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From: Lori on 11 Jun 2008 15:35
Does a stand-alone Skype phone exist that has...
- a web-authentication browser (required)
- a decent speakerphone (desired)
- bluetooth capability (optional)

I tried the Linksys CIT 200 but it wasn't obvious to me before I bought it
that it requires an additional base station and so it won't work in a
hotel or mcdonalds without a laptop already hooked up to the hotel network.

For a standalone Skype phone, I looked at the Linksys WIP 320 which doesn't
require the base station, but it doesn't have an authentication web browser
so it won't work on most hotels and mcdonalds. Besides, the speakerphone
setup of the Linksys WIP320 is absolutely horrid and it doesn't have
bluetooth.

Researching more, I liked the concept of the Panasonic KX-WP1050 Skype
Wi-Fi
phone and router because it comes with a wireless router (which has its own
set of advantages) but it can connect with WPA2-PSK on its own without the
router. Unfortunately, the KXWP1050 doesn't have a web-authentication
browser; and it doesn't allow a bluetooth earpiece.

Is there a Skype phone that has what most people would want?
Namely... (in addition to the obvious)
- web authentication browser (required)
- decent speakerphone (desired)
- bluetooth (optional)
From: Lori on 11 Jun 2008 15:43
On Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:35:11 -0400, Lori wrote:

> Does a stand-alone Skype phone exist that has...
> - a web-authentication browser (required)
> - a decent speakerphone (desired)
> - bluetooth capability (optional)

I forgot to mention it needs to support decent encryption (WPA2-PSK).
From: John Navas on 13 Jun 2008 10:23
On Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:43:12 -0400, Lori <lorirogers32(a)hotmail.com>
wrote in <g2p9sg$feq$1(a)aioe.org>:

>On Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:35:11 -0400, Lori wrote:
>
>> Does a stand-alone Skype phone exist that has...
>> - a web-authentication browser (required)
>> - a decent speakerphone (desired)
>> - bluetooth capability (optional)
>
>I forgot to mention it needs to support decent encryption (WPA2-PSK).

PSK is to be avoided if possible.
While WPA2 is nice, WPA is sufficient.
So I'd say WPA Enterprise.

As for web-based authentication, I don't think it's really appropriate
for handsets -- what's needed is more support for WISPr
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WISPr> (included in the Netgear SPH200W).

In the meantime, consider:

* Devicescape <http://www.devicescape.com/>, which supports the Linksys
Linux-based WIP300 VoIP phone and more (including iPhone)

* Cloning the handset MAC address and authenticating with a portable
computer

* Just using a headset attached to a portable computer

--
Best regards, FAQ for Wireless Internet: <http://Wireless.wikia.com>
John Navas FAQ for Wi-Fi: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi>
Wi-Fi How To: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_HowTo>
Fixes to Wi-Fi Problems: <http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi_Fixes>
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