My First Skype Wireless Phone: Vtech USB7100
I have been using Skype on various platforms:
- On my laptop (PC-PC/ SkypeOut to regular phones) using the retractable audio out and mic combo headset made by Zip-Link
- On my PC, we has the Ipevo USB tethered phone
- On my Dell Axim X51v, I have Skype client using this combo earbud/mic
None of the above solutions give me the feel of using a regular phone. So I started looking around and decided to give the Vtech USB7100 a try. I bought the unit from our local BestBuy store at $79. A quick scan with Shopper.com shows the price is about right compared to everywhere else.
The Vtech consists of a base tethered to my laptop via USB and a RJ-1 regular phone line and a cordless phone. There are 2 green buttons on both sides, the one of the left is for Skype and the right one is for the regular phone.
So far the connection is very smooth, reliable and very consistent, which is a very important aspect to be comparable to the home phone. I put my laptop to sleep mode, screensaver mode, etc..hot plug/unplug the USB cord etc…When the connection is back, the phone behaves as normal..
The voice quality is excellent and very similar to a normal wireless 2.4 GHz phone. The fact it uses 2.4 GHz frequency does not disturb at all my wireless network. I can walk around my home and use Skypeout to call everybody as the same way as I use normal phone (but this is free)
The VTech usb7100 provides the many benefits and features of Skype’s free Internet telephone service without being tied to a PC. With the push of a button your Skype contact list is displayed on the cordless handset, making it easy and convenient to place free PC-to PC calls. Connect it to a traditional telephone line for standard calls and a USB port for Skype calls. Dual-Line operation allows you to switch between the two. In addition to free PC-to-PC calling, you will enjoy all the advantages of cordless phone technology, including caller ID, call waiting, 160 name and number phonebook, and intercom features. The phone is expandable up to four handsets, providing crystal clear calling from any room in the home without the need for extra wiring. The usb7100 is the leading Skype-Certified 2.4 GHz cordless phone system.
The 2.4 GHz VTech usb7100 supports up to four handsets in a system (usb711 accessory handsets sold separately.) The intelligent cordless expansion design provides you the flexibility of accessing your Skype account from each handset.
Additional Features
Place free PC-to-PC calls anywhere in the world using Skype
- Connects to both your traditional telephone line for standard calls and your USB port for Skype calls
- Dual line operation allows you to switch between standard calls and Skype calls
- See when your Skype contacts are online
- Place calls to Skype contacts using the cordless handset
- Change your online status via the cordless handset
- Expandable to 4 cordless handsets – Uses usb711 Accessory Handset
- 160 name and number phonebook
- 50 name and number caller ID memory
- 10 selectable ring tones
- Backlit display
- Trilingual prompts – Choose between English, Spanish and French
- Headset compatible (2.5mm)
So far I am extremely pleased with this unit. I’d highly recommend that you consider to put on your shopping wishlist!
SolSie+Skype+phone+usb+wireless+cordless
Great phone indeed… they only need to do a few things at VTech:
- add Vista drivers
- add Mac drivers
Hi BB, You can always contact V-tech support for your request!
You’ll find this phone will cease working if you move to Vista. No support from Vtech for this either. Phone is now a brick.
Sorry to hear that. I stopped using this in favor of the Linksys stand alone Skype phone. There is no need for a PC connection.