Here is another WiFi phone for the Skype users. It is from the cordless phone maker, Panasonic Communications Co., Ltd.
Dubbed as KX-WP1050, the latest handheld device provides all the basic Skype services, such as Free Skype-to-Skype calling, SkypeIn and SkypeOut functionalities, Skype Voicemail, Skype Conference Calls, Skype Call Forwarding and finally the Online Status of Skypers.
The additional feature includes Travel Router, WPA wireless security system. It has a Lithium-ion 730mAh battery that provides 4.5 hours’ talk time and 55 hours on stand-by. It can be charged through any spare USB port.
Coming to its components, the WiFi Phone has a loud handset speakerphone and a built-in headset jack for long distance calls. It is 0.62″ thick and weight is below 4 ounces.
It is now available for $399.
Comments
I have been looking for a Skype phone for my home. This one is great but Panasonic needs to fix a few things. First, they should sell the handset separately as an option (something like $99 or less). I have an Apple Airport Base Station and I do not need theirs. Even if I did, I still want to have multiple phones for my several Skype accounts and buying the whole package several times is too expensive. They would sell thousands of handsets if they sold them separately, because this is a great phone. Second, they need to offer a charging cradle/dock. The battery life is very short and it is a hassle to have to hook up the handset to the base station or some computer through USB every other day. Third, they should upgrade the software on the phone so that you can have a list of identities and easily flip between them to check/enable your various accounts. You should also be able to set each identity individually so that no password need be reentered every time you switch to that identity. Overall, a very nice phone but be mindful of the limitations described above, especially as pertains to the charging cradle. I will be waiting for the second iteration before I buy another one. Panasonic, are you listening (there is zero possibility of customer interaction on your black box site)?