Netgear SPH200D: Dual-mode Skype / DECT PSTN Phone

Netgear have released their new dual-mode Skype / PSTN phone called the SPH200D. The SPH200D follows on from their first foray into the WiFi phone market, the highly-anticipated and warmly welcomed SPH101.

Like other dual-mode phones such as the D-Link DPH-C160S and Auvi PHIP64 the SPH200D will allow users to make calls via SkypeOut and receive calls with SkypeIn as well as with their standard landline number. The phone comes with the usual base station that can be connected to your landline via RJ11 and to your broadband router via Ethernet. When charged the handset has a maximum 12 hours talk time and 120 hours standby time.

The single major difference between the SPH101 and the SPH200D is that the SPH200D does not utilize WiFi, instead the cordless handset that comes as standard uses DECT. Many other Skype phones use DECT rather than WiFi because it occupies the 1.9GHz band and therefore avoids interruption with your home or business wireless network.

Do I prefer DECT over WiFi? Not necessarily. However, with DECT you are definitely much less prone to packet loss and other forms of data transfer degradation. I personally have a Philips DECT phone at home that is connected to Vonage via their standard adapter and have not had any conflict with my home wireless network.

In terms of design you can expect the normal Skype contact list and clean white layout. It’s very similar to the SPH101 in that regard, in fact this looks much more like the fabled Apple phone than the Linksys WIP320.

System requirements? Other than the broadband connection and Ethernet router, there are none. The SPH200D does not require a direct connection to a computer as Skype actually runs on the phone itself.

The SPH200D is available in stores now for $199.99. In the box you get the base station, cordless phone and a one year product guarantee. A rechargeable battery for the handset is also included.