I've been trying to get my parents on the Skype bandwagon for quite a while now, and while they're willing to give it a try when I'm around to show them what to do, they're reluctant to attempt it when I'm not around (when they should be using it to call me!). Two phone from USRobotics, the USB Internet Phone and Internet Mini Phone, may just change that. The pair have been out for a while and I recently had the chance to check them out. Read on for my review.

First Impressions

They're both small and simple. The Internet Mini Phone is about the size of an average cell phone, and the Internet Phone is slightly larger. The main difference between the two is that the Internet Phone has an LCD screen while the Mini does not. Both allow you to control Skype on your computer, but the Internet Phone adds the ability to select contacts and see recent calls right on its screen. Both connect to your computer via USB and have conveniently long USB cables. The cable on the Mini detachable while the cable on the Internet Phone is not.

Functionality

It was easy to get going with both phones. For the Mini, after I downloaded and installed the latest driver (available here), I plugged in the phone and was able to easily control the Skype application on screen. Pressing the Skype button pulls up the Skype client and lets you switch between your Contacts, Call Phones, History, and other tabs. Up and down buttons allow you to navigate those tabs and adjust the volume while you're on a call. There are also send and end buttons, a backspace button, and a mute button in addition to a full keypad. The phone's software (below) allows for quick adjustments.

The Internet Phone is similar; it was working great after I installed its software (latest version here). Pressing the C button pulls up the Skype client and scrolls through Skype's tabs. Up and down buttons similarly let you navigate the tabs and adjust volume during a call. But having the LCD screen adds a bit more functionality. Pressing the contacts button pulls up your list of contacts within the phone, then you can scroll, select and call. And when the phone is in 'Standby' mode you can press the up and down buttons to scroll through your History and then press Talk to call--also quite useful.

Here's where it gets good for my parents--for either phone, all they have to do to make a call is put in the number and press Talk. To answer an incoming call they just have to press Talk. They've been using phones this way for years; there's no need to fiddle with a headset or press any buttons on the computer. One day I'll show them the joys of having a contact list, but for now being able to use a Skype phone just like a normal phone is a big step forward.

The calls I made on both phones sounded very good. The Mini has several ringtones which are quite loud, and when you're on a call the USRobotics logo lights up and turns blue, a nice touch. The Internet Phone also has a loud ringer, and ten different ringtones which can be changed within its software. For incoming calls, the caller is identified on the LCD screen, which is nice.

Conclusion

The USRobotics Internet Phone and Internet Mini Phone are great entry-level USB phones, perfect for the technophobe in your life. I like the Mini a little bit better for its extreme simplicity, but I'm sure some would prefer having the Internet Phone's screen. It's also worth noting that both are among the cheapest ways you can have a phone-style experience with Skype. The Internet Phone is available now at Skype stores internationally--it's $57.95 in the US, £19.95 in the UK, and 29,95 € in the rest of Europe. The Internet Mini Phone is $23.95 in the US, £13.45 in the UK, and 19.95 € in the rest of Europe.