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LB-SP140 SkyMe USB Phone If you haven't heard of Skype, I'm surprised you're aware of the internet. Skype, simply, is a service that allows free high quality computer to computer calls over a broadband connection. International landline/mobile calls can also be made via pre-pay using SkypeOut. Skype isn't the first or last VoIP (voice over internet protocol) solution, but good marketing has made it the current world leader.
Once you've downloaded the software and registered, you can begin chatting with something as basic as a PC microphone and your built-in speakers.
But if you want something with a little bit more panache, you could invest in one of myriad headsets or phones that offer improved sound quality and convenience. Many are intrinsically Skype compatible, notably the phones, which allow the buttons to control program functions. Some have displays, although when used with a monitor these aren't strictly necessary.
In addition to the Skype Certified products, there are many cheaper products that offer a similar solution for a lower price, with poorly written but understandable documentation.
Tawain's Lobos have produced the LP-SP140 SkyMe phone, which is almost a clone of the popular IPEVO Free-1 USB handset. The only colour available is black, but a twin pack can also be purchased to save some money. At present only Savastore seem to stock it for UK delivery.
The phone apparently works with both Windows (2000/XP) and Mac (OS X), although Apple fans will find that the manual and box has had “Support Mac” [sic] stickers stuck on as a afterthought, and the Mac software is hidden in an unadvertised folder on the Windows mini-CD. The Skype 'S' featured on the keypad is not the official one, but in general the phone looks like a fairly attractive remote control.
Fortunately, it works; at least on a a PC. Installation is a simple matter of plugging it into a spare USB port—either v1.1 or 2—and the driver installs automatically. Assuming you've already got Skype on your PC, you then install the frankly ugly but unobtrusive SkyMe program which allows you to tweak settings and contains the API that allows the keypad and function buttons to work with Skype. You can make and end a call without using your keyboard or mouse and set the volume. Skype can also load on connecting the phone, if you don't have it on startup already, but I’m a little worried that removing the phone is simply done by pulling the cable out, not via a Safely Remove Hardware entry.
Skype and SkyMe aside, the LP-SP140 can also be used as a plain external audio device for other solutions such as Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, Google Talk and so on. The phone itself has a 16Khz sample rate and echo elimination for sharp sound quality, which on research matches many phones that cost just a little more. It's evidently clearer than a DECT landline phone with Skype. The USB cable is also detachable from the small and light phone, which is useful if you run in to a cable specific problem. There are four not particularly loud or varied ringtones to choose from and although not featuring an ergonomically curved form factor, the phone rests comfortably on the face.
One issue I have encountered is that occasionally the SkyMe program needs rebooting when the clear button doesn't work. I could, of course, just press Delete on the keyboard, but that defeats the purpose of its keyboard free operation. A benefit of using a USB solution is that you can listen to music through your PC's speakers, which won't interfere with a conversation via the phone.
Though I've not had it too long, and admittedly it seems back-of-a-lorry, this is a perfectly adequate Skype phone, demonstrating that there's no reason for an essentially “dumb” phone to cost an arm and a leg. It mightn't be hands free, but headsets aren't for everyone.
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