would work without a computer. Not looking for any fancy features. The phone worked ok for first couple of months then nothing but problems. After months of ?system is busy? message, I got it temporarily fixed by downgrading the firmware (same problem ?system is busy?), then re-upgrading to its latest version. It still requires reset often, not a usable phone for day-to-day. Sending it back to GE/Thompson..
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Fantastic phone after initial hicups
by prashanthds on February 14, 2009
Pros: Good support for skype, skype out.
Good coverange inside home.
Very good voice QualityCons: Dint recognise the caller id for my landline.
Some times you have to reboot the base station when the handset hangs.Summary: I live in india, since I had subscribed to Unlimited US / Canada calling from skype, I wanted to try the skype phone which doesn't require a PCOne advantage what ...
Summary: I live in india, since I had subscribed to Unlimited US / Canada calling from skype, I wanted to try the skype phone which doesn't require a PCOne advantage what I wanted to gain is to get rid of hassle of PC for skype calls. .I guess I got the perfice device for my purpose.
On my first day I found few hicups that the skype phone doesn't recognise the extensions dialed, but after firmware upgrade it went through smooth. Some times I had to reboot the base station few times whenever the handset hung ( going back to the main menu for any operation) .
The best part is the voice quality. Even with my 256 Kbps plan, the voice quality was good with some downloads on my PC. I have tried dialing some US landlines and couple of people using skype on their PC for receiving calls. The voice quality is excellent. No doubt about it.
For some reason it doesn't recognise the caller id on my land phone. Not sure whats the reason. The caller ID does work on my regular phone. I still have to experiment with skype In. Will update little later after I subscribe to the service. Overall, its a good feeling to use a regular handset to call people who are fascinated to skype.
Check for updates on http://prashanthds.blogspot.com/ -
Great Skype Dual Phone
by jayawhy on February 6, 2008
Pros: Excellent call quality even when large amounts of data pass through the local network & internet traffic.. Nice loud speaker phone! Caller ID!
Cons: Slow response time when going threw menu options & contact lists. (But I can live w/ it!)
Summary: After a disappointing purchase of the Netgear SPH200W-100NAS & returning it the next day (Stay away from Wi-Fi phones).. I decided to go w/ a dual-mode Skype phone.. I am ...
Summary: After a disappointing purchase of the Netgear SPH200W-100NAS & returning it the next day (Stay away from Wi-Fi phones).. I decided to go w/ a dual-mode Skype phone.. I am very pleased w/ the GE 28310EE1!.. Great features accompany this phone, like caller-id, call waiting, loud speaker phone that works pretty well, and talk time held its own.. Also, being able to toggle between Skype calls & regular phone calls was pretty easy going. You even have the ability to conference the two different types of calls together.. I was very impressed w/ the call quality, even while massive file transfers were going on between computers on the local network, & downloading a 300mb file from the internet all @ the same time while on the GE 28310EE1 dual mode phone (Call quality was very good).. This phone is definitely worth getting, I normally don't write reviews for products, but for this one I just had too!.. Way to go GE!..
Specifications
- Manufacturer: GE
- Part number: 28310EE1
- Description: The GE28310EE1 phone comes with Skype P2P (peer-to-peer) software on a computer processor chip built into the base of the phone, enabling the system to function without connecting to a PC. The GE28310EE1 delivers full Skype support, sending and receiving Skype/VoIP calls as well as standard PSTN calls, while permitting conferencing of up to four VoIP users. The phone features DECT 6.0 (Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology), which delivers calls of exceptional voice quality without the static, pops, hiss and buzz which severely hinder the performance of most wireless home and small office telephones. The GE28310EE1 telephone has many enhanced features, which serve both traditional phone line and Skype calling. These include polyphonic + midi melody ringtones for custom ID of incoming callers as well as a 200-entry phone address book that can sync up with the consumer's computer.
General
- Product Type W/ call waiting caller ID
Phone Features
- VoIP Services Skype
- Max Handsets Supported 4
- Dialer Type Keypad
- Dialer Location Handset
- Dialing Modes Pulse, Tone
- Speakerphone Yes
- Caller ID Yes
- Call Waiting Yes
- Call Hold Yes
- Function Buttons Hold button, Mute button
- Volume Control Yes
- Ringer Control Yes
- Polyphonic Ringer Yes
Phone Memory
- Phone Directory Capacity 200 names & numbers
Display
- Display LCD display - Color
- Display Location Handset
Miscellaneous
- Connections 1 x Headset jack
Power
- Type Phone charging stand + power adapter - External
Battery
- Technology Rechargeable
Dimensions & Weight (Base)
- Width 7 in
- Depth 4.3 in
- Height 1.5 in
Dimensions & Weight (Handset)
- Width 3.1 in
- Depth 3 in
- Height 6.1 in
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