Philips VOIP8411B (Skype)
Manufacturer: Philips Consumer Electronics Part number: VOIP8411B/37
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Slick design and mostly solid performance sets the Philips VOIP8411B apart from competing Skype dual-mode phones.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Philips VOIP8411B (Skype) price range: $499.95
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 04/16/2007
- Updated on:12/04/2007
The good: The VOIP8411B Skype phone allows Internet and landline calls on one cordless handset; there's no connection to your PC required for Internet calls; it's relatively simple to set up, has a slick design, and its phone book stores up to 500 Skype contacts; you can add three handsets (four total) to the system; there is a built-in speakerphone on the handset.
The bad: The VOIP8411B can't answer a landline call while putting a Skype call on hold (and vice versa), nor can it conference between the two lines.
The bottom line: Slick design and mostly solid performance sets the Philips VOIP8411B apart from competing Skype dual-mode phones.
Editors' Note: This review has been slightly modified since its original publication to include changes in the pricing of the hardware and Skype's service offerings, and references to additional competing models.
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, better yet, 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. The Philips VOIP8411B ($225 list, far less online) is the company's first Skype phone that operates independently of your computer, though it does require a broadband connection to work. It also does double-duty as a standard cordless phone on a plain old landline.
The VOIP8411B "kit" comes in three pieces. The largest item--a black box the size of an average cable or DSL modem--is the hub, and must be connected via its included Ethernet cable to a broadband modem, router or switch/hub (we tested it with a Netgear powerline Ethernet adapter, for example). 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 oversized AC adapter, which can be a pain to deal with if your power strip is already full.
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 cordless phones.
As far as handsets go, the VOIP8411B is sleek and compact and actually looks a little more like a candy-bar cell phone, complete with a 128x128-pixel color screen (65,000 colors to be exact), than a cordless phone. 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. The one little snag we ran into is that we had to sync the headset with the hub by hitting the Page button on the hub; the button also acts as a headset locator. The ringer on the handset is quite loud--you can choose from a variety of polyphonic ringtones--so you won't have any trouble finding the phone if you misplace it.
A wizard on the handset asked 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 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.
We found call quality to be fine for a VOIP phone, though we thought the volume could be a touch louder (naturally, call quality varied from caller to caller). 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 to 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 VOIP8411B 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 VOIP8411B is geared more towards being a Skype phone, with most of its advanced features (call forwarding and voicemail, for example) designed for customers using Skype's optional services.
As a landline phone, the VOIP8411B 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. But you can't toggle between a Skype call and a standard call--taking one call disconnects the other. However, it's simple to put a caller on hold, mute the line, and then resume the call with a press of a button.
Philips 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 750 mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries are included). We didn't run any rigorous battery tests, but we unplugged the whole system for five days and the battery was completely dead when we went to fire it back up. In other words, the handset doesn't seem to hold a charge like a cell phone can if you have it completely turned off. Of course, if you place it in the recharging cradle between calls, you'll be fine.
Like most competing dual-mode Skype phones, the Philips system can be expanded. Up to three additional handsets (model VOIP8410B ) can be added throughout the home for about $70 apiece. (We complained earlier in 2007 that these were hard to find, but the supply problem seems to be a thing of the past.)
As with all cutting-edge technology, you can expect to experience a few quirks with the VOIP8411B. For instance, we had trouble with the time zone of Skype contacts being off. This reviewer has a brother in Paris and the time zone for his contact info was correct, as was the time for our local time zone (the time is automatically set via the Internet). The phone does appear to be firmware-upgradeable, so there's a good possibility Philips will makes some tweaks as time passes. Obviously, it would be nice if the phone automatically updated its firmware when a new version became available, but this doesn't seem to be the case.
All in all, despite a few small shortcomings, there's a lot to like about the Philips system. While it delivers nearly all the same features as competing dual-mode Skype phones, the Philips is arguably the best-looking of the lot. The only real knock is that it lacks the ability of the GE 28310EE1 to toggle and conference between the landline and Skype line numbers. Otherwise, the Philips VOIP8411B is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a PC-less Skype experience.
User reviews
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Skype users cant make a better investment
by awilensky on July 21, 2007
Pros: It just works
Cons: No downside
Summary: I never write these user opinions, just too busy most of the time. However, this phone just works. I have been a Skype power users for years, have 2 skype ...
Summary: I never write these user opinions, just too busy most of the time. However, this phone just works. I have been a Skype power users for years, have 2 skype in numbers, use skype out, forwarding, headsets, multiple computers, etc.
But when I wanted to cut down on the cell minutes and use my Skypein numbers for my primary business inbound, I found that my move from PC to a MAc Mini crimped my style a little, Skype-wise. Even on the PC, the headset and being tied to the PC was bore.
Enter the Philips VOIP, and I am sold! Im not sure how I am going to use the Skype IM and the VOIP phone - as I would have to have two clients logged in at the same time, but I am so happy with the phone that Im not going to sweat it.
Considered going with a Wifi phone, but couldnt find an unqualified positive review.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Skype can't be better without this !! Truly Amazing ......
by jazjit on July 10, 2007
Pros: Excellent voice quality, Good battery Life, Looks great, Speaker phone works wonders, No disconects whatsoever !!
Cons: Interface is a little slow
Summary: I have had this for phone for a long time now. Could not stop myself from writing this review. It works great. Excellent call quality, great battery life, you dont ...
Summary: I have had this for phone for a long time now. Could not stop myself from writing this review. It works great. Excellent call quality, great battery life, you dont need to get on a PC at all for any settings, the speaker phone is just awesome.
The only regret I have is that the interface could have been much faster. It takes time to change status ....... and to call up the last dialed numbers list.
I would recommend this to all Skype users looking for cordless freedom and skype without the hassle of using a PC !!!!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Almost, but not quite
by kkytrt on February 25, 2008
Pros: Easy installation, good looks, easy Skype
Cons: no landline caller ID, no landline voice mail indicator
Summary: The manual says it offers landline caller ID, many user reviews say that it has landline caller ID ... where is it? I just bought this phone, which looks great, installs ...
Summary: The manual says it offers landline caller ID, many user reviews say that it has landline caller ID ... where is it? I just bought this phone, which looks great, installs easily, does all the Skype stuff without problems... but I am flying blind when there are incoming landline calls. Also, no indication when there is voice mail in my landline voice mail box. Could it really be that Philips has not included this important function?
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Easy to use, great concept
by mikebanes on February 4, 2008
Pros: Easy, quick installation
Cons: Introduces gound (hum) on phone line
Summary: Thoroughly love the fact I can connect this to my network rather than my computer and connect to skype. Easy to setup and install, did not need any instructions. The ...
Summary: Thoroughly love the fact I can connect this to my network rather than my computer and connect to skype. Easy to setup and install, did not need any instructions. The only problem, this device introduced a hum on my phone line that degraded the audio quality of my land line phone signal. That is my only issue. If this was fixed, I would definatly keep this item.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Expensive, but works great
by sbrage2000 on October 14, 2007
Pros: Great design, easy to set up, great reception
Cons: Price, size?
Summary: Got one of these after deciding that I was paying the phone company far too much. Phone was quick and easy to set up. Just plugged it into my internet ...
Summary: Got one of these after deciding that I was paying the phone company far too much. Phone was quick and easy to set up. Just plugged it into my internet hub. In seconds I had logged on to my Skype account and was making calls. That easy. As promised, it runs completely independent of my PC, gets great reception all over the house, and has a nifty design. Wouldn't have minded it being a little larger mind you. It feels more like a cell phone than a traditional phone, but that's just pickiness I suppose. I'll probably be picking up another handset to have downstairs.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Quality failure 2 broken phones in a couple of months
by guycrit on June 26, 2009
Pros: Best design, god looking
Cons: Bought first, broke, returned, sent new one, broke. Changed phone. Ring tones - could do with a normal ring tone! No answer phone.
Summary: My experience found it unreliable. Maybe I was unlucky because Philips are normally very good.
Summary: My experience found it unreliable. Maybe I was unlucky because Philips are normally very good.
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Is Skype Good For Conference Calling?
by netweb74 on April 24, 2009
Pros: Skype is affordable.
Cons: You can't answer a telephone calls while putting a Skype call on hold. This can hurt business if you receive multiple calls from clients.
Summary: This product is good if you're just starting off ?but if you want optimum phone service, for example, conference calling, 24conference is a great product. Operator conference calling from ...
Summary: This product is good if you're just starting off ?but if you want optimum phone service, for example, conference calling, 24conference is a great product. Operator conference calling from http://www.24conference.com/operator_conference_call.php is almost effortless.
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Stopped working, had to reset to fix it
by randytsuch on March 1, 2009
Pros: Easy to use, looks nice
Cons: I wanted to share a problem I had with my phone.
It stopped working, could not hear, or be heard, when making calls. At first, I could hear people, but they had trouble hearing me. Later, nothing.
I reset the system, and it works again :) -
Perfect for big skype users - Build Quality Concern
by snmitch on February 3, 2009
Pros: The skype functionality of this phone is spot on. If you are big skype user and want to use a conventional phone form factor, this is a great phone. Landline phone functionality is good enough for normal home use.
Cons: No hold and transfer between skype and landline calls is a minor niggle.
Big frustration (3.5 stars and not 5) is build quality of headset port on the handset.Summary: On both of my units, the headset port failed after some relatively casual use. One unit still works as a handset unit, but I dismantled the other unit to figure ...
Summary: On both of my units, the headset port failed after some relatively casual use. One unit still works as a handset unit, but I dismantled the other unit to figure out if I could repair it. The headset jack is solderd to the system board, but has no mechanical support at all - so basically when you plug and unplug a headset you are straining the surface mounted 2.5mm jack socket and forcing the soldered joints each time. Both my phones were useless for headset use after about the 10th time or less that I was on the phone. This was very frustrating. I had chosen Philips over Belkin and netgear for the same functionality, figuring Philips would be better quality.
If you use skype to call this phone is great. Speaker phone works well too. If you choose to use it with a headset - be very gentle from day one.
If your primary functionality is landline phone with occasional skype - this might not be for you. You might do better to get a dual line panasonic cordless phone, with a skype telephone adaptor for one of the lines. This of course will require you to use your PC to set it up - which is not needed for this philips.
All in all, not bad, expensive, good in skype calls, basic landline functionality, bad build quality on the headset port disappointed me. -
sweet looking and loveing it to
by nowarken on June 11, 2007
Pros: no pc to use it aman!
Cons: can not pay for more skypein/out using it to pay ?
Summary: had a linksys wip320 a wi-fi skype , did not work at all and all calls to linksys is and wher very bad ,bet you wood not do linksys agane? but ...
Summary: had a linksys wip320 a wi-fi skype , did not work at all and all calls to linksys is and wher very bad ,bet you wood not do linksys agane? but we did and we had a cit200 and it did not work !so we DID THIS ONE AND IT WORKED OUT OF THE BOX AND FAST TO ! THANK YOU PHILIPS and we holp it last a long time and i bet you a call to them will be a good one to ! ,we give it a 10! we have had #4 skype phones !NAD THIS IS # 5 THIS ONE WORKED OUT OF THE BOX AND FAST TO AND NO PC TO !
Updated
this phone it a 10 ! big time
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Philips Consumer Electronics
- Part number: VOIP8411B/37
- Description: VOIP841 series is the first DECT cordless phone with Skype that works without a PC, offering consumers total flexibility and independence from the PC. A full-color graphic display and outstanding sound clarity bring the emotion back to calls.
General
- Product Type Cordless phone
Phone Features
- VoIP Services Skype
- Max Handsets Supported 4
- Max Base Units Supported 4
- Dialer Type Keypad
- Dialer Location Handset
- Dialing Modes Tone, Pulse
- Speakerphone Yes ( Digital duplex )
- Caller ID Yes
- Call Waiting Yes
- Call Transfer Yes
- Call Hold Yes
- Menu Operation Yes
- Ringer Control Yes
- Ring Tones 15
- Polyphonic Ringer Yes
- Lighted Keypad Yes
Phone Memory
- Phone Directory Capacity 500 names & numbers
- Caller ID Memory 500 names & numbers
Display
- Display LCD display - Color
- Display Location Handset
- Features Backlit
Miscellaneous
- Connections 1 x Headset jack
- Placing / Mounting Table-top
- Cables Included Phone line cable
Power
- Type Power adapter - External
Battery
- Battery 2 x battery - AAA type
- Capacity 750 mAh
- Technology Rechargeable - Nickel metal hydride
- Included Qty 2
- Talk Time Up to 720 min
Dimensions & Weight (Base)
- Width 5.3 in
- Depth 2.1 in
- Height 4.5 in
- Weight 8.5 oz
Dimensions & Weight (Handset)
- Width 1.8 in
- Depth 1.1 in
- Height 6 in
- Weight 4.9 oz
Manufacturer info
- Philips Consumer Electronics
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Philips Consumer Electronics products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.philipsusa.com/
- Address:
100 E. 42nd St., New York, NY - Phone: 800/223-1828
- Email: us.ce.webmaster@philips.com
- Fax: 423/475-0411
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