Cisco-Linksys CIT200 Cordless Internet Telephony Kit for Skype

The Linksys CIT200 Skype phone has worked marvelously with my PC and Skype. I have two laptops, one with XP and one with Vista, so I opted to install it on the XP to avoid any Vista issues. At first I couldn't get it to work, but only because I hadn't installed all the drivers (tip: it'll seem like it's installing the same driver multiple times, but it's really different ones. The PC will automatically begin the "Found New Hardware" stint, even after installing with the CD. Just let it do its thing as many times as it needs to). Once everything was set and I learned how to call out (dial 001, then full number with area code) it was fine. Sound quality is great on both ends with very good reception. There are a few things to note: - You can't input contacts on the phone itself. It has to be done via Skype on the PC. You can, however, assign your contacts speed dial numbers (also done using the PC) for easier dialing. - If you initiate a call via Skype on the PC, you can't hear it on the phone. You have to start off calling via the phone to use the phone, otherwise you'll hear a bunch of beeps when you try to pick up. - The time on the phone will set itself once hooked up to your PC, so don't stress yourself trying to figure that part out. It's a very simple phone, so those looking for something more advanced will be disappointed. But for a great internet phone this works just fine. It has a speakerphone, which worked well on the first try, as well as a socket to plug up an ear piece (sorry, no bluetooth). I tried Vonage a year ago (it never worked properly) before learning about Skype's cheap calling rates and simple usage, and ever since getting this phone I have absolutely no regrets.

This unit, reading its description, excited me. I received my unit after more than two weeks (come on Amazon) and immediately installed it. The software installation was easy, with no problem. The unit is advertised with 60 minutes free and came with a 60 minutes voucher. I redeemed the voucher, charged the battery during the night and started to use the phone in the morning. So far, so good . . . After less than 3 (three) minutes of connection, the line went dead and I could no longer use the phone. It took me a few hours to figure out that my account had run out of money. The 60 minutes voucher is simply false advertising. I tried to get in touch with Linsys (at the phone number given on the box) and, after 25 minutes, was talking to a guy in India who told me that this product is NOT SUPPORTED by Linksys! I asked to talk to the manager and then to the manager of the manager: same answer. Second false advertising. After sending some cash to my account, I could use the phone again and have used it now for a month. I found a major problem with the phone: you cannot use it to call a number requiring to enter more keys, like an extension or a menu # for example. This makes this system totally useless for any business application and of limited use for other applications. Other less important problems are random disconnects and the very awkward retrieval of numbers on the screen. The interface is so poor that when you have more than 20-30 stored numbers, it's faster to dial them, even if you need to look at your favorite tel. list somewhere to find the number! The batteries, which came with the phone, did not hold charge. I had to change them after a few days. Conclusion: No service, false advertising and a major technical defect. I do not recommend this unit.

I buy as many of these devices as I can because I am searching for that perfect balance of comfort, technical reliability, and cutting edge design that will make my digital life easier and more fun. I use Skype intensely with my international job, and Skype has become a fixture in my arsenal of remote office and cost-cutting tools. Skype is a KEEPER! The CIT200, however, is NOT a keeper! The CIT200 is basically a cordless phone that connects to your computer via USB 2.0. It also has a power cord with a small (but still clunky) power adapter which plugs into the base where the cordless phone charges. The device is generally a great idea, but the SOFTWARE DRIVERS are TERRIBLE. They do not consistently load when I start my computer or Skype, yet the dialog box always claims that they are running. Skype is always updating its product and thus new versions are released with some frequency. I believe the CIT200 drivers were written for an older version of Skype, and they just don't work reliably. The manual even claims that the product was only tested with an older version of Skype. If you're mobile and take your computer/laptop with you everywhere then this solution will not really work well, in my humble opinion. It's just not portable enough to take in your laptop bag. If you're working on a desktop and not moving the configuration around a lot, then it may work better for you. However, my biggest PROBLEM is that the product doesn't recognize Skype is running 4/5 times. The software drivers are just NOT good. * Keep an eye out for the Netgear SPH101 Skype Wi-Fi Phone which is a great iddea, but won't work in hotels (or a Starbucks) where you need to log onto through a browser to establish a connection to the Internet.

I purchased this for business use thinking it was a dual phone i.e. use as skype phone and also plug into a landline as well. It's not :( BUT - as a skype only phone it excels. The most surprising thing was the range. I walked all around a 10,000 sq ft warehouse with racking in place and reception was excellent. It only began to drop out when I walked to the furtherest end of the store (about 70m) that it became very patchy. The Cisco branded charging base station just adds to the feeling of reliability and quality. At this price (£36) you will be very pleased. Incidentally, if you are looking for a dual phone, the Siemens SL565 is just stunning, but at £100+ not suitable for warehouse use.

Bought this phone to work with Skype...and was impressed right from the moment I took it out of the box. OK you do have to wait 14 hours for the first charge of the batteries...but setting it up couldn't be easier. Run the cd, connect the base station and that's it. If only all plug 'n play products worked so well. Only slight problem was with the sound card settings when you install it. I lost sound on my pc until I realised it was trying to play everything through my new phone. Easy fix though (see the online manual). Phone range is good and hasn't dropped a call yet. I hadn't bought any Linksys kit before, but based on this experience would buy it again. I only give 5 stars to exceptional (out of the ordinary) bits of kit, which exceed expectations. It's too easy to get carried away because something works like it's supposed to. $ stars will do for this one.

Unreliable Skype phone and power base.