( 14 reviews )
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Posted: Apr 30 2009
I did not have ant issues with using this with Skype. Just download the latest Skylink software from the Skype website. It took me just 20 minutes to install the software and and get the phone working. Only drawback is to use Skype, the PC must be on all the time. Wish Ge could make it work directly with the router.
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Posted: Apr 19 2009
Not sure why so many people are reporting bad experiences (technical ineptitude, incorrect computer/system setup, unreasonable expectations, or working for the competitors?), but after wasting $140 for an IPEVO s0-20 (inc. $10 S&H), and then paying another $7 on postage to RMA it, I truly appreciate the GE phone. BTW: the IPEVO phone is supposed to be the best of all WiFi Skype phones; read my review under IPEVO s0-20 to see why it's not... A few years ago, I would have never bought a GE product, especially their phones. They used to make cheap, worthless phones that made Uniden & BellSouth look good. But now, GE is putting Panasonic and Sony to shame... I bought the GE 2830 Skype phone with 2 wireless DECT 6.0 handsets from Fry's last week for $60. The cradle plugged into my Vista 32 machine, which I always leave on as a multimedia/printer server for the whole house. The SKYLINK software it comes with found my Skype without a hitch, and now I have near-flawless Skype service throughout the house (there is a faint hissing sound in the handsets, which reminds my of my Motorola Razor 3 phone, but I can live with it). The handsets have intercom capability, EXCELLENT roaming range, speaker-phone capability that works very well, and people on the receiving end say the quality is crisp and clear (compared to my Verizon service). The unit can also be used for both regular house line and Skype simultaneously (with little creativity, one can have 2 dedicated SkypeIn/Out lines on the same handset). Also, each handset uses AAA rechargeable NiMH batteries (included). SkypeOut contacts pop-up by pressing the blue PC button on the phone, and are grouped the same way you have them setup on the Skype software on your PC. The phone does not seem to be able to "import" these numbers for offline use: if you shut down your PC, the numbers won't be accessible for called them using your land line. The only quirk I've found so far is this: you have to dial the country code if you are punching in a phone number directly (for example, 001 and then the area code + number in the U.S.). If you forget the 00s, you'll send your Skype software into an infinite loop, and will get a "network busy" error when trying to access Skype again. Solution: exit out of the Skype software and restart it. Other than that, there are no issues. It's nice that the handsets have color LCDs and show contacts coming online / going offline, etc. In short, as long as you have an always-on PC in the house or office, this unit works very well! If it works on Vista, it should work on XP... If you expect perfection, you shouldn't be fooling around with Skype anyway.
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Posted: Mar 8 2009
On the plus side - The price is OK as it has come down quite a bit since the earlier reviews. It was very easy to install and set up. It works well for Skype and Skype Out calls. On the downside - As other reviewers note, the landline sound quality is poor. It does not import names for Skype Out contacts. Cannot enter Skype Out contacts into handset memory. Skype feature does not load once pc hibernates; system must be rebooted. To summarize, it sort of works, but there are enough shortcomings that I would not recommend buying this. I'm debating whether or not to return it...maybe I'll keep it for a while and then sell it on eBay??
