VOIP Hardware

Some hardware is required to use VOIP services. For the PC-to-PC and PC-to-Phone service, it can be as simple as a PC headphone device that is plugged into your sound card. The microphone and speakers that came with your computer will also work in a pinch, but don't offer the sound quality of headphones. (If you just want to try out the service without investing a lot of money, you can pick up a cheap headphone set at Radio Shack for about $3.00).

For the broadband phone services a little bit more is required. Typically, you'll need to have an adapter to process the digital signal into an analog one (this is usually provided by the service provider). Some require that you have a router as well. Once set up, however, you can plug any phone you want into the device, and it works just like you would imagine a phone to work.

New Hardware News

Keyspan Unveils Skype-Compatible, Cordless VoIP Ph 8/28/2006

"Keyspan on Monday announced that its new cordless voice-over-IP (VoIP) phone, which is Skype-compatible and goes for about $80, will ship before ... read more >>

Skype Unveils WiFi Voip Phones 8/6/2006

This report from TechNewsWorld, posted on July 7, 2006, picks up on the story from Skype that they will be launching WiFi phones in the third quar... read more >>

Skype Unveils WiFi Voip Phones 8/6/2006

From Mobiledia.com, posted on July 21, 2006, comes this report on WiFi VOIP phones.  Skype has teamed with a number of hardware partners... read more >>

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New Hardware Reviews

Netgear SPH101 Wi-Fi Skype phone review 9/5/2007

CNET Australia offers up this review for the Netgear SPH101 Skype fone. They give it a very favorable review. The good: - Easy Wi-Fi set-up ... read more >>

Negear SPH200D Review from PC Pro 6/7/2007

This review from the PC Pro finds some things to like and some dislikes. Overall a fairly lukewarm review. The main downside is price, while pro... read more >>

Netgear SPH200D Skype Phone Review - Pocket Lint 5/22/2007

A nice review from pocketlint.co.uk. Overall the article concudes: You get what you pay for, dual-mode convenience and real-telephone quality, bu... read more >>

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New Hardware Tips

Try out PC-PC or PC-phone cheaply 2/1/2004

If you just want to try out the service without actually investing too much money you can try this. Get a cheap PC headset. Radio Shack sells o... read more >>

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