More and more people are getting faster and faster internet connections and are finding out about the benefits of VoIP (Voice over IP). Skype is by far the simplest and most popular of these services to use and with free calls between users and cheap SkypeIn and SkypeOut services it is very attractive. However many people are put off by having to use nasty headsets or low quality PC mics. People just want to use a normal phone and there are different solutions available to do this. We have already reviewed DECT phones that double up as Skype phones but these are often expensive (around £70-80) and there are USB handsets but these can only be used for Skype and restrict you to be near your computer.

That’s where ActionTec’s ‘Internet Phone Wizard’ comes in. Instead of having to buy a new phone this little box allows the user to utilise any of their existing phones (including DECT) as a Skype phone. Best of all it remains a Landline phone as well (unlike the USB handsets mentioned before).

The ‘Internet Phone Wizard’ is about the size of an external modem and connects to your computer via USB (which also powers it). You then simply connect your phone into the back (through a USA-UK adapter that’s provided) then just follow the instructions to install the provided application that integrates your adapter with Skype.

As mentioned you can then also connect your normal phone line into the back of the box as well so your phone is still useable as a landline handset, as well. Once set up, to make a call using your normal landline provider just lift the phone and use normally. To use Skype to make the call simply dial ## and you will now hear the Skype dial tone. You then use pre-sets made in Skype to call any of your contacts. Also if you have SkypeOut you can call any phone number but it must be dialled in international format (remembering to use 00 as most ‘normal’ phones don’t have +).

I tried out the adapter using my BT DECT phone and my Win XP laptop. I have made lots of ‘normal’ landline calls without a hitch (which you can do even when your computer is switched off) and a few lengthy Skype calls. The land line calls were completely seamless, as if the box wasn't there at all. The Skype calls were also perfect for the majority of the time, apart from on a few occasions. This was however probably caused by my connection with Skype playing up and not the ‘Internet Phone Wizard’.

I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this product’s performance when tested, however something that might be a problem for some people is that the ‘Internet Phone Wizard’ only works with Windows 2000 and XP (did not work with Mac OS X when tested) and the adapter will only work with Skype and not other VoIP providers. It comes with all the cables and USA-UK adapters you will need so you should be able to plug it in and start using Skype without those nasty headsets making you look like you work at a call centre.

In summary if you have already got an existing phone and have no reason to splash out on another just to be able to use Skype, the ActionTec Internet phone wizard is ideal.

Review by - A J Dunlop

Published - 07/10/2005

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