Netgear SPH150D Accessory Handset Cordless Phone with Skype

I won't go into the Dual cordless phone with Skype, I will just tell you about the phone. The phone will work with the your Skype account that you have made with the Dual mode phone. Set-up is very easy, the call quality is really good.

I ordered this phone through Amazon Marketplace and a store called IE Store. Do not buy this item from them! If you do, be aware that you will not be able to recharge the phone since they don't include the base charger (even though the picture shows it and says the item is new). If you are trying to add an extension to your existing Netgear SPH200D phone system you will need the base unit to keep the phone functional. I don't know why they send you a "power adapter" since the phone does not have this type of connection. The power adapter only plugs in to the base charger, which they don't send. I bought this phone to replace an existing phone whose display screen got cloudy, so it will work for me, since I already have the charger base. The phone itself is great, but is useless with the base charger.

I've used the Netgear SPH200D (base station and phone) and an additional phone (SPH150D) for about a year. Basically the device implements Skype and throws in, as an extra, the possibility of ordinary telephone landline service. The Netgear interface is a cleverly stripped down version of Skype on a computer. The documentation got me started; trial and error taught more. I use the Netgear for pure Skype calls and, in conjunction with a Skypeout subscription ($3 per month), to call any phone in the US or Canada at no additional cost. I've put frequently called phone numbers on my Skype Contacts list--the Netgear knows to use Skype for these calls. Skype sound quality has improved considerably in the course of the year. After I assigned the Netgear base station a static IP address on my network (rather than the default DHCP), the phone connected faster to Skype servers. A static IP address is handy for access to the device's webpage, to check configuration and update firmware. It took me a while to discover the more advanced features of the Netgear. Though the device is pleasing, I give it only 4 stars because the documentation is less than clear, even about basic setup. For instance, "press" on the base station may mean "press and hold". To Netgear's credit, the techncial support rep I eventually reached was well-informed.

I have been using the Skype/ Netgear SPH150D for over four years, It has some minor problems once in a while, but generally very happy with it.

Update July 29, 2011 Still working as advertised; it's convenient having two outgoing lines at no extra charge. If one of us is expecting a call or on the landline another outgoing call came be made; that helps. Update March 6, 2011 We've used three of these phones now since March of 2007 and all three are still in operation and have never required any sort of service including battery replacement. I am understandably pleased with their performance and reliability and can still say "Works well so far." Original Review I've had this phone less than a week, but I have been pleased with its performance so far. The set up was somewhat tricky, as many if not all Skype addresses use a period in the address. None of the literature showed how to find the period. By accident I noticed it was available on the 1 button. After discovering that, the installation went flawlessly. If one is already familiar with the use of the alpha/numeric keypad, one would have no problems. If one is learning on this phone with the literature provided, one needs help. The phone has worked well with both the landline, and the Skypeout alternatives. I'm pleased enough that I'm buying two more as the equipment will accommodate up to four phones.

The documentation provided with the phones is not sufficient. Experienced difficulty connecting to Skype and have had to spend many hours over many days communicating with product support via email.

I purchased this several years ago so I could use Skype for my home phone service. Back when I purchased it, the technology was just too primitive and I wound up throwing it away and getting phone service from my cable supplier. It was hard to use, some of which might be my fault, I admit. IMO, the technologies have just run by this item.

I have been using the SPH200D and two extra handsets (SPH150D) since 4/21. The best price I found was at Amazon when ordered 4/9/2007. Setup was easy and it's easy to use. Good sound quality. Very good battery life and the batteries are user replaceable. We like the intercom and speaker-phone features. These and "Mute" are buttons on the phone; so there is no need to navigate menus to use them. The system makes it easy to take advantage of Skype as well as keep a basic landline for 1) incoming calls so you can keep the same phone number, 2) having a phone during a power outage, and 3) making 911 calls. Since the base unit is always on, it's easy to forget that SkypeOut is not a regular phone service. Netgear has a good forum active on their web site. Users are sharing information there which is helpful. One important point that is not documented: Once a SkypeOut connection is made and if the handset's screen displays a message, you must click OK to clear the message before the handset will send touch-tones (DTMF). Not a big deal. Just perplexing until you know.