U.S. Robotics Cordless Skype Dual Phone Review

The USR9630 Cordless Phone from USRobotics is an interesting proposition. The silver device looks like a regular household DECT phone, but connects to both a traditional phone line and an available USB port on a Windows PC running Skype. Thus, it allows you to make and receive Skype calls in addition to regular telephone calls (low-cost calls with non-Skype users is available via SkypeIn and SkypeOut services). It also allows up to four cordless handsets to be connected to the same telephone line.

Compatible with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports, the USR9630 (£60/$119) sports DECT 6.0 technology so it does not interfere with 802.11a/b/g wireless networks, Bluetooth devices, and other home appliances. It has an indoor operating range of 50 metres and outdoor range around 300 metres, although we found these figures very optimistic. There’s an integrated speakerphone in handset for hands-free calling - although this is impractically located at the rear of the handset - backlit graphical LCD display, as well as integrated echo cancellation and noise reduction technology for improved conversation quality.

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