Landline or Skype? Netgear lets you have both.
(Credit:
Netgear)
Netgear announced today a dual-mode cordless Wi-Fi phone that supports both traditional landlines and Skype VoIP calling. The Netgear SPH200D Dual-Mode DECT Cordless Phone With Skype has a base unit that plugs into both your network router and a phone jack, allowing you to switch between Skype calls and traditional calls. It uses the 1.9GHz band, which should keep it clear of interference from your (or your neighbor's) wireless network. You can view your regular contacts and your Skype contacts, on the handset's screen, and when making a call to a non-Skype user, you can choose whether to make a SkypeOut call or a landline call.
Like the Linksys iPhone CIT400, the SPH200D loads the Skype client directly on the phone base unit, so you can turn off your PC and still make Skype calls. Both models support up to four handsets on a network.
The Netgear Dual-Mode Cordless Phone With Skype is available now, for $200.
