Wireless handset for Skype suggestions

[Speedster]

I'm looking at getting my in-laws a wireless handset they can Skype with (they have wifi at home). It can either be a "direct" Skype phone (ie no PC required) or work via a computer. Any suggestions for products I should look at?

 

[twicode]

Samsung galaxy pocket. Less than R1k and has wifi.

 

[InTheCube]

Use a cheap Android device. If it has a front-facing video camera, then you can video chat as well. You don't need to put a SIM card in the device as you will be connecting over WiFi for home use. A cellphone is also more portable then a cordless/Skype phone - you can easily take your Skype calls with you wherever you go, as long as you have a data connection (WiFi or 3G). Charging is also easier, as long as you can find a USB port or USB charger, for which you should already be well covered. The cellphone will also double up as a spare in case your primary cell phone gives issues or is lost/stolen.

One advantage of the Skype cordless phone is that the battery life way better than that of a cellphone, but for obvious reasons. To counter that, you could buy a charging dock made specifically for the cellphone, and just place the phone back in the dock after each call, much like a regular cordless phone.

Another advantage of the cordless phone, is that you can often connect a Telkom line to it, and make calls through both Skype and Telkom, thereby replacing your existing Telkom phone.

So a few things to weigh up before deciding what to buy.

 

[Tim the Techxpert]

Hi there,
Low cost device such as an android does have advantages as Saajid suggested. Would they be comfortable with working an app? This is the question that you should pose to them. If not then the Skype cordless phone is an option. I have used Skype on an iPad and that might be a better option from a video perspective. I would look around for an iPad 2 second hand. Works well enough for skype but again they would need to be comfortable using a touch device.

Regards

Tim

 

[Speedster]

Hi there,
Low cost device such as an android does have advantages as Saajid suggested. Would they be comfortable with working an app? This is the question that you should pose to them. If not then the Skype cordless phone is an option. I have used Skype on an iPad and that might be a better option from a video perspective. I would look around for an iPad 2 second hand. Works well enough for skype but again they would need to be comfortable using a touch device.

Regards

Tim

Thanks. Ideally I'm looking in the sub-R1000 range which kind of excludes a low end Android. Also, with an Android they'd need to charge the thing daily. The Skype phone looks ideal, just a bit pricey

 

[thedutchman]

we've got the skype dual phone and all i can say is it's great. The build quality is good, it's easy to use, and because it plugs straight into the router, it doesn't use the wifi at all which does have some sort of lag and you can also use it as a house phone.