D-Link DPH-50U Skype USB Phone Adapter

Before buying I read all the reviews, and on other sites too. I was nervous about this solution since I had attempted another Skype wifi product some years ago, namely the CIT 200.

The DHP-50U allowed me to use my existing cordless phone network which kept the expenses down while keeping my household happy, since their learning and comfort zones were not challenged. Sure, it is not the same as a traditional AT&T/Bell dial tone phone.

Again, this product worked right out of the box, no extraordinary measures.

NOTE: I am not using the PSTN features of the phone, just the Skype / USB portion. Also, I would also prefer the adapter run on Linux.

We recently dropped Vonage and moved to Skype because $60 a year (for SkypeOut and a phone number) is a lot cheaper than $24.99/month. You connect this device to your computer via USB and then you plug your regular phone into the device. I recommend you use a cordless phone with multiple handsets.

CONS: Not all of the calls to my Skype number ring my phone. Frustrating for my wife but I can deal with it. If you want to use your computer microphone or webcam, you have to switch back and forth between the two. Dialing from the handset is kind of a pain because you have to dial 001 (area code) phone number and the *. You can dial right from Skype without all that other non-sense or you can setup speed dial on Skype and just dial the speed dial number from the phone.

If you are looking for an alternative phone for long distance, then this is the answer but if this is your primary phone, and then you will probably have some frustrations. Plus your computer has to remain on all of the time. There are other options like a Skype cordless phone but that is a bit more expensive. I can deal with the small issue but all-in-all; this is a good product and works as advertise.

PS: I am using it on Vista, just downloaded the updated drivers off the D-link website.

So far, so good. It does everything it promised. The only glitch was that the included CD was most likely not compatible with Windows Vista and I had to do a work around. Went to the D-Link website and downloaded the drivers. Worked fine after that. I also had to go into my Skype, Tools, Options, Audio Settings and make changes so I could hear/talk with my phone. If you don't do that, it will default to whatever your Skype settings are. You also have to manually reset these settings if you want to use your webcam while on Skype, vice the phone. Once you know this, it only takes about five seconds to make the changes. I really like the flexibility that this adapter offers.

FYI - this device only works with computers running Windows software. If you run Linux - well, move along...nothing to see here...

Note: I own and use other D-Link hardware. This was disappointing because it is not made clear that Windows is a requirement.

This thing crashed my computer three times (blue screen of death), not even worth returning or trying to get my money back. In the trash!