I think it is Linksys - I know it days 'Dualphone' on it and is black with a blue circular button in the middle. Will check when I get home and let you know. I got it from Amazon and was around 80 pounds for the one with one handset (but you can buy additional if you wanted it in more than one room). I believe this is the only model currently available on the market.
I don't to use a VPN to connect on my computer to use it either - but as I said I don't use Skypeout (which is the bit that is usually blocked by Etisalat and requires a VPN) I only call to another Skype user.
Nickym1d - my gran is almost 80 and has no trouble using it at all. It's not fiddly so it is perfect for her. The only thing is that your mum will need broadband and not dialup (I don't know if anyone still has that in the UK now though - lol!)
Im wanting to buy my mam one for use in the UK while we are in Dubai.
I'll try and have a look for your recommendations
As you say Bella, i think it may be easier for my mam rather than a laptop and getting connected etc...
Hi MandyM
I also use a cordless handset and it works great, without the need for a VPN. I have the Linksys one (I think Linksys and Philips are the best in terms of functionality and have used both). However, the base of my cordless is connected to my Linksys router, which is then plugged into my Etisalat e-life. I think that is why I have never had any issues (the Linksys router acts like a firewall and has all the connectivity set up to get through the e-life router). I know others who haven't put a wifi router on top of their etisalat one sometimes have problems connecting.
Good Luck!
ps. Got ours in the UK, couldn't find it here.
ETA there is only one Linksys model when it comes to cordless/no pc connectivity.
<em>edited by DubaiMaman on 08/02/2011</em>
oh thanks so much for your feedback on this Bella. It is great to know it could work here in the UAE as I am really losing touch with family as the calls are too expensive and it is also difficult to organise them to be available in from of the PC for skype.
So you dont use a VPN for the Skype phone but do you normally require a VPN for skype on your PC? I do usually require a VPN on the PC so just wondering if this woudl still be needed for using the phone.
I would probably just use it for skype to skype calls too. And the call quality is that good? I am really pleased to hear that
I have the Skype cordless landline phone that I got from the UK. The base unit plugs into your wifi router/wall to get the internet connection and the Skype software is already preloaded onto the phone and you just sign in. I have not had any problems but I only use it Skype to Skype as I didn't think it would work on Skypeout. (Never been bothered to try as the people I call are also Skypers)
I got one for my Grandma in the UK, as it was too difficult for her to have to turn the computer on and navigate that each time we wanted to talk, and it was annoying that we had to pre arrange times to call so we could both be online at the same time. The Skype phone is perfect as it is online all the time, and she can just call me if she needs something, and if I am not in then I call back as soon as I see it. It is supposed to double up as a landline phone but I can't get that bit to work as the UAE is not on their country list.
Signal is great (better than a computer I would say), battery is good, and I have more than saved the 80 pounds it cost me, in phone calls!
Hi All
I was thinking about purchasing a cordless landline phone which can also be used for Skype whilst in the UK. These are the kind that dont connect to your PC but can be used in the same way as a landline and also for Skype. They seem like a great idea but I have never used one and have no idea if they would work in the same way in the UAE with our Skype restrictions. And unlike some people, I seem to only be able to use skype in my apartment with my VPN so I am unsure how this would all work
Is anyone using one of these in the UAE and can give feedback? If so, feedback on particular model would be really useful
Thanks