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About a year ago, I started working from home. I wanted to install an office line - but I needed something I could take with me if I ever moved (which, a year later, we did move to a different state). In reviewing the options, I knew I wouldn't be using the phone too much, so I decided to go with Skype as a provider - primarily due to the low cost of the Skype service.

However, I didn't want Internet telephone service on my PC. I wanted a real phone to use.

The Linksys CIT400 really fit the bill for ease of use, reliability, and features. After a year's use, I can tell you this is really a nice phone. It features support for Skype AND a hardwired phone line - so I can just have one phone in my office for my business line and my home line.

Product Description

The Linksys CIT400 Dual-Mode Cordless Phone with Skype is part of the iPhone family of products that use the Internet to enhance the way you communicate. The CIT400 is a full-featured cordless phone that provides an easy way to take advantage of Skype Internet calling as well as place calls over your normal phone line (PSTN) from a single device. No PC required! Just sign into your Skype account from the handset, and your contacts and their availability are displayed on your color screen. Advanced DECT cordless technology won’t interfere with 802.11 wireless networks.

Dual-Mode capability lets you choose whether to make calls over a standard telephone line or with Skype. Just select who you want to talk to from your contact list on your handset and get ready to talk.

Of course, the handset supports SkypeOut dialing as well as your Skype contact list display. It rings when you have a Skype or SkypeIn or standard telephone call coming in, and shows the caller's ID on the screen. The handset also supports call waiting and Skype's optional voicemail service. When you're on a call, you can hit the mute button for privacy, or use the speakerphone function to let everyone join in. Other features include polyphonic MIDI ringer melodies on the handset and voice encryption for maximum security. You'll also enjoy 120 hours of standby time and six hours talk time on the handset's rechargeable battery.

The Linksys CIT400 also allows you to choose to make calls to other Skype users or over your existing standard telephone line. You'll get the convenience of a cordless phone and all its features, plus the high-quality voice reception integrated right into your Skype handset--no computer is required.

Setup

Setup of the Linksys CIT400 couldn't be simpler - originally, I had the basestation in my basement near my networking gear with my office on the second floor - in the opposite corner of the house. The phone was setup in my office. During the past year, I didn't have any trouble with interference or with the distance the phone was from the basestation. We have all your normal gear in the house (well, normal for any geek) - wireless network, microwave, cordless phones, and several wireless devices - but no interference on phone calls.

Once you plug the device in, you have to enter your username and password for Skype to get service. This gives you access to your phonebook, voicemails, SkypeOut, and any other Skype services you subscribe to.

Everyday Use

For a long time, we used VoIP for our telephone. The service wasn't great - frequently I heard complaints from people I was talking to about the quality of the phone calls. This was a provider other than Skype - amazingly enough, I haven't heard the same complaints while using Skype - for a service that is MUCH lower than our previous provider.

Every day use of the phone is simple - it acts just like a normal telephone. When you make an outgoing call, the phone asks you if you want to use SkypeOut or a Landline. Either use results in the same thing - an outgoing phone call. Incoming calls on Skype have Caller ID, but I do not get Caller ID on incoming landline calls. I don't know if this is a problem with the phone (a design flaw?) or if it is my local telephone provider. Overall, I am very happy with the performance of the phone.

Recommendation

Overall, the Linksys CIT400 is a great option for treating Skype like a normal phone line. I highly recommend it.