While VoIP is widely being used for free (or affordable) calls to anyone in the world, users usually have to be sitting in front of their computer to have direct access to this service. Linksys aims to remove the ?computer? in the VoIP equation by introducing the CIT400, a dual mode portable telephony kit that comes built-in with the Skype program.
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It may seem a good idea to combine two different kinds of telephony (traditional and IP-based), but will it work without a hitch? We take a closer look.
The kit comes with the handset, rechargeable batteries, a charging base, a base station, two power adaptors, a telephone line cord, an Ethernet cable, a quick installation guide, and a user's guide CD. Users have to charge the handset (for 16 hours) and connect the RJ-11 telephone line cord, Ethernet cable, and power adaptor to its base station. Users can also add up to four additional handsets to the base unit, and can be ?paged' by pressing the page button.
The handset has an LCD screen (128 x 128 pixels) for easy menu browsing, has five hotkeys (menu, contact, intercom, mute, and loud) on its keypad, and even comes with a 2.5mm jack for hooking up an external headset. The Linksys handset also comes with a built-in speaker at the back for its speakerphone function.
Performance:
The main hook for this product is the fact that it can make Skype calls without being hooked up to a PC or notebook. But it also makes traditional calls. The Linksys CIT400 supports SkypeIn/Out, Skype to Skype calls, landline calls, as well as call waiting and Skype's optional voicemail service. Users can view their contacts, call history, Skype status, add new contacts, and adjust the phone settings by pressing the menu key (upper left button). Unfortunately, uses cannot store landline contacts on the phone, forcing them to store data onto their Skype accounts.
