Latest Product Reviews

Product reviews > Hardware > Internet Peripherals

Actiontec Internet Phone Wizard
Price: £39.95 inc VAT

Features
Performance
Ease of use
Value for money
Overall

Reviewed By: Andy Shaw

This review updated: 01/09/2005
Featured in magazine:
Issue 117
Manufacturer Contacts:
Supplier: Actiontec
Tel: 01256 346017
Web Address: www.actiontec.com


Using your broadband connection to make VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone calls is a great idea if you want to save money, particularly when calling abroad (which is cheaper than many landline options) or other VoIP users (which is free if you're using the same network). This innocuous-looking box lets you plug your current phone into your PC so you can use it for making both internet and regular calls.

Features
The package comes with Skype's software so you're ready to go as soon as you take it out of the wrapping. Install the software, unplug your phone from the phone socket, plug it back into this box, then use the supplied leads (a UK adapter and a USB cable) to hook the box up to both your phone socket and your computer. You can still make and answer regular phone calls as normal, or use Skype's service when your computer is switched on.

Performance
In use, this makes it easier to manage your calls. Your phone will ring the same whatever type of call is coming through but an indicator light on the Phone Wizard box will tell you whether it's a Skype or a regular call. Calls out can be made on either service – you just have to press the hash button twice to make a VoIP call when your computer is switched on.

Ease of use
The one thing you will have to remember is that your phone socket and your PC must be in the same area. Without this (if you're connecting to the internet via a Wi-Fi router somewhere else in the house, for example) you simply won't have long enough cables to make all the connections. As long as your set-up is close enough together though, using the device is simple.

Value for money
The main draw of VoIP technology is the value so it helps that this device costs less than £35. You could buy a dedicated USB handset for less, as we saw in last issue's group test, but having two phones hanging around will not be to everyone's taste. You also get 60 minutes of SkypeOut calls (actually only worth about 72p but that just goes to show you how cheap it is) and a free month of Voicemail (again stupidly cheap but it'll give you the opportunity to try it) included in the package.

More Internet Peripherals reviews:

• Netgear SPH200D Dual-Mode Phone
• Belkin Wi-Fi phone for Skype
• Vonage Wi-Fi Phone
• Netgear Skype Wi-Fi Phone SPH101
• Plantronics Voyager 510 USB