Philips VOIP 321 Skype Dual Phone Single Handset ( VOIP3211G/37 )
by Philips Accessories
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Our Price: $48.99
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Philips AccessoriesModel: VOIP3211G/37
Product features:
- Make or take free Skype calls as well as normal landline calls
- Directly access your Skype contacts list with the press of a button
- As easy to use as a standard cordless phone
- Stores 50 names and numbers
- Programmable ringtones distinguish between Skype and landline calls
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Philips VOIP 321 Skype Dual Phone Single Handset ( VOIP3211G/37 )
Customer Review: It DOES work with Vista
Summary: 4 Stars
I have been an Amazon customer for many many years, but I have not written a review until now largely because there are some misconceptions from other reviewers about this device's compatibility with Vista that I think are negatively affecting the reviews.
I purchased this phone primarily for use with Skype because I was tired of having to sit at my desk with a headset. I don't have a traditional phone line, so I cannot comment on any issues the phone might have with dual modes. I don't know how it compares with other VOIP phones and I purchased it used at a very attractive price and I use it strictly for making calls through Skype. Also, I work with computers so I am comfortable installing components and drivers.
I was aware before buying the phone that it uses a USB connection and requires the computer to turned on always and for Skype to be running. I was also aware of some compatibility issues with Vista but after reading through the forums on Skype and saw that many users were running it on Vista without problems, I felt sure I could get it to work.
Misconception 1 - Does not work with Vista
The phone in fact DOES work with Vista and I have mine running on Vista Business right now using the V3.8.3 drivers from Philips and Skype V.4.0.0.206. In all fairness, it is not a simple plug-n-play installation for most users.
After downloading the latest Vista drivers from the Philips website (V3.8.3 released September 2007) and installing it, like most people I noticed that in my Device Manager the phone showed up with a yellow exclamation point and an error message "Device Cannot Start (Code 10)". If you google that error you will soon find that it is a generic error that affects many different products running in Vista. After many hours of research, I found on the Skype forum that the best way to get the phone to work is to use a USB port with a VIA chipset. In short the USB ports on most motherboards are not VIA chipset so you need to install a new PCI USB controller with a VIA chipset VT6212L for the phone. I puchased one off eBay and installed it in a few minutes. Here is the same one I got - VIA VT6212L 4+1 Port USB 2.0 PCI Controller Card. Once Vista recognized the device and installed the drivers, I plugged the Philips phone into it and voila, the error was gone and the phone is now working problem free.
Misconception 2 - Disables Sound
When Vista installs the new phone, it recognizes that it has a mic and speakers and changes the DEFAULT sound options to the phone. This is why sound begins to play through the phone instead of through the computer speakers for some users. This has nothing to do with the phone at all. All you have to do is open your sound options in Windows and change it back to your computer speakers and mic and the problem is fixed. In Skype, make sure it is set to use the phone and not the computer speakers and mic.
Misconception 3 - Need Skype Contacts to make a Skype call
I had a problem with this myself until I read D. Cascketta's review from June 14, 2008 and San Kool's review from August 1, 2007 and Matt B.'s review from December 31, 2006 (thank you!). This misconception is probably due to poor documentation. You simply need to dial the number you wish to call and hit the "S" Skype button instead of "Talk" to call that number. I usually prefix the numbers with a "+"
I have had no problems with interference or sound quality since I've been using it. I particularly like that I can also listen to my Skype voicemail from the phone. I purchased it used and I've used it for a month now without any problems so I don't expect to see any other hardware issues. I has met all my expectations and I don't regret buying it.
I hope this information is helpful.
Description of Philips VOIP 321 Skype Dual Phone Single Handset ( VOIP3211G/37 )
Philips VOIP3211G/37 DECT 6.0 VOIP PHONE SYSTEM (1-PHONE BUNDLE) 1-PHONE BUNDLE; MAKES & RECEIVES SKYPE VOIP CALLS; MAKES INTERNET OR STANDARD PHONE CALLS; 50-CONTACT ADDRESS BOOK; AMBER DISPLAY & BACKLIGHTING; SPEAKERPHONE; UP TO 100-HOUR STANDBY TIME & 10-HOUR TALK TIME; ACCESS TO YOUR SKYPE CONTACT LIST FROM ANYWHERE IN THE HOME; CALL MANAGEMENT FEATURES INCLUDE CALL WAITING CALLER ID, CALL ON HOLD, MESSAGE WAITING & CALL TRANSFER;HANDSET KEYS INCLUDE LINE, DIALING KEYPAD, PHONEBOOK, CALL LOG, REDIAL, SKYPE & LOUDSPEAKER;AMBER BACKLIT;10-CALLS REDIAL LIST CAPACITY;10 MELODY RINGERS WITH LANDLINE OR INTERNET CALL DISTINCTIONDigital Cameras & Photo Categories
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