VoIP Tech Chat

Traveling with Fred and Patrick can be adventurous. If nothing else, the facial expression of the unlucky passenger winning the “I got to share a seat with Fred or Patrick on Plane” lotto is fantastic. Yes, we need to diet, but that’s another post. Besides the adventures in spacial planning one must overcome to sit on a plane these days, communication while traveling also provides challenges. Thankfully, the majority of places travelled provide wireless Internet access — via either HotSpot or, our favorite, Free WiFi. Mmmmmm… free WiFi.

VoIP allows us to connect like never before. Sure, most (if not all of this audience) use Mobile phones; but there are times where a cellular signal simply doesn’t exist. And with a cellular phone, you don’t have complete direct access to all of your “local” functions. Enter the WiFi phone — perfect for those times where you have ample WiFI signal and simply don’t feel like running your softphone client.

With most WiFi VoIP phones, one easily connects to the Wireless Access Point, registers, and makes calls. However, if the WiFi network requires a “click through” acceptance, a web logon, or a similar HTTP (web page) acceptance, the Wireless VoIP telephone becomes as useless as Brussels Sprouts in a buffet.

The Linksys WIP330 WiFi VoIP Phone includes a web browser, complete with mouse capabilities, allowing you to logon to hotspots, click ok buttons, or do any of the commonly required tasks of gaining access to WiFi networks. This one feature not only makes the WIP330 stand out from the crowd, it also makes it one of the only devices you can use while traveling.

Fred purchased a Linksys WIP330 in early August and is ready for the 3 month review…

First the Negatives

Battery Life: You’ll charge the phone every day. And, if you use the phone heavily, perhaps 2x / day. On the positive, the included cord is long enough to allow use of the phone while charging.

Voice Quality: Although no complaints from “the other side” of the conversation were received, the voice quality can be choppy; regardless of the codec used.

Overall Quality: Poor. Within three months, my speaker seems to have blown, causing the ringer to sound like a robot screaming for help while trapped in a well.

Any Positives?

Usage: Easy to use, saves WEP passwords, remembers last location.

Hotspot: Works GREAT at hotspots, airports, restaurants, schools, and every WiFi access point tested.

Bottom Line?

Decent WiFi phone with the ability to access almost any hotspot imaginable. Battery life needs improvement. If you need a WiFi phone that must be used at hotspots or Access Points with click through agreements, this is your phone. If you don’t need it, it’s a little too expensive for what you get