Skype has become the program of choice for VOIP home users. Its widespread acceptance has been a recent success story, enabling you to speak to people all over the world for free or for a very small fee. The downside has been that you have to be connected to your computer or wearing a headset when you’re speaking. Enter the Siemens Gigaset S440 and M34 USB adapter, one of a new range of cordless handsets that give you the freedom to walk around while chatting.
The Gigaset S440 is a Skype and ‘normal’ phone, identical in form to any other DECT cordless handset with a large easy to use phonebook, Speakerphone, Poly ringtones and SMS capability. However, when combined with the M34 USB dongle, it has the ability to make both Skype and landline calls. Landline calls involve plugging your phone line into the base station and dialling as you would normally, and Skype calls can be made after a little set-up.
To make Skype calls you must have an Internet connection, preferably broadband. After installing the included Skype software, you must install the M34 software, which isn’t too difficult. From the Handset you then call the PC which behaves like another base station, select Skype, and this brings up the Skype buddy list on the handset. The M34 can also enable other remote applications from your pc such as Instant messaging and control of Windows Media Player.
The phone itself has looks slick, has a backlight colour screen, is small in size and sits comfortably in the hand. Once you’ve got it configured, you press a few buttons, make a menu selection or two, and then you’re chatting. If you receive a normal legacy (landline) call, a beep informs you and you can disconnect from skype.
These devices make Skype easy to use, and places VOIP comfortably into the domestic environment. If you can use a phone, you can now use Skype.
Verdict 9/10
Price: €199
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