Getting it together

Skype Internet Protocol (IP) telephony is rapidly gaining popularity locally, but traditional phone calls are likely to be with us for quite some time to come, and that`s why the concept of having one phone that can handle both is a winner.

This was amply proven while testing the Olympia 9211 DualPhone, which not only enables users to make and receive both Skype and landline calls using a single handset, but does so wirelessly from anywhere within a 50m radius of the base station.

Getting started is as simple as connecting three cables between the phone`s base station and a power outlet, PC USB port and a telephone outlet, then installing software to manage the device. No problems encountered here.

Making calls is as simple as selecting the green phone key and dialling the number normally for traditional calls, or selecting the "PC" green phone key for using Skype. Charging the handset is also as simple as returning it to the base station, which doubles as a charger like many other wireless handsets.

For those not familiar with Skype, it`s a free utility that allows anyone with a computer and Internet connection to call anyone else with the same, at no cost other than the cost of the Internet connection.

Selecting the Skype key offers the choice between connecting to other Skype users or landline numbers, providing the user has subscribed to the appropriate Skype service. For a fee, SkypeOut credits may be purchased on the Skype Web site, which also offers free downloads of the Skype software.

Depending on the selection, a list of either Skype or SkypeOut (landline) contacts is displayed, enabling the user to choose which contact to call. Alternatively, for a SkypeOut call, users can simply dial the telephone number and press the PC green phone key.

The handset is easy to use and offers quite a bit of special functionality such as a phone book and call log that can be displayed on a clear LCD screen along with all sorts of useful information and indicators.

Although generally a fun device to use, the button action is not as positive as it might be, forcing a number of redialling attempts. Also, functionality to indicate the availability of Skype contacts seemed to work only intermittently, but these are relatively minor things.

The DualPhone performed surprisingly well, especially as the testing was carried out using a dial-up Internet connection instead of the broadband connection listed as a minimum requirement.

Even without the recommended broadband Internet connection, there were only slight delays and interruptions, and the line was clear on several Skype and SkypeOut calls to the UK.

Windows XP, 2000 and 2003 server were the only operating systems listed in the handbook. Other minimum system requirements included a 400MHz processor, 128MB RAM, 15MB free disk space and a CD-ROM drive to load the software.

Olympia`s DualPhone firmware can be updated via the USB interface. Up to three additional handsets can be used with a single base station, with call forwarding, intercom and conference call functionality, according to the handbook.

Definitely a nice to have, the DualPhone and others based on the same concept are likely to come into their own once broadband, "always on" Internet connections become more affordable and consequently more common.

The DualPhone is available countrywide from Even Flow Trade, or from a variety of suppliers in the major centres and online.