The popularity of IP telephony services is growing every day: more and more new operators, services and programs for communicating via the Internet are appearing. Hardware manufacturing is growing rapidly. Today in the high-tech market the user is offered phones that connect to USB port computers and equipment that can be connected directly to the network. There is also high-tech equipment that provides a whole range of services: voice conferencing, video channel, data transfer, etc. In general, the choice is rich, and you can simply get confused in all this abundance. To prevent this from happening, we bring to your attention the materials in this chapter, which is devoted to hardware for Skype telephony.

After reading it, everyone will be able to navigate the variety of communication tools for VoIP telephony. You will learn what minimum set of equipment is needed to communicate via the Internet using Skype and what equipment exists that provides higher functionality. You will have a clear idea of ​​what you need to buy and then what to do with it.

A sound card, microphone and headphones are the minimum set that will ensure voice communication over the Internet; without it, you are unlikely to succeed. In this section, you will become familiar with the types of equipment, consider the differences between similar models, and also learn how to connect devices to your computer.

Sound cards have become an indispensable part modern computer, they convert sound into a digital signal and vice versa. Since a PC without the ability to listen to music and record sound from external devices It is unlikely to be needed by anyone; almost all modern system (motherboards) have a built-in sound card on board, which provides very decent sound parameters.

The sound card outputs are located on the back panel of the computer. For example, in Fig. 2.1 you can see the outputs of a standard sound card on the motherboard.

Rice. 2.1. Sound card outputs are marked with a circle

In addition, some modern motherboards are equipped with multi-channel sound cards that have not three, but six outputs. You can see an example of such a board in Fig. 2.2.

Rice. 2.2. Multichannel sound card outputs

Many users are not satisfied with the capabilities of built-in audio processing cards, so they install sound cards purchased separately. An example of such a map is shown in Fig. 2.3.

Rice. 2.3. External sound card

Now you know the main types of sound cards and can easily find the outputs you need. Let's figure out what they are responsible for. As you probably noticed, the outputs differ in color, so finding the one you need is not difficult, and next to each of them there is an icon informing about the purpose of the channel.

For example, to connect a microphone, look for an output with a microphone icon, which is usually pink. Connect headphones or speakers to linear output, it is green. If more is needed detailed information, refer to the instructions for the card. So, we will assume that you have a sound card. However, as you will later find out, under certain conditions you can talk even without it.

If you want to hear your interlocutor, you must have a voice playback device. Standard desktop speakers may be suitable for this. However, when a person is not alone in the room, he is unlikely to want others to know what he is talking about. In addition, the sound from the speakers can disturb other people. The way out of this situation is to use headphones.

In principle, you can have absolutely any headphones, for example from your CD or Flash MP3 player, but if you want to completely isolate yourself from extraneous noise, I recommend purchasing closed-type headphones. For example, such as in Fig. 2.4.

The quality of the headphones will naturally affect the sound quality. If you need headphones only for communication, almost any will do, because the human voice affects a very limited frequency range, which even inexpensive models can reproduce normally.

Rice. 2.4. Closed-back headphone example

Since you are going to communicate two-way with the other person, you will also need a microphone to transmit your own voice. Finding such a device will not be difficult, because almost any one will do. For ease of work, it is better to use special computers equipped with a stand that will allow you to adjust the height and angle of the microphone.

In addition, there are microphones that are attached to clothing or with a headband. So you won't have to move it to turn to the side. But in general, the situation with microphones is the same as with headphones - as long as it is convenient for you to work.

Despite the fact that using headphones (speakers) and a microphone separately has its advantages, in most cases it is more convenient to use combined devices - headsets. In appearance, they resemble headphones, to which a microphone is attached so that it is always near your mouth. In Fig. 2.5 you can see a classic closed-back headset.

Rice. 2.5. Analog headset

As you can see, at the end of the wire there are two plugs: one of them is inserted into the microphone jack, and the other into the headphone jack. As a result, you get a very convenient device for negotiations.

In other cases, you will also need to talk with others, then you should use a headset with one earphone, as in Fig. 2.6.

Using this device makes it possible to work “on two fronts”: you will simultaneously hear both the interlocutor via IP telephony and the people around you.

Please note that the devices discussed above had an analog interface, that is, they were connected to a sound card. In addition to them, there are also digital ones that allow you to do without a card. In Fig. 2.7. An example of a digital headset is presented.

Such devices are connected via USB and free you from the need to use a sound card. Decide for yourself which device suits you best.

Rice. 2.6. Headset with one earpiece

Rice. 2.7. Digital headset

If you use a headset and audio speakers on your computer at the same time, you have probably encountered the problem of switching the signal between these devices. The PC Headset Speaker Switch, developed by Plantronics, can solve these types of problems. This is a compact and stylish device that can be located in any convenient place and is capable of switching the audio signal from the headset to the speakers and back with one click of a button.

The device connects to the connector of a sound card from any manufacturer and does not require preliminary settings.

To use and share video captured from your camera, you may need a special device called a webcam.

If you want to stream video when communicating on Skype, you will need a webcam designed to capture video and send it live. The official Skype website recommends using cameras of the highest quality (High Quality Video) or standard ones (Standard Webcams). For example, the Logitech Quickcam Sphere AF camera allows you to capture high-quality video (Fig. 2.8).

You can limit yourself to a simpler device - a standard camera. Its main advantage is its low cost. But, naturally, the video quality will be much lower. In Fig. 2.9 shown standard camera for communication in Skype Logitech QuickCam Chat.

By connecting such a device to your computer, you can transfer your image to your interlocutor while communicating via Skype.

Rice. 2.8. Logitech Quickcam Sphere AF webcam

Rice. 2.9. Standard Logitech QuickCam Chat

As you already know, to conduct a conversation over the Internet using Skype, you only need headphones, a microphone or a headset. However, the development of IP telephony does not stand still, which has led to the emergence of devices with much higher functionality. Many manufacturers began to produce devices specifically for Skype. Outwardly, they resemble ordinary phones, so you don’t have to think long about how to work with them. If you use Skype telephony services quite often, then purchasing such a device will be quite justified.

This section will briefly talk about technical tools and innovations in the field of Skype telephony. On the Skype website you can find more detailed description equipment, various components and add-ons for Skype. Enter in the browser address bar email address http://www.skype.eom/intl/en/mobile/#panelPresetl and the Skype website page will be displayed on your screen.

Nowadays, widespread wireless technologies based on the Wi-Fi standard. Wi-Fi technology, short for English Wireless Fidelity, literally means “reliable wireless communication”. The peculiarity of this wireless communication standard is its fairly high data transfer rates, as well as its large signal range. Therefore, it would be strange if Skype manufacturers did not use new technology. Without going into technical details, let's take a look at the new products that support this standard. As an example, consider the Skype-certified Belkin Wi-Fi phone, model F1PP000GN-SK (Fig. 2.10).

Rice. 2.10. Certified Skype phone F1PP000GN-SK with Wi-Fi technology

Other certified models for Skype that have appeared recently are also of interest: Edge-Core WiFi Phone for Skype (WM4201), NETGEAR WiFi Phone for Skype (SPH101) and SMC WiFi Phone for Skype (WSKP100). These devices are wireless Skype phones that allow you to work with the program anywhere you have access to a Wi-Fi network. This could be a cafe, a hotel room, an airport, or just a home or corporate location Wi-Fi access. On the Skype website you can get additional information about new models and even buy them in the online store.

Built into the phone software to work with Skype. This makes it possible to use all the main voice functions of the program, such as Skype to Skype calls (Calls between Skype subscribers), SkypeOut (Calls to regular phones from Skype), SkypeIn (Call to your own Skype number), Skype Voicemail (Skype Voicemail). On the pages of the book a little later we will talk about all types of calls.

The phone has a large color display, which clearly displays the Skype contact sheet, which is automatically downloaded from the server. Edge-Core WM4201 phone is easy to set up and operate, meets specifications wireless standard 802.11b.

Your phone comes with built-in software updates to ensure you always have the best experience. latest version Skype. The Edge-Core WM4201 package includes a headset, a USB charging cable (220 V) and software updates.

Except Wi-Fi devices for Skype telephony there is also cordless phone (cordless phones). They connect directly to the telephone network and do not require a computer to operate, which is their main advantage. An example of a Skype phone of this type is the Dualphone 3088 model (Fig. 2.11).

Rice. 2.11. Skype phone Dualphone 3088

Model Dualphone 3088 is cordless phone for Skype, which does not require connection to a computer and provides communication within a radius of up to 300 m from the base. You just need to connect the Dualphone station to the broadband Internet, and you will have a great opportunity to talk to friends via Skype for free. Using low SkypeOut rates or telephone network operator rates, you can make calls to regular phones to any country in the world. Popular user interface Skype, a large color display, excellent sound quality and easy software updates directly from the phone - all this makes the Dualphone 3088 convenient and attractive to the user.

3 Skypephone is the first mobile phone that allows you to make calls, open and chat for free, with just one click. In Fig. 2.12 shown appearance phone 3 Skypephone.

The phone can be used to communicate with all Skype users, regardless of whether they are using a computer or a mobile phone.

By moving your list of Skype contacts to your phone's address book, you can easily manage them, no matter what type Skype call commit. At the same time, you can use all the main functions of Skype, including displaying online status, call history and Skype chat.

Rice. 2.12. Phone 3 Skypephone

The phone is based on BREW technology. The abbreviation BREW comes from the English name Binary Run-Time Environment for Wireless, which translates as “application development platform for mobile devices" This technology allows mobile phone owners to quickly download and run applications without using the phone's processor. It not only provides users with high quality communications, but also provides a full range of modern services - from ringtones and screensavers to full-fledged multimedia applications, including games, videos, etc.

On April 24, 2008, Skype officially announced the release of the first public beta version of the Skype client for mobile phones with Java support. Skype can work on many phone models made by Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. In the near future, this list should expand significantly.

The version of Skype for mobile phones allows you to use simple and group chats, create a list of contacts with presence status display, receive calls from Skype subscribers, make Skypeln calls. Unfortunately, the Skypeln and SkypeOut functions are currently available only to residents of seven countries, including Russia. This significant limitation on outgoing calls is explained by the operating principle of the new client. Contact list support, chats and call initiation occur via a GPRS connection. The calls themselves are made through a local gateway, to which the subscriber’s phone is dialed via GSM channels. This method is designed to make communication reliable and high-quality, which a GPRS connection cannot provide. Naturally, the call fee increases by the cost of the call within the cellular network. At the same time, as practice shows, Skype calls to long-distance and international destinations still remain significantly cheaper than calls at the rates of cellular network operators.

In any case, the appearance of the official Skype client for mobile phones is an important event and a big step towards Skype users. Today it is in the testing stage and is not available for all phone models.

Currently, there is a tendency to combine all types of communications into a single whole. Mobile phones have the Internet, the Internet has telephone connections, etc. Skype combines the most different ways communication. They will be discussed in the following chapters of this book.

This ends the acquaintance with additional devices, capable of making life easier for Skype telephony users, as well as expanding the range of available services.

In this chapter, you learned about specialized equipment that is designed to work with Skype. With its help, subscribers communicate with the interlocutor via a voice channel, and in networks with sufficient bandwidth, you can even organize video conferences.

The minimum kit required to work with Skype includes headphones, a microphone and a sound card. It may be absent or not activated if there is a digital signal converter in the headphones and microphone. Such headsets are usually connected via a USB port.

In addition, there is a whole series specialized phones designed for conversations on Skype. They can be conditionally divided into groups, which were described in this chapter.

The development of electronics has led to the creation of devices that can connect to the Skype network via wireless interfaces, such as Wi-Fi. There are devices that can forward calls from Skype to any landline or mobile phone.

The information received will be enough for you to decide on the necessary equipment for communication via the Internet or other data networks. You can easily find it on the Skype website.

The next chapter will look at probably the most popular service in our country for communicating via the Internet - Skype. You will learn how to set up a connection through this operator, as well as what additional features You can use it by becoming a Skype subscriber.

When you set up your desk phone system in Office 365 to work with Skype for Business, your organization will communicate using Skype for Business and will have conference audio pass through the phone. You can also place calls using a Skype for Business client using any phone near you (such as a cell phone, home phone, or hotel phone). Just like calling from your company's primary phone number, the person you are calling sees the phone number. When you make Skype for Business calls with audio that is redirected to your landline phone system, you receive professional audio, plus:

instant messaging - quick copy/paste of a URL to share, for example;

general access to the desktop and to applications - a convenient and visual demonstration for employees and work on solving problems;

attachments - send files to other users without leaving Skype for Business

Note: There are some actions that are not available in this case - recording a meeting, sending a PowerPoint or other file, using Skype for Business video, Whiteboard, OneNote, such as integration and polling and Q&A components. And you won't be able to add users to the call - it's a scenario of you and one other person. If you need any of these Skype for Business features, then you should set up a regular Skype for Business meeting that is not routed through your desk phone.

An administrator must configure this feature for your company. It's easy to find out if your company has enabled this feature. In the Skype for Business main window, click the gear icon () to open the window parameters. If you see an option in the list Call forwarding, this means that Skype for Business is not configured to work with your desk phone. If on the list Call processing, this means your desk phone is integrated with Skype for Business.

Preparation - Setting up call processing, the number of outgoing calls to a landline telephone telephone system

If you want to use your landline phone system for Skype for Business audio, simply set your outgoing calling option to use that number.

Important: Users on a private line or users who are assigned the role of supervisor, delegate, group leader, group member, or response group member cannot use this feature. Changing the configuration for use with a Skype for Business desk phone will disable call processing and call forwarding settings until you complete these other tasks. Additionally, if you change these settings, for example to forward Skype for Business calls to your mobile phone when you are away from your desk (or when using the Online Skype for Business client - which automatically installs Simultaneous call to your mobile phone), you need to change the settings back again if you want to call the Skype for Business system/Phone landline later, after returning to the office.

Making a phone system landline/Skype for business call

After outgoing call the number was installed on the landline phone system, then when you make a call using the Skype for Business client, Skype for Business calls the phone first, pick up the phone, you will hear the other user making phone calls, and then they are detected and done! Talk and Show and share with Skype for Business client.

This diagram will help you better visualize this process:

Below are the details:

Review and characteristics of phones for Skype
A large number of Skype users want to use not a headset (headphones and microphone) for calls, but a full-fledged phone! This problem can be solved in several ways, such as installing Skype on your mobile phone and using it for Skype calls, but this comes with some problems, for example, for a good, stable Skype works you need good fast internet, and fast internet not in your mobile phone, except when your mobile is connected to a Wi-Fi network, in which case the Internet speed is quite enough to make calls via Skype installed on your mobile phone. If your phone has GPRS Internet, then you won’t be able to make calls via Skype, but you can use chat.

There are special phones for Skype, the choice is wide, you can choose a handset that connects to a computer using a USB cable, such handsets (phones) for Skype are easy to set up and use! In most cases, USB handsets (phones) for Skype do not require complex setup; just launch Skype on your computer and insert the USB cable of the handset into the computer and you can make calls via Skype through the connected USB handset (phone). That is, you will hear the interlocutor in the USB handset itself and you will also need to speak into the handset.

Cordless handset, or cordless Skype phone
A cordless handset, or cordless Skype phone, is much more convenient than a model with a cord! A wireless Skype phone will allow you not to be tied to one place; the phone handset does not have a wire, which means you can, in a place with a Skype telephone handset, move far from your workplace, or rather from the place where the base is located. The cordless telephone itself is similar to a regular radiotelephone, consisting of a handset and a base; there can be several handsets in a set; the handset and base are connected wirelessly via a radio channel; using a similar solution, you can organize office PBXs. For example, a Dualphone allows you to use both Skype and regular telephone communication! This phone is equipped with DECT technology and provides maximum quantity connections thanks to the ability to make multiple calls simultaneously and are equipped with automatically updated software for working with the Skype service.

WiFi Skype phones
Skype phones working in WiFi networks are wireless phones in which Skype is already installed, and they work without a computer, you can freely carry the handset with you, after turning on the device will search for available Wi-Fi networks, all you have to do is connect. This type Skype phones are convenient because you can use them anywhere, anywhere in the world, the main thing is that you are in Wi-Fi zone, having found a Wi-Fi network, you will need to log in to Skype using your username and that’s it, the device is ready to use, Wi-Fi – the phone will not be replaced if you are leaving for another country, take it with you and you can even make calls from your Skype being far from home. This phone does not connect you to your computer; this phone can be used anywhere there is WiFi network, conversations on this phone have the same characteristics as conversations on Skype via a regular computer.

3Skypephone devices for use in company networks 3
3Skypephone phones are a joint product of Skype and the telephone company; 3Skypephone devices already have Skype installed and the phones themselves are adapted for use on them Skype programs, many Skype functions on this phone are performed with the press of just one button. 3Skypephone phones are different good quality voice communication, which makes using Skype on them very comfortable. Also, Skype users on 3Skypephone phones can download and install different applications, and the technology this phone such is that during certain actions, for example, when installing an application, the device’s processor does not load at all. Skype installed in the 3Skypephone device has all the same functions as Skype installed on a computer, 3Skypephone users can indicate their online status and can see the history of calls and chats. The only drawback is that 3Skypephone phones only work on network 3.

Wireless USB radiotelephone for Skype
The SkypeMate USB-W1DL USB radiotelephone, popular in Russia, is an easy-to-install and use device with a good price-quality ratio! This Skype phone consists of a base and a handset; the base is connected to a PC using USB cable, and the handset itself is used without any wire! Using Skype on this device, you can make and receive calls, and you can also use additional functions. The handset has a sound signal for all incoming calls, you can also select the type sound signal, it is possible to select Skype subscribers and dial phone number Using the keyboard, you can view the list of Skype subscribers and the call log on the phone display. Blue screen backlight.

As you know, Skype is the most famous and most frequently used program for voice communication over the Internet. Moreover, what makes it especially popular is the ability to call from Skype to regular phones located almost anywhere in the world, while paying mere pennies - 5-15 cents, depending on the region. I already talk about how to work with Skype. In this article we will talk about what devices Skype is used with, because this program requires at a minimum the presence of headphones (speakers) and a microphone. Speakers and microphone The easiest way is to use regular speakers (built-in speakers) and some kind of simple microphone for conversations over the Internet. This is especially convenient in the case of laptops, which are equipped not only with built-in speakers, but also with a built-in microphone. (Sometimes also with a webcam, which Skype can also use.) However, this simplest method is not the best at all. First of all, due to the fact that the microphone will pick up the sound coming from the speakers, as a result of which a noticeable and very unpleasant echo will be observed during a conversation. (Skype has certain software that allows you to reduce this echo, but you won’t be able to completely eliminate it.) In addition, with this communication mode, your conversations will be heard by others, which is also not very good. Therefore, speakers and a microphone are practically not used when communicating via the Internet. Headset Much more often, together with Skype, they use the so-called headset- headphones with a microphone attached to them. In this case, there is no longer any echo, and your conversations will not be heard by anyone except you. However, headsets are very different. The simplest and most inconvenient are one earphone with an attached microphone and a plastic earpiece for attaching behind the ear.

The simplest headset

The next type is a single earphone with an attached microphone, which is attached not to the ear, but to the head - using a plastic arch.

More complex typeface

It’s more convenient to use this device as a headset, but it’s not good to use as headphones. Therefore, the best option is regular headphones with a microphone attached to them.

Headphones with microphone

This type of headset can be successfully used as regular headphones, and as a headset for communicating via Skype. Telephone handsets Headsets are headsets, and the most convenient way is to talk via Skype using various handsets. After all, this is actually telephone conversation, so the tube is the most common option. There are many different devices of this type for Skype, which are divided into three main categories:

wired tube connected to the computer via USB; a cordless handset that works with a base that connects to a computer via USB; a wireless handset that works with a base that connects to the router.

Skypemate USB-P8D

Sometimes such handsets are produced in exotic configurations - for example, the Skypemate VM-01L handset is also a computer mouse.

Skypemate VM-01L

ASUS AiGuru S1

The General Electric GE 2-1878GE5-A telephone turned out to be much more successful. It worked for more than one year, and there were no problems when using it. Moreover, this device can simultaneously act as a regular DECT phone, although I did not need this function from it at all. However, this model also has a noticeable disadvantage - it does not understand the Cyrillic alphabet in the names of subscribers.

General Electric GE 2-1878GE5-A

Device contents

It all starts quite simply. The base unit is plugged into the network and connected via an Ethernet cable to the router. After this, all you have to do is enter your Skype username and password on the handset.

Entering login and password

The handset even allows you to register in Skype new user - I checked, everything works.

User is connected

The handset can also show funds in the account balance, if any. Contacts are called up using a special button and are taken, of course, from personal account of this subscriber from Skype servers.

Contacts

The device supports full operation with Skype. You can add new users, rename them (though, unfortunately, you cannot enter the Cyrillic alphabet, although if the name was changed to Russian on the computer, it will be displayed normally), delete and block. The handset also accepts authorization requests and allows you to process these requests in the same way as on a computer.

Authorization request

Well, and, accordingly, other types of Skype settings are available to the user - for example, from whom to receive calls and from whom not to receive.

Security Settings

I was also pleased with the fact that the device can show subscriber avatars during incoming calls.

Incoming call

The range of the handset indoors is up to 50 meters. I wasn’t able to move 50 meters away from the base (the ballroom is currently under renovation, you simply can’t get through there), but within thirty meters the audibility was excellent. The handset itself has a headset jack - this is, in general, quite useful for cases when you need to have a long and tedious conversation with someone. Having a DECT phone (which, by the way, also supports pulse dialing, which is not always the case) can also be convenient. You can set priorities for certain subscribers - use a DECT call first, and if it is not available, then Skype. You can make the handset prompt you which line to use. In general, the device, in my opinion, is more than worthy and convenient. Skype support is done just fine - almost all functions are available to you without a computer, including answering machine, conference calls, call forwarding, selection of online status, and so on. By the way, the base unit supports connecting up to four handsets, and they can make internal calls to each other. The only two small complaints that I have relate to the impossibility of entering the Cyrillic alphabet on the keyboard of the tube (in general, it’s worrying), and the design of the cursor keys on the handset: the keys are made of soft plastic, they are pressed tightly, so it’s impossible to simply press them with your finger - you have to press fingernail

Cursor keys

However, the numerous advantages of the device clearly outweigh the minor disadvantages. It is very, very convenient to use, and the phone works without any glitches - I used it very actively for a week. Conclusions A headset is the simplest and most inexpensive, but somewhat inconvenient device for use with Skype. Wired handsets, as a rule, work quite reliably, and they cost 800 rubles. You should be careful with cordless handsets, as they often turn out to be buggy, so you should buy only proven models. However, there are dozens of proven options. The cost of cordless handsets is approximately 2000-3000 rubles. Cordless handsets that do not require a computer are just beginning to appear on the market. They are the most convenient, but you have to pay for the convenience - the cost of both the Zyxel V352L EE and the Topcom Webt@lker 6000 is stated to be around 5,000 rubles. But in my opinion, it's worth it.

(VoIP) and, in particular, Skype, are of increased interest to many active Internet users. It makes an indelible impression on people who have never encountered it before. Of course, you can talk for free with a subscriber located anywhere in the world, for example, in the USA or New Zealand. But all you need for this is nothing - speakers and a penny microphone (not counting, of course, a computer with Internet access).

Internet telephony in general and the Skype service in particular are a very attractive communication channel for users. When making calls, service users only need to pay for Internet traffic, and it is now inexpensive, especially when unlimited connection to the Web. It is possible to call via Skype to landlines and mobile numbers, but it is necessary to make a small subscription fee. For example, the unlimited “World” plan, under which you can call landlines in more than 40 countries around the world, will cost 10.29 euros (including VAT). True, Ukraine is not yet on the list of countries, and in Russia phones are available only in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In addition, Skype supports SMS sending, video calls, voice mail, call forwarding.

Time passes, and users are now offered specialized telephone sets, supporting Internet telephony (albeit not all of its capabilities). First of all, these are phones that work with Skype (many are officially certified for Skype), the most popular VoIP service. That is, not an attempt to make a Skype background out of an ordinary mobile phone using, but devices specially designed for these purposes. We will look at the advantages and disadvantages of four such gadgets available in Ukraine.

What types of Skype backgrounds are there?

SMC WSKP100

The SMC WSKP100 model is not new - it was first introduced back in 2006. Her Internet connection is via Wi-Fi. This device looks no different from the old-fashioned one. mobile phone. It is a monoblock with a 1.8-inch diagonal CSTN color display. The design of the device is not amazing; it is a rather awkward-looking device, almost two centimeters thick. The body is made of plastic, there are no complaints about the build quality.

The keyboard unit has navigation key. On the left side of the phone there is a volume control key, on the bottom side there is a miniUSB port and a jack for a wired headset, which is included in the package. Both connectors are covered with plugs. The phone is charged via a USB port; the kit includes a wall charger and a USB cable.

Connecting the phone to Skype did not cause any difficulties. He quickly found a Wi-Fi network and then asked for the Skype username and password. When all necessary manipulations were completed, the device was ready for Internet calls. This phone provides high-quality communication, but when using a headset, the connection noticeably deteriorated, the subscriber's voice became quiet and muffled.

The SMC WSKP100 phone has quite modest functionality, which, however, is typical for all such gadgets. There is a list of contacts, voice mail, the ability to search for contacts in Skype, several pre-installed ringtones, a vibration alert mode, as well as call history.

SkypeMate USB-W1D/W1DL

The SkypeMate USB-W1D/W1DL is a wireless USB phone. Externally, it looks like a regular DECT phone; it consists of a base station and a silver-black handset, made of plastic. The quality of their assembly and appearance do not cause any complaints, although this gadget cannot be called fashionable. The handset is equipped with a monochrome display, which is illuminated with blue light when active.

In order to use the phone, you need to connect the supplied base to your computer via a USB output. Skype must be installed on your computer. If it is not there, Skype can be installed from the disk that came with the phone, or downloaded from the Internet (the program is free). From the same disk you need to install the SkypeMate program, designed to synchronize a USB phone with Skype application. After completing this procedure, the SkypeMate USB-W1D/W1DL handset will display a list of contacts previously added to Skype installed on your computer. To make a call, just select the required contact from the list and press the call key (it’s the same as in mobile phones).

It should also be noted that the phone base is used both for charging the handset and for working in conference calling mode. There is a special key on the base to enable conference calling. In this case, it is necessary that the handset is on the base. In addition, the phone itself can work with another Internet telephony program - the X-Lite application (analogous to Skype), but working with it is beyond the scope of this article.

As for the voice communication itself, its quality corresponds to the quality of a regular telephone. Audibility is good both when using the handset and in conference call mode. The range of the handset is 50 meters, which is quite enough for an ordinary apartment or office. And in terms of capabilities it is similar to SMC WSKP100.

DUALphone 3088

The DUALphone 3088 also looks similar to a regular DECT phone. Its design is average and the build quality is excellent. The body is made of black matte plastic. The highlight of this device is the ability to simultaneously connect to a regular fixed telephone network and to the Internet, bypassing a computer. Installation is easy and takes a few minutes. In this case, the base station must be connected to the telephone and computer network. The installation process is very clearly described in the attached instructions in Russian.

The delivery set includes a base station that connects to the telephone line and the Internet, as well as a stand for the handset, which is also charger. The range of the base station is 50 meters. In the phone settings, you can select a priority communication line - regular or Skype. The priority line is easier to work with and requires less manipulation of the buttons. When talking on one line, you can hear a call on the other and switch to the new subscriber.

The device provides excellent communication, both by phone and via Skype. I'm glad that it has a color display. In terms of features, it is similar to other handsets.

ASUS AiGuru SV1

The Asus gadget is the most expensive (about $300), but also the most functional - it supports video calls. Which puts him out of competition and increases interest in him. It also stands out from other gadgets because of its design: it is not like a regular phone, but a videophone for stationary use. Therefore, it will take a little time to get acquainted with this device.