I'm been testing the Philips VOIP841 for review for a few months now. Let me start by saying I constantly have various VoIP products and gadgets on my desk for testing, but they typically only stay there for a short while. The Skype-based Philips VoIP841 wireless DECT phone is the rare exception - it's been on my desk for over 4 months.
Why? Because the darn thing works and works very well as a Skype phone. I've used the Philips VOIP841 over these past several months many times and have wanted to do a detailed review of it, but never seemed to find the time.
The key feature of the Philips VOIP841 is that it is a standalone Skype phone that doesn't require a PC running the Skype software. All of the Skype software runs on the Philips base unit and the phone. I should mention that there are several standalone Skype phones such as the Linksys CIT400, the RTX DUALphone 3088 Cordless Skype Phone, and the Netgear SPH200D Dual Mode Cordless Skype Phone.
Why? Because the darn thing works and works very well as a Skype phone. I've used the Philips VOIP841 over these past several months many times and have wanted to do a detailed review of it, but never seemed to find the time.The key feature of the Philips VOIP841 is that it is a standalone Skype phone that doesn't require a PC running the Skype software. All of the Skype software runs on the Philips base unit and the phone. I should mention that there are several standalone Skype phones such as the Linksys CIT400, the RTX DUALphone 3088 Cordless Skype Phone, and the Netgear SPH200D Dual Mode Cordless Skype Phone.
The Philips VOIP841 uses the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) frequency, a 1.8GHz band which provides for better security and better battery life than other cordless frequencies. It isn't WiFi though, so don't expect to just carry the handset to a hotspot. Personally, I prefer DECT since it has better battery life than WiFi, less interference with microwaves causing the voice quality to suffer, and DECT usually has better range as well. But if you insist on a WiFi Skype phone, you can check out the Netgear Skype WiFi Phone SPH101.
In any event, the VOIP841 base station lets you plug in an analog PSTN landline connection as well as your Ethernet broadband connection. This means that in addition to making calls via Skype, you can also make/receive calls using your traditional house phone line. Some call this "dual mode", but not to be confused with "dual mode" cell phones which are Wi-Fi and CDMA or GSM. When I first installed the Philips VOIP841, I connected the base unit to a NETGEAR FE108 Ethernet hub. When I attempted to connect to Skype from the handset, it wouldn't connect. I thought it might be a DHCP issue or a problem with the firewall, so I check both and they seemed fine. I did notice that the MAC address of the Philips VOIP841 was nowhere to be found on the DHCP server.
I then noticed that the base unit has 2 LEDs that are supposed to illuminate - one when connected and the other when transmitting/receiving data but neither LED was on. Faulty network cable? I changed network cables and still no dice. At this point I thought the review unit was DOA. However, as a last resort, I connected the base unit to a 3Com 10/100/1000 networking switch in the lab and the LEDs lit up! I was able to connect to Skype successfully. Woohoo! After my initial excitement, I wanted to know why the base unit wouldn't work with the NETGEAR. Surely, NETGEAR, which makes competing Skype products wouldn't detect and block the Philips Skype phone, would they?
Turns out the NETGEAR FE108 is one of the rare pieces of networking equipment in my lab that isn't dual-speed (10/100Mbps) and apparently the Philips VoIP841 shaved some pennies on cost by installing a 10Mbps networking interface (non-dual speed). Mystery solved! Once connected to the network, it acquired an IP address, the handset synched with the base unit, I entered in my Skype credentials (username/password), it connected to Skype across the Internet and away we go!Now onto the fun stuff - playing with and using the Philips VOIP841. I should mention that the base station is running Linux with a 168-MHz ARM9 CPU. The handset comes with 2 provided NiMH AAA batteries that they recommend you charge overnight. Using the handset for the first time I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to navigate. From the first screen you have 2 options - Menu for configuring or viewing various options, and a Contacts option which lets you quickly call one of your Skype contacts without going into the Contacts submenu option via the Menu option. When you choose the the Menu option you can view Contacts, History (call history), Status, Add Contact, Search, Services, and Settings. Each of these options have submenus for performing various actions.
For instance, within the History option you can view history for All Calls, Missed Calls, Incoming, Outgoing, Voicemails, and even New Contact/Request where you can Accept, Decline, Decline & block. The Status option obviously lets you change your Status, sign out, as well as view your profile. The Search option is more limited than the search feature when using Skype PC/Mac/Linux software. You can only search by name or email address and NOT by country, city, state, language, age, or gender. A bit limiting, but not a major feature I missed. Under the Settings menu you can change your password, whether to auto-sign in, and your call settings (i.e. call forwarding)
Importantly, you can set your ringtones by call type - Skype, SkypeIn, landline, or intercom to help differentiate the call type. You also have 15 ringtones available to choose from. The intercom feature lets you call up to 4 other Philips handsets since this is a multi-handset DECT device. Technically, you can also connect up to 4 base units, each supporting up to 4 handsets for a total of 16 handsets, though I doubt anyone would get that crazy. You might see some people with 2 base units though since each base unit can only register with 1 Skype account at a time. With 2 base units, that'll allow 2 different Skype accounts.
When navigating into deeper submenus you can easily back out one level by pressing the Back button, which is nice. The 4-way directional pad features quick shortcut "jump" features that activate when viewing the main menu. When you press the up arrow you can change your status, down arrow lists your contacts, and both the left and right arrow are unused. Surprisingly, I couldn't find a redial button - I tried the # key, pressing the Talk button after just finishing a call, but no dice. What? No Redial? Reminds me of one of my favorite cartoons - 1951's Chow Hound where a muscular dog exploits a cat and a mouse for food, but the cat keeps forgetting to bring him gravy. This results in the dog saying "What? No gravy?" followed by a whoopin of the cat & mouse. Don't worry, the mouse and cat have their revenge, as seen here: (click for the YouTube video. Fun trivia - this cartoon was banned for being 'politically incorrect', though I just watched it and I don't see what the problem is.)
One of the unused directional keys (left / right) could be used for the missing redial. Food (gravy?) for thought Philips
The handset features speakerphone mode for handsfree communication. The speaker is on the back, so you actually have to place the phone sideways or LCD face down and not flat on its back if you want to hear the caller clearly. One of my pet-peeves with VoIP products I test is that they don't have an off button to save on battery life when I know I'm not going to be using it for awhile. The only thing I can infer from the lack of an "off" button is they just assume their product is the greatest thing since sliced bread, so why would you want to turn it off? Thankfully, the VOIP841 doesn't suffer from this egolomaniac complex - it does have an off button.
Speaking of turning off the power to save on battery juice, the backlight turns off after one minute to conserve the battery. You can change this setting to 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes. After a couple of minutes the handset will go into sleep mode until you receive a call, hit a button, or put it back in the cradle.
I tested some calls to my Skype contacts and they all said the quality on their end was excellent. Similarly, I thought the voice quality on my end was excellent. I also made some PSTN/landline calls - both inbound & outbound - and the quality was typical of any traditional PSTN landline - it was very good. You might be curious to know if the Linux-based base unit acts as a Skype supernode. Well, it doesn't - curiosity satisfied.
Box Contents:
- One handset (can purchase more separately)
- Two NiMH (750mAh) AAA-size rechargeable batteries
- Small charging cradle for the phone plus AC adapter
- A base station that connects to the phone line and your network plus AC adapter
- An Ethernet and phone cable
- Quick-start guide
- CD with PDF manuals
- Voucher giving you 120-minutes of free SkypeOut calls and 12 months free Skype voice-mail
Specifications:
- Picture/Display
- Backlight : yes
- Backlight colour : White
- Display colours : 65000
- Main display resolution : 128x128 pixel
- Main display technology : CSTN
- Handset ringers : Polyphonic
- Handset Volume Control : 5-level earpiece and loudspeaker volume control
- Number of melodies : 5 Std and 10 polyphonic
- Ring profiles : Landline/Internet distinction
- Backlit keypad : Yes (green)
- Base station keys : Paging key
- Call management : Call on hold, Call Transfer, Call waiting, Caller ID, Message Waiting, Microphone mute
- Ease of Use : Graphical user interface, Keypad lock, Menu control
- Handset keys : Two softkeys, Four-way navigation key, Dialing keypad, Hang-up, Line, Loudspeaker
- Multi base capability : Up to 4 bases
- Multi handset capability : Up to 4 handsets
- Signal strength indication : yes
- Speakerphone-Talk hands-free : Yes
- User interface : Skype on LED
- Headset : Via Jack Connector (Handset)
- Name & number phonebook : 500 Skype entries
- Antenna : Integrated on base, Integrated on handset
- Dialling : Pulse, Tone
- Battery capacity : 750 mAh
- Battery type : AAA NiMH
- Battery type : Rechargeable
- Mains power : AC 220-240V - 50Hz
- Number of batteries : 2
- Standby time : Up to 120 hours
- Talk time : Up to 12 hours
Overall, I was very happy with the Philips VOIP841 and those not experienced in VoIP will find installation a snap (unless they have a 100Mbps-only hub like I did). I liked its impressive 'claimed' standby time of up to 120 hours and its talk time of 12 hours. Although I didn't actually test/review these battery time claims to the max, I did find the battery life was quite good. Like I said, this is one of the few VoIP products that stays on my desk. If you are looking for a standalone "PC free" Skype phone then the Philips VOIP841 certainly has all the features you are looking for (minus the redial). If you want to buy the Philips VOIP841, Amazon currently has it listed for steal price of under $99.
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This phone is great! I love the land line functionality, and skype makes it so easy to add another line via skypein. Anyway, the redial button is located on the left function button (above the 'talk' button) after pressing the talk button.
Great review of the VoIP841! I think I'm going to buy one today. I had a problem with a Linksys Skype phone, but gave it it to my brother who claims he fixed it with a firmware upgrade. Anyway, time to go order my phone.
hey man, thanks so much for the review, i bought one tonight from amazon, but i was worried if it's good or not... now reading your review i am more relaxed =)
Thanks for the review. I am considering buying a VoIP841, but I read somewhere that the memory/phonebook cannot store landline names and numbers. Is this correct?
Thanks for the review on Philips VOIP841.
I have two questions on Philips VOIP841.
1.If you call a landline or a cell phone what number for caller ID shows up on the receivers phone? Does your Skype assigned phone number shows in the called ID?
2.I wanted to confirm that you can hook VOIP841 phone base unit to the network hub (as if it is another computer) Is that right?
Appreciate your feedback.
Thanks.
Raj
Does this phone or any other Skype-enabled phone you know of support 3-way or greater conferencing calling with other skype members. I use the Netgear SPH-200 phone and it does not support conferencing calling.
Thanks in advance.
I read on a different review that there may be some problems with using the skype software on your pc while the phone is logged onto Skype too. The other reviewer said that the incoming calls didn't know where to go so they randomly went to one place or the other.
Have you experienced this problem?
Call me crazy, but I don't see how Amazon could have offered such a superb deal on this phone. Now (mid - August 2008) it costs $430. Was that typo, when you said it sold for under $100?
Amazon definitely listed the Philips phone for $99. Maybe it was a sale or it was used? I see one listed now for $149. Still better than $430.
Why is Amazon's price so high. It's listed on Skype for $149 brand new.
I bought mine for about $60 US from the Skype store, as part of a deal where I had to sign up for one year of "phone the world" for $10 a month. I don't think they have this deal, anymore, but if they do, HOP ON IT! I have used this phone for a week now, and it's the best of both phone worlds. If I could find another handset for it, I'd be ecstatic! A great feature not mentioned in this article is that the batteries are not proprietary, as the phone uses AAA batteries, which after using the Linksys WiFi phone with it's very limited battery life, is a great option to have. To answer some questions: I have Skype on my PC and a PSP, have the Linksys and Philips phones, and have yet to have a conflict between any of them. If you punch in a phone number to call, it gives you the option of using your Skype or landline numbers to make the call, and the caller ID on the person you're calling will respond accordingly, depending how you have your Skype account set up. If you press the 'Talk' button and then dial, it uses your landline. This is a simple, yet impressive phone that I highly recommend. If anybody can find me an additional handset, feel free to email me at plankton247@gmail.com if you will, please. Email me any further questions, too, and hopefully I can answer them.
Does the phillips VOIP phone have a port to connect a standard home phone to it?
Is there any other product that comes with a router and skype program builtin so that we can connect it to our home phone wiring system. The same way vonage & lingo does?
I have two problems with my VOIP 841.
1) How do I set/reset the volume of the handset? Just recently as I call someone I can not hear what they say....and my mute function is not engaged.
I would think it should be able to reset the volumn control on the handset relatively easy, BUT i can't seem to find out how??
2) I have a Skype-In number and the Skype Voicemail service that worked just fine prior to my getting this Philips phone. BUT now if I leave this phone on all day and my computer off, my Voicemail functions do not appear to work properly? With the Philips phone hooked up, my incoming caller does not get my recorded voicemail announcement message when I'm not avaible to answer in person on a timely basis. When I get home I do find a reference to the incoming call having come in, BUT it is not recorded on the Skype screen on my computer (it is listed only on the Philips unit). AND when I get in touch with the caller I ask if they received my voicemail annoucement, to which they reply NO, they did not receive any message from me ??
Brian,
Try and make sure that voice mail is set up on your Skype app on your PC AND set up on the Philips phone also. Mine works fine and I'm in Panama with a Skype In phone number and I get voice mails without a problem.
Thanks, I got it to work. I just didn't realize I did not have the setting correct on the external Philips phone. I get lost in the computer language sometimes and the number of buttons to press and find various info. Thanks again
Great review but some questions -
1. Do you know if you can set ringing tones for different Skype accounts?
2. I'm interested in the headset capabilities. Any ideas what is on offer there?
3. Can I be logged onto the same Skype account on the phone and a computer at the same time?
Thanks for the answers in advance!
Steve,
1. You can only have 1 skype account at a time on the phone. There are different ring tones for Landline, Skype-In, and Skype-to-Skype
2. Not sure.
3. Yes you can be logged into same skype account on PC and phone at the same time. When your skype number goes off, both phone and pc will ring.
I love this phone.
Thanks for the reply Theron,
It seems that Philips have discontinued their entire phone range including this one so it's no longer available.
The RTX is the closest thing (another excellent DECT Skype phone by the way) so I may look into that.
I liked your review of the Philips VOIP841 cordless phone. Unfortunately I have been unable get an answer to a specific question over the net regarding it's use via satellite internet.
I am using skype now with my rural broadband wild blue satellite internet connection via my pc. Works great with web cam in the US and overseas connections from pc to pc.
Can the Philips or other Skype phone work with satellite internet? I'd love to dump my land line. Also does the Philips VOIP841 have voice mail? If yes can the messages be received remotely?
DE
Hi!
Thanks for the review.
Some comments on your observations:
1. The admin logon screen for the based station on a browser allows you to switch from the 10 MBPS mode to the 100MBPS mode.
2. The redial is available by hitting the call (green) button which enables the redial through the left menu button. Though its not a one click redial but still works.