Netgear SPH200D user reviews (Skype)

Pros I like the fact that I can use Skype without turning on my PC. It is pretty good at making calls. There are some quirks. Some calls don't connect on the first try.

Cons I use my Skype phone to make business calls. Occasionally it is necessary to dial access codes after the call is answered. Most of the time the numbers dialled after answering don't register on the other end.

Summary It is frustrating because I can do this using the soft phone on my PC, but not using this "phone".
I tried to get this issue resolved by contacting Netgear. They sent me off on a tangent of upgrading the firmware, resetting the base unit and resetting the handset. After a couple of weeks of doing all this (to no avail) the warranty expired and Netgear washed their hands of me! And the still expect me to shop Netgear for future purchases.

Pros The basic unit works OK.

Cons The documentation is WRONG. Can't register additional handsets.

Summary I purchased an SPH200D with a SPH150D additional handset. I followed the instructions for registering the added handset to the base station. The unit failed to register the handset after numorous attempts. The instructions are WRONG! I called tech support. They also were NOT able to give me the correct instructions to register the spare handset. Thye told me to return the unit to the store. I returned the unit and got another set. It behaved the same way. I was still not able to register the spare handset. Finally I called NETGEAR tech support back and got a level 2 engineer who told me that you have to hold down the page button on the base station while registering the handset. NOWHERE in the documentation nor online documentation nor level 1 tech support is this little "secret tweek" revealed. NETGEAR deserves 10,000 tech support calls per day until they FIX THEIR BROKEN DOCUMENTATION for this otherwise functional product!

Pros Easy set up

Cons Mine just stop working after a while

Summary Started out great. Easy to set up and use. Skype menu is a bite weird for accessing voicemail but otherwise it was a good device for my wife to keep in touch with family and friends (we live overseas). 3 months later, the thing just stopped working. Keep cycling power but the hand set just would not keep a constant connection with the base station.

Pros Combines Landline in/out and Skype in/out in one handset. Does NOT need the PC for Skype connection. Relatively easy to set up. Cordlenss handset with built in Speaker and will take a headset.

Cons Connector to router wiggles and so you can get disconnected if someone jostles the base station. Selection process for landline or Skype can be annoying

Summary After the 14 hours charging time, my son and I got this set up (base station plus 2 handsets) in 15 minutes and not a gliche since.. been running two days. I like that the handsets replace the landline handsets ( all in one !) but now everyone in the family can easily access the cheap long distance.
Still working out glitches with voice messaging and Skype In.. but that is with Skype overall not these handsets.