Linksys CIT400 Dual-Mode Internet Telephony Kit with Integrated Skype
From Linksys
Product Description
Get cordless handset convenience when you use Skype Now when you want to talk to your friends you dont need your computer because the Skype application is pre-loaded on the phone. The Linksys iPhone Dual-Mode Cordless Internet Telephony Kit with Skype comes with the handset, charger, and a Base Station that plugs into your broadband network and to the standard telephone line plug. Dual-Mode capability lets you choose whether to make calls over a standard telephone line or with Skype. Just select who you want to talk to from your contact list on your handset and get ready to talk. Of course, the Handset supports SkypeOut dialing as well as your Skype contact list display. It rings when you have a Skype or SkypeIn or standard telephone call coming in, and shows the callers ID on the screen. The Handset also supports call waiting and Skypes optional Voicemail service. When youre on a call, you can hit the Mute button for privacy, or use the speakerphone function to let everyone join in.
Product Details
- Brand: Linksys
- Model: CIT400
- Released on: 2006-12-21
- Dimensions: 4.96" h x 5.79" w x 1.40" l, 5.00 pounds
Features
- Product Type - VOIP Product
- Warranty - 1 year
- Distance Range -- 300 Meters Outdoor, 50 meters Indoor
- Number of Channels -- 10 channels (Europe & SA), 5 channels (NA)
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The Linksys CIT400 Dual-Mode Cordless Phone with Skype is part of the iPhone family of products that use the Internet to enhance the way you communicate. The CIT400 is a full-featured cordless phone that provides an easy way to take advantage of Skype Internet calling as well as place calls over your normal phone line (PSTN) from a single device. No PC required! Just sign into your Skype account from the handset, and your contacts and their availability are displayed on your color screen. Advanced DECT cordless technology won't interfere with 802.11 wireless networks.
A user-friendly interface makes Skype-ing easy.
The base station plugs into your internet and landline connections. View larger.
Get total wireless freedom with the Skype handset. View larger.
Dual-Mode capability lets you choose whether to make calls over a standard telephone line or with Skype. Just select who you want to talk to from your contact list on your handset and get ready to talk.
Of course, the handset supports SkypeOut dialing as well as your Skype contact list display. It rings when you have a Skype or SkypeIn or standard telephone call coming in, and shows the caller's ID on the screen. The handset also supports call waiting and Skype's optional voicemail service. When you're on a call, you can hit the mute button for privacy, or use the speakerphone function to let everyone join in. Other features include polyphonic MIDI ringer melodies on the handset and voice encryption for maximum security. You'll also enjoy 120 hours of standby time and six hours talk time on the handset's rechargeable battery.
The Linksys CIT400 also allows you to choose to make calls to other Skype users or over your existing standard telephone line. You'll get the convenience of a cordless phone and all its features, plus the high-quality voice reception integrated right into your Skype handset--no computer is required.
Long Range, Clear Sound, and Minimal Interference
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication (DECT) technology enables long range, great security, and incredible call clarity. Operating at 1900MHz, the CIT400 uses a different wavelength than the crowded 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies used by most cordless phones. So it won't interfere with wireless networks such as 802.11b or 802.11g Wi-Fi.
Easy Setup
The included Quick Start Guide walks you through the easy steps to setup your new dual-mode phone. Skype is already installed on the base station. Plug in the cables and sign into your account.
What is Skype?
Skype is a little piece of software that lets you make free calls to your friends all over the world. With an Internet connection and Skype in use at both ends, you can call anyone, anywhere in the world, for free! And with the optional SkypeOut service, you can make low cost calls to traditional landline or mobile phones worldwide at local rates.
The CIT400 has Skype software embedded in its cordless base station. Plug the integrated Ethernet port into your home network and use Skype without needing to ever turn on your computer.
What's in the Box
Handset, 2 AA NiMH batteries, charger, base station, 2 power adapters, RJ-11 cable, RJ-45 cable, quick installation, and user guide on CD.
Customer Reviews
Good product
I had been using an adapter that allowed me to place Skype calls using my regular cordless telephone hooked to my computer (a mac). That worked okay but there were a fair amount of dropped calls. Since switching to this Linksys CIT400 phone (which bypasses the computer and connects directly to the router), I have not had any dropped calls with Skype. Strongly recommend it to Skype users.
I selected this Linksys model over comparable phones by Netgear, Philips, and GE based solely on the price. I expect they would work equally well.
Very Pleased
I was a little uncertain of getting this phone and skype as no one I know has ever used it much less heard of it. I chose this phone because it does not require a computer USB, this plugs directly into the router and is always on! I ordered on Amazon, shipping was fast and easy. When I got the phone I plugged it in and it actually worked. It has worked so well I cannot believe more people are not using this service. People have said that it sounds better than my house phone. service through skype is less that $2.00 per month on an unlimited annual plan. Sign up with skype was quick and easy. Contacts can be entered in the computer and they will show up on the phone. This has the best speaker phone of any phone I have had and the range is amazing. The only drawback which is minor is the time it can take to connect is somewhat longer than on a traditional phone but at $2 a month a few extra seconds is no problem! And of course the customer service is needing some help. Do not hesitate to make the plunge and try tis out!
Great Phone with a few minor annoyances
This internet phone was easy to set up on my all-Mac network, and works very well. I have used Skype on my computers for about 4 months, so the transition was easy. My initial reason for getting Skype was as an alternative to paying $25 per month or more for land-line long distance, and it was very satisfactory for this purpose. However, I found I missed being able to place and receive calls from anywhere in the house. The CIT-400 solves this problem nicely. I'd give it 5 stars but for a couple of annoyances.
The biggest one is that there is no fast scroll through the Contacts list. The only way to scroll up or down is by repeated presses of the navigation button. It takes a lot of time to get to, say, Nelson, in a 100+ name contact list this way (to say nothing of the wear and tear on the button and your finger). You can use the keypad to spell a full or partial name to find it, but this usually takes 8-10 keystrokes to spell enough of the name to get a reasonably small number of matches. (Entering just "m", for instance, doesn't take you to the names beginning with "m" in the alphabetical list, it brings up all the contacts with "m" anywhere in the name.) Spelling on the keypad is also slow and error-prone, especially when you get to the trifocal age like me. I've implemented a little "speed dial" work-around by naming the 10 contacts I call the most 0.Marty, 1.Johnsons, 2.Susan&David, etc., so these are always at the top of the list.
There are a couple of other areas where the Skype experience on the phone is much less satisfactory than on the computer. Managing your contact list via the phone is impractical, partly because of the spelling-with-the-keypad problem. Searching for Skype users on the phone is incredibly slow compared to doing it on the computer.
