Linksys CIT200 Cordless Internet Telephony

Linksys CIT200 Cordless Internet Telephony

Published August 25, 2008 at 01:15:52 PM, by Dave Bethune

Overview

The new Linksys CIT200 Skype phone stems from the intellectual merger of Linksys hardware and Skype VoIP technologies. Voice over IP (VoIP) technology has been around for some time, enabling users to make phone calls on a global scale through the internet with one flat fee. The Skype service is slightly different then the usual VoIP providers in that they do not charge for calls within their own network. In addition, Skype outbound calls are relatively cheaper then their VoIP counterparts.

The Skype service currently offers domestic calls within the United States at prices around 2.1 cents a minute, in comparison to other VoIP carries, such as Vonage, that charge around 2.6 cents a minute. In previous generations of Skype technology, most users would be restricted to their computers to utilize the Skype calling functions. Until now, most Skype users utilized headset/microphone hardware combinations or speaker/microphone hardware combinations to make calls to other Skype users or calls using the SkypeOut service. These hardware setups provoked barriers for users as well as the Skype network itself because most users were tethered to their computers by the restriction of their corded hardware distances. In contrast, the new Linksys CIT200 system enables users to be free from the confines of their USB headsets and walk freely around in their environment, at relatively far distances thus bringing landline analog telephone replacement one step closer with Skype service.

Design

The CIT200 package includes the handset, charging station, and USB base station. The handset is very small and portable measuring 1.86 x 5.20 x 0.87 and weighing in at only 4.59 oz, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or in your pocket. The rear of the handset also has a belt clip to use with the hands free kit. The front of the handset's button layout will be familiar to most cell phone users. Standard 'talk' and 'end' buttons provide similar functions as on most cell phones along with the standard dialing number pad for the direct dialed SkypeOut, which are not in the Skype contacts list. SkypeOut is the VoIP function of the Skype service that enables outbound direct dialing calling. Calling charges vary depending on where you are calling, but for the most part, per minute charges are relatively cheap. We will go into more detail about regional calling costs in the features section. Two buttons cradle the color LCD display screen which provides a variety of functions when cycling through the many menus.

When not in use, the handset conveniently sits on top of the charging cradle that is connected to any standard 110v outlet. The CIT200 handset is powered via 2 AAA rechargeable batteries. Linksys recommends that you charge the battery for 14 hours prior to first use to ensure a long battery lifetime.

The USB transmitter sits virtually anywhere close to a computer USB connection. Like a landline wireless home phone, the transmitter can also locate a missing handset via the paging button located with the center of the base station silver casing. The button is surrounded by LED lights that illuminate different colors to indicate handset usage as well as other functions.

Features

VoIP Calling
Previous incarnations of Skype hardware confined its users to the portability of ones desktop or laptop by using its microphone, but thanks to the CIT200, the Skype community can now use the system like any other landline wireless telephone.

The handset operates in the 1.8-1.9Ghz range, which is well below the cluttered 2.4Ghz spectrum of regular wireless phones. One of the most impressive features is the range of the CIT200, advertised 300m outside and 50m inside doors. We will talk more on how this stacks up in the performance section.

SkypeOut
SkypeOut is a service that allows you to make phone calls to people who don't have Skype service. You can link up a bank account or a Pay Pal account to purchase SkypeOut minutes which run about 2.6 cents per minute depending on where you are calling. An added feature is that Linksys includes 60 prepaid minutes for CIT200 so you can test out the SkypeOut features and then get hooked so you can buy more. You can still call all your contacts in the Skype Network for free. If you want to receive in-bound calls, you can purchase SkypeIn service at $38.00 a year. For that price you get a standard phone number in any area code you wish and free voicemail. At 2.6 cents per minutes for international call, you can call all around the world at a fraction of the price of standard analog service prices, a huge plus for those who call internationally.

Display
The color LCD display is clear and vibrant. Utilizing the hotkeys lets users cycle through the various menus. You can cycle through your list of Skype contacts and see their current status, offline or online. To call a contact, all you have to do is select them using the arrows and hit 'talk'. The LCD display shows many call aspects such as talk time, overall phone usage, and battery life. Through the various menus, you can change the ring tone or set alarms, much more then the average analog cordless home phone.

Performance

Installation
The CIT200 setup and operation is almost as easy as plugging in a regular telephone line. Simply plug in the base station via USB and Windows prompts for a driver CD. After the initial install, a Skype account should be set up if you do not already have one. Sorry Mac or Linux users, the Linksys CIT200 is only supported by Windows. There is no word from Linksys that the other systems will ever be supported.

The base station can be utilized with up to four handsets, all assignable with individual addresses through the Skype software. This enables the CIT200 system to be a quazi intercom system. Dial a specific handset, click 'talk', and you're connected to one of the four locations. If you somehow misplace a handset, you can hit the center button on the base station to page one or all of them. The feature comes in handy when one of the handsets gets wedged between the couch cushions. Handsets also have a speaker phone feature that is surprisingly clear so you can throw the handset on the desk to free up your hands.

Performance
After taking the CIT200 out of the box and letting the handset charge for the recommend 14 hours before the first use, we were ready to see what this little baby could do. Of course we're not ready to throw away our landlines just yet, we needed a little convincing that the CIT200 could get the job done. The first test was to make a regular call using the SkypeOut minutes include with the CIT200. Calling the Laptop Logic offices was simple and easy, once we figured out the correct number dialing format. Since Skype is a global network, the international format is necessary to complete a call. Using the + sign (holding down the '0' key) and then 1 and the number, we were in business. It was interesting to hear the simulated dial tone and digit tones, there to make most users comfortable and forget they were using something that was completely digital and not the standard analog sets.

VoIP technology has really changed the way telecommunication companies do business. Skype is one of the leading companies in Europe; Vonage and Covad hold the largest amount of subscribers for the US markets.

The benefit of Skype is that its service can be free, only if your friends and family are signed up with the Skype service. If not, per minute charges are very cheap as compared to other VoIP services. Skype charges per minute varying rates for different countries, other VoIP services charge a flat fee, but only for the United States. For example, Vonage charges $14.99 for 500 minutes, but that is still more expensive at 2.9 cents a minute and its only good for the continental US. Skype is global. You can call your pal in Mexico or your sister in Japan, and rates are still very cheap. What's even better, if they have a broadband connection, all they have to do is sign up for the Skype service and its all free, forever! And with the global Skype community at over 220 million and growing strong, you are bound to meet people that have the service.

SkypeOut Per Minute Rates
USA	$0.021
USA-Alaska	$0.026
USA-Hawaii	$0.023
Russia-Moscow	$0.021
New Zealand	$0.021
United Kingdom	$0.021
Thailand-Bangkok	$0.062
Taiwan-Teipei	$0.021
Peru-Lima	$0.030
Japan	$0.023

The Linksys CIT200 handset excels in all areas relative to regular wireless telephones. You can store up to 100 private contacts on the handset and up to 20 shared contacts, all which can be contacted with a single button push. The contact information is sent to the USB base station and stored on the computer Skype profile so it will not be lost if you take out the batteries inside of the handset. Find a contact, punch the 'details' button, and you will be able to view the Skype profile. You can also assign your contacts separate ring tones so you know who is calling. The most surprising aspect of this VoIP phone is the clarity. Once connected, conversation volume was extremely crisp and clear, and what was even more marvelous, I was using the Cit200 60 yards from the base station, through concrete and steel. Switching calls for conference calling and call-waiting was as simple as any other phone. Just hit 'talk' and 'recall', and you're connected.

Conclusion

Pros:

• Versatile
• Excellent Addition to the Skype Service
• Long Range
• Not confined to a computer when using the Skype Service
• Small and Portable

Cons:

• Slightly expensive
• No Mac/Linux support

Recommendation
Overall ease of use and portability of the CIT200 bring the Skype technology into the forefront of VoIP service. Having the ability to call anyone on the growing Skype community for free is a major plus, and with SkypeOut prices below other VoIP service providers, the CIT200 is a perfect addition for anyone who wants to use it as a replacement to the usual Skype hardware, but I would not be sure to use is as a main land line replacement. The handset has exceptional wireless range and the battery life is excellent. One of the most pleasing aspects about the CIT200 is that you don't have to be in front of your computer to make a call to any contact, all can browsed from the phone. If you're looking to increase the Skype interface and usability, the Linksys CIT200 is a perfect addition.

Availability/Warranty
The Linksys CIT200 Cordless Internet Telephony kit has a suggested retail of $129.99.

No User reviews for this product! Be the first to write a review on Linksys CIT200 Cordless Internet Telephony

To post a product-review you have to be a registered member.

Technical Specifications

No specifications are available.