October 26th, 2006
New York Times discovers mobile VoIP
Now, now, let us not get too techno-elitist like some of us are prone to do..
For the mobile VoIP uninitiated, as well as those of you who want a quick briefing on what's out there VoIP handset wise, the New York Times' Roy Furtchgott's got (say that fast, five times), a feature in today's paper on VoIP handsets and related gear.
Highlights, according to Roy:
The UT Starcom F1000 for Vonage ($130), connects using Wi-Fi and has all of the VoIP software built into the phone. That's two of those phones at the top left of the post.
The Netgear SPH101 for Skype ($230 before rebates) connects using Wi-Fi and has all of the VoIP software built into the phone. Since it connects to the Internet without a computer, it can work even when your computer is off.
The VTech IP8100-2 for Vonage comes with a base station that plugs directly into your modem or router and then connects wirelessly to two portable handsets. Again because the base bypasses the computer, it will work with any system.
The D-Link USB phone adapter ($65) connects to your computer and then requires software installation to run. The computer has to be on.
Part of me wants to say well, tell me something I don't know. But then I have to realize that I live in a larger world where some very smart people don't know what mobile VoIP is.
Or know what VoIP is, for that matter.
So if pieces like this can introduce this vital knowledge to the masses, more power to you, NYT.
Russell Shaw is an enterprise computing journalist, analyst and author based in Portland, Oregon. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
