acropolite
08-01-2006, 11:39 AM
Bought a new gadget a few days ago and thought IIS Skype users might be interested. The device is called a Skypupa, AKA skybox. It's a USB device, powered from the USB port, that interfaces with your PC and enhances Skype.
Why use an interface when a headset or PC speakers and a mic will do? ....You ask:confuse3:
The Skypupa interfaces to a normal analogue telephone handset, the very same one you make your local calls on. In addition the Skypupa passes through your normal telephone line connection to the phone and generates ring for incoming VOIP calls. The Skypupa simply connects on to your telephone line, before your phone. Incoming skype calls will then ring the phone and can be answered away from the PC. (The PC has to be on of course). Skype contacts can be called by assigning a speed dial number between 01-99 within the skype software. To call a number in speed dial, pick up the phone and dial ** (to tell the Skypupa you want to make a VOIP call) then the number followed by ## . For example if I have Joe Bloggs as speed dial 17, to dial simply pick up the phone, dail ** wait for a fraction of a second for the VOIP connection then dial 17## . With the Skypupa set to PSTN default, the instant you pick up the phone you get your normal telephone providers dial tone and incoming public telephone network calls will ring the phone as usual. Voice quality is good, IMO better than with headset. The unit cost $85 from an ebay supplier http://stores.ebay.com.au/Hello-Tech . Hello-Tech were very prompt, the unit arriving just 2 working days after order; they also have batteries at good prices for Canon DSLR's. The Skypupa is physically quite small and comes with all necessary connecting cables.
Pros... Uses your regular telephone handset, calls can be initiated and answered both on PSTN (e.g.Telstra) and VOIP away from the PC. Easy to use and speech quality is good. VOIP calls ring on standard phone. Contacts in Skype can be easily dialled from the phone. According to the documentation the unit will also function as a sound only device for MSN and yahoo, although I haven't tried it with MSN yet. The box is software updateable for future enhancements and changes to Skype.
Cons... The unit, when set to PSTN default, doesn't give a Voip dialtone when voip is requested using **. In my case it doesn't matter because the SKypupa is connected as a dedicated line on my phone system and is set to VOIP default. If you're using PSTN default, once you are aware of this requirement it isn't an issue.
Summing up, the best gadget I've bought so far this year....:nerd:
Why use an interface when a headset or PC speakers and a mic will do? ....You ask:confuse3:
The Skypupa interfaces to a normal analogue telephone handset, the very same one you make your local calls on. In addition the Skypupa passes through your normal telephone line connection to the phone and generates ring for incoming VOIP calls. The Skypupa simply connects on to your telephone line, before your phone. Incoming skype calls will then ring the phone and can be answered away from the PC. (The PC has to be on of course). Skype contacts can be called by assigning a speed dial number between 01-99 within the skype software. To call a number in speed dial, pick up the phone and dial ** (to tell the Skypupa you want to make a VOIP call) then the number followed by ## . For example if I have Joe Bloggs as speed dial 17, to dial simply pick up the phone, dail ** wait for a fraction of a second for the VOIP connection then dial 17## . With the Skypupa set to PSTN default, the instant you pick up the phone you get your normal telephone providers dial tone and incoming public telephone network calls will ring the phone as usual. Voice quality is good, IMO better than with headset. The unit cost $85 from an ebay supplier http://stores.ebay.com.au/Hello-Tech . Hello-Tech were very prompt, the unit arriving just 2 working days after order; they also have batteries at good prices for Canon DSLR's. The Skypupa is physically quite small and comes with all necessary connecting cables.
Pros... Uses your regular telephone handset, calls can be initiated and answered both on PSTN (e.g.Telstra) and VOIP away from the PC. Easy to use and speech quality is good. VOIP calls ring on standard phone. Contacts in Skype can be easily dialled from the phone. According to the documentation the unit will also function as a sound only device for MSN and yahoo, although I haven't tried it with MSN yet. The box is software updateable for future enhancements and changes to Skype.
Cons... The unit, when set to PSTN default, doesn't give a Voip dialtone when voip is requested using **. In my case it doesn't matter because the SKypupa is connected as a dedicated line on my phone system and is set to VOIP default. If you're using PSTN default, once you are aware of this requirement it isn't an issue.
Summing up, the best gadget I've bought so far this year....:nerd: