New iPhone Wifi and Cordless Skype phones announced by Linksys
By
Stephen Pinches on December 18, 2006 in Linksys, Wifi phones.
US-based Linksys brought out their first Skype phones way back in the summer of 2004, but the two new phones in their iPhone range are the first two Skype phones they've bought out that don't need PCs to run. Both are being released in the US immediately, which should hopefully mean that US-based customers will be able to get their hands on them from retailers such as Amazon in time for Christmas. In fact, Amazon are already listing them here and here!
So, first to the CIT400 cordless DECT/Skype phone, a worthy successor to the CIT300. The phone combines a standard DECT cordless phone with the ability to make and receive calls via Skype, as well as access your Skype contact list and Skype Voicemail. It also has a built-in speakerphone and, excellently, is powered by two rechargeable AA batteries which give a quoted 120 hours of standby and 6 hours of talktime.
Like other cordless Skype phones such as the Philips VOIP841 and the DUALPhone 3088, the basestation plugs directly into your wireless or Ethernet router, meaning your PC doesn't have to be switched on to use Skype on it.
The WIP 320 on the other hand doesn't need a basestation at all, as it operates directly via wifi. Whilst this means it doesn't let you make calls via your landline, it does also mean that you can stick the phone in your pocket whilst on the move and use it with any wifi network which doesn't require you to sign on to it from a webpage. The user interface is similar to the CIT400, allowing you to access contacts, Skype voicemail and set your Skype status straight from the phone.
Prices are as yet unannounced, but according to the press release, the cordless CIT400 should come in at around $179.99 in the US, with the WIP 320 weighing in at $199.99. As they say in the US: Happy Holidays! 
Comments
Hey, GET your story info CORRECT regarding Amazon's availability on the two new Linksys Skype phones!: "US-based customers will be able to get their hands on them from retailers such as Amazon in time for Christmas. In fact, Amazon are already listing them here and here!"
In FACT, Amazon lists the CIT 400 as a "Pre Order" item with no statement of ACTUAL DELIVERY DATES! (12/18/06), and then Amazon reports that the WIP 320 is "Availability: This item is currently not available. Request this item from another seller."
I was all ready to order the CIT 400 because of your story and went through the whore order process just to be dismayed that I in FACT would see the product by Christmas or any specified date at all!
If you're going to pretend to be a journalist, research your stories like one.
blueskymining | Wednesday, Dec 20
Typo - (that's the WHOLE order process, not a whore)
blueskymining | Wednesday, Dec 20
Hi bluesky,
Thanks for your comments, and sorry you couldn't order the phone from Amazon yet. I did say "should hopefully" though based on my discussions with people close to the project, and as it says on the Amazon listinng the CIT400 is being released for order from Amazon tomorrow (21st), so looks like will JUST miss Christmas. The WIP320 doesn't have a delivery date as yet from Amazon. It's obviously very close to Christmas now, hence my apprehension, so sorry if I wasn't clear on that. Have a good Christmas.
slaymakerpinches | Wednesday, Dec 20
Wow they look nice. I wonder if there are plans to upgrade the firmware/software of the Wi-Fi phone to allow for web login. Seems even when I stay at a hotel with free Wi-Fi, some sort of "login" is required, even if it is just to agree to the EULA for the service, or verify your name and room number. Do you have the inside track on that?
stevellano | Thursday, Dec 21
Wow, I am surprised that this Linksys Voip CIT 400 phone is not advertised on Skype.
I have been using this phone for over one year now and am very satisfied with all the features and if course the SKYPE connection service.
By the way you should be able to get this phone at Radio Shack. (U.S.A.)
November 18, 2008
wdnshus | Tuesday, Nov 18