Linksys CIT400 Dual Mode Internet Telephony Kit with Integrated Skype
The Linksys CIT400 Dual-Mode Cordless Phone with Skype is part of the iPhone family of products that use the Internet to enhance the way you communicate. The CIT400 is a full-featured cordless phone that provides an easy way to take advantage of Skype Internet calling as well as place calls over your normal phone line (PSTN) from a single device. No PC required! Just sign into your Skype account from the handset, and your contacts and their availability are displayed on your color screen. Advanced DECT cordless technology won’t interfere with 802.11 wireless networks.
A user-friendly interface makes Skype-ing easy. |
The base station plugs into your internet and landline connections. View larger. |
Get total wireless freedom with the Skype handset. View larger. |
Dual-Mode capability lets you choose whether to make calls over a standard telephone line or with Skype. Just select who you want to talk to from your contact list on your handset and get ready to talk.
Of course, the handset supports SkypeOut dialing as well as your Skype contact list display. It rings when you have a Skype or SkypeIn or standard telephone call coming in, and shows the caller’s ID on the screen. The handset also supports call waiting and Skype’s optional voicemail service. When you’re on a call, you can hit the mute button for privacy, or use the speakerphone function to let everyone join in. Other features include polyphonic MIDI ringer melodies on the handset and voice encryption for maximum security. You’ll also enjoy 120 hours of standby time and six hours talk time on the handset’s rechargeable battery.
The Linksys CIT400 also allows you to choose to make calls to other Skype users or over your existing standard telephone line. You’ll get the convenience of a cordless phone and all its features, plus the high-quality voice reception integrated right into your Skype handset–no computer is required.
Long Range, Clear Sound, and Minimal Interference
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication (DECT) technology enables long range, great security, and incredible call clarity. Operating at 1900MHz, the CIT400 uses a different wavelength than the crowded 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies used by most cordless phones. So it won’t interfere with wireless networks such as 802.11b or 802.11g Wi-Fi.
Easy Setup
The included Quick Start Guide walks you through the easy steps to setup your new dual-mode phone. Skype is already installed on the base station. Plug in the cables and sign into your account.
What is Skype?
Skype is a little piece of software that lets you make free calls to your friends all over the world. With an Internet connection and Skype in use at both ends, you can call anyone, anywhere in the world, for free! And with the optional SkypeOut service, you can make low cost calls to traditional landline or mobile phones worldwide at local rates.
The CIT400 has Skype software embedded in its cordless base station. Plug the integrated Ethernet port into your home network and use Skype without needing to ever turn on your computer.
What’s in the Box
Handset, 2 AA NiMH batteries, charger, base station, 2 power adapters, RJ-11 cable, RJ-45 cable, quick installation, and user guide on CD.
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars excellent sound quality, but..
the sound and ease of installation are perfect but it has a big flow. it tends to cut off sound completely during conversation where you could not hear the other side on the line and you have to then hang up and call again. It is not a great flow although could be annoying sometimes where it starts cutting off every few minutes.
I bought a second one after that and I am not having problems with it so maybe it was just that unit
4 Stars Linksys CIT400 Skype phone
Aside from a few glitchs now and then this is a good phone. If it quits on you contact Linksys support because its probably a simple fix and Linksys tech support has been stellar in my experience. I would prefer a few other choices for ringtone but I’ve gotten used to the ones it has. (wouldn’t have minded a traditional phone ringtone) I’m reviewing this after using the phone for 7 months. If I’d written this review sooner I might have given it 2 or 3 stars but I’ve come to appreciate the phone. Also the speaker phone has been useful to me.
4 Stars DECEMBER 2008 Time for a more current review to be placed at the top!!
I purchased my CIT400 spring of 2007 for $149 – so whats with the current $600 price tag.
I am very happy with the service of this phone over the last 18 months, my wife less so. Of course I take into consideration the $1800 I have saved is reduced phone bills.
The unit does need some support. At times over the last 18 months we’ve had to periodically unplug the base-station and let the phone reset itself.
The voicemail service was sketchy for a while.
Ok as much as I like this phone and service, $600 is way out of the market when their is so many other Skype phone options available.
The phone does not have a redial button.
You can’t push one button to hear recent messages. {It would be nice to be able to mark them as unread, when none are for you.}
Pros:
The speaker phone is nice, so you can share the conversation or set the phone down while you talk.
The hand-set is durable, the wife threw it hard in the first few months.
The Contacts file is huge and you can add them from Outlook, or type them in on your PC {Skype installed on that PC}
Forget the monthly fee quotes. Get the unlimted serice $60/$30 for In & out service. It renewed for $30. You can’t beat unlimited phone service for $30 per year. Even the latest thing Magic-Jack is more expensive than that.
Some folks keep the old home phone for local calls and the fear of not being able to make Emergency calls. THAT’S NUTS. JUST CREATE A CONTACT 1 – LOCAL POLICE EMERGENCY AND YOU CAN CONNECT DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICE. Toss out the old ATT/Cingular service – You Pay more than $30 per year for just the FCC-TAXES to Uncle Sam.
5 Stars saves me a ton of money
i’m definitely impressed with this phone, but even more so with the skype service. i have a one year skype in number and a one year skype out subscription. together, they cost me about 90 dollars A YEAR. its a really great way to save. another great feature of this phone is that you can plug in your landline connection to it to make emergency 911 calls even if you dont have a plan
5 Stars Wonderfull Discontinued Skype Phone
I have been use this Voip phone for more than 1 year. I love this phone. It has been save me a lot of money in local and international calls. I have also a income phone number sold by skype and the quality of calls are amazing. According with some informations this phone is already discontinued from linksys. The good news is that the same phone is now been sold by Netgear without the iPhone trademark. The Linksys CIT400 iPhone is now available as the Netgear SPH200D.
Buy/More Info
A Skype handset for making Skype calls
Skype calls from start to finish on your handset
