Linksys CIT200 IP Phone

I'm happy with it. It's easy to use and the sound quality is excellent.
 
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The cost of the unit itself is less than the 1 time startup fee charged by companies like Verizon. It was very easy to install, and works quite well. The couple complaints I have are that as other reviewers mentioned, the battery life could be better, although since they are regular AAA rechargeables, I think you could replace them with a better quality pair. Also, you can't get your regular audio out of the PC/Laptop when the phone is plugged it. If a call comes in and you have the phone plugged in, you have to answer it with the phone. If you unplug the CIT200, the call gets sent into Voicemail. Overall, I am happy with the phone paired with a SkypeIn number and a SkypeOut calling plan. It is costing me about $5.50 per month to have the service.
 
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I have been using it for the past 1 year, my wife loves it, initially my Mom in Law had trouble getting used to it but now she has no problems with it, and I absolutely love it. It has speaker phone as well. I have both skype in and out and use this to call outstate and Canada and have had no problems with it ever. The only issue some people might want to consider is that this unit requires a PC to connect to skype but there is a more advanced model CIT 400 or something which doesn't even require that. But since I have a dedicated print and file server at home which serves as permanent PC for this.
 
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You have to have a computer running to use this, so WHS would be perfect (always running), but it does not work with the drivers provided. I tried all kinds of thigs to get it working, to no avail. Linksys has no more info. Batteries provided were dead, and not chargable... had to replace with a set of AAA's I had. Sound quality is good. Dialing is a bit of a pain... have to dial '011.1.areacode.number' or push the '+' button (wait a bit) and then enter '1.a/c.number'. Speaker phone function requires a sequence of 2 buttons that aren't shown by the screen during use, but works well. Cordless function works well in my downstairs area (50' radius). I will probably buy another to use as another extension... getting the refurb unit again. Overall, this is a nice unit if you want to be cheap while making long distance calls... Domestically and Internationally. Telemarketing firms should install these ASAP; I worked at a disty that paid huge bills on cold calls... this would almost eliminate that cost.
 
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Simple to install. works great. No negatives, except battery life little less than I would have preferred, but still good.
 
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The Linksys CIT200 is a very good phone with excellent call quality and reception. What is not good though is the battery life, very short talk time and the charger only comes in 110V, so it can only be used in US. Also, Buy.com does not provide an accurate desc for the product on the receipt so getting a rebate is very difficult.
 
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Seems to work well calling out of the country. Could use more written instructions to program it, etc.. Serving my purpose to have international access at an affordable price.
 
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I am so disappointed at the product. It keep show CIT200 1 disconnect on hand set. Search everywhere for solution and still can't fix it. Try to return product to buy.com Since I am moving soon so refund is best choice. After i found out i have to pay shipping fee and 15% stocking fee, I wanted to change to replacement but buy.com already issue RMA. I won't change back to do replacement although Linksys already proved it is defective product. Contact many times with Customer Service from buy.com. Wait 1 hr each time to talk to them. Many emails to them and they still not do replacement. It is very paintful and terrible to buy and return product. Better not buy product online. They make it very difficult, not flexible. Not happy with product and customer service from both Buy.com and Linksys.
 
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I have to say. This phone + Skype = amazing. Setup was relatively simple. It doesn't really show you how to dial out on the phone anywhere you kind of have to figure it out, because it obviously doesn't work like a regular phone. All you have to do is hold the 0 button to get the "+" sign up and then dial "1" for the US international code followed by the area code and the number. This phone is amazingly clear and Skype....well hell is just so cheap I can't believe it. Between Skype In (voice mail included) and Skype Out Unlimited at 3 months at a time it cost me 8.85 a month for a phone that saves me tons of minute usage at home from my cell phone since that was the only thing I had. The ease of installation and compatibility with Skype programming is friggin simple and non time consuming that it's heavenly. I am definitely thinking about upgrading eventually to the CIT400 one day so I don't have to keep my computer on all the time but for now this is definitely a cheap, reliable, and awesome option. P.S. I listen to Music on my Laptop speakers while I'm on the phone so I really don't know what the hype is about with the whole sound system thing. Just follow directions it's really not that hard.
 
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If you are looking for a cordless phone for internet via skype...this is the one. Just connect it correctly and you are on your way. Great range and does the job flawlessly. We use it all the time for International calls to Europe. I have signed up for Skype Pro as we use it so much. The typical and great support and Linksys quality. And thanks Buy.Com for offering these great deals!
 
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I am very pleased with the preformance,low cost. I Always used phone cards now i just pick up the phone and go.Have not tried overseas yet.For a year service it's about $34.00 US.
 
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I brought this product about a month ago and used it with my skype extensively. I did not encounter any problem as of now. But only thing about this is the battery seems to be draining quickly but I was able to talk as required. Overall it is a very good product to use with skype.
 
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I brought this product about a month ago and used it with my skype extensively. I did not encounter any problem as of now. But only thing about this is the battery seems to be draining quickly but I was able to talk as required. Overall it is a very good product to use with skype.
 
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First of all you folks must read the directions ...at least read the 'quick start' page! Geez! The phone has worked well for me. I make a lot of international calls and it is doing the trick using Skype! It is very nice not to be tied to the computer with a headset and boom...at least try it out! It's great!
 
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I got this phone about 5 days ago and I must say, I am amazed! The hook-up was fast and straight forward but most importantly, the sound quality and range is fantastic. I have used Skype (out) for the past year in order to cut down on cell phone bills(it's my only phone). The biggest downside of Skype has been sitting in front of the computer for all of my calls or not being able to walk around when I was on long holds for various tech supports. This Linksys phone solves that. The range is amazing, I can walk out to the street and get my mail with no problem. Kudos to a well designed, simple, quality product!
 
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We love our Skype phone. It just plain works and sounds great! The battery life is surprisingly good and so is the wireless range. A little small in the hand, but most gadgets are these days. Great bargain for the money.
 
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I was pleasantly surprised. This had good reviews, and then I decided to take the plunge. I was looking for a USB phone that was also cordless. We take it on camping trips, and plug it into the computer and a campsite's WIFI. Works fabulously; great sound quality. Other than having to type a "plus" sign before every number now, it works just like a regular phone. A couple of other features that I didn't see on the website before I bought might be helpful to know: 1. It does have rechargeable batteries. But they are AA size, so you can substitute regular batteries in a pinch. 2. It has a standard headset jack. So you can also plug a headset into it and use it that way. 3. It has a mute button. Great for big conference calls. 4. The speakerphone has great sound quality, and seems like it must be a 2 way, because there's no clipping, echos, etc.
 
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The reason for my purchase of the Linksys CIT-200 is to have the function of a cordless phone with Skype VOIP in my home. For those who are not familiar, this phone will need Skypout and an internet service to work. The phone is well built, has the layout of a cell phone and a color screen. The signal is transmitted from the computer to the handheld via a USB transmitter the size of a small pack of cigarette. There is a small stand to charge the handset. My usage the last two weeks is limited to calling from Skype contact list, which is automatically updated at power on, and some direct dialing. The sound quality is as good as any cell phones that I used. This product, as advertised, allows me to be away from my computer just like any cordless phone from the base station. My impromptu test shows a reception range of around 100 feet. I would have given a perfect 5 if not for a problem with setting the audio configuration on my laptop. As I followed the suggestions of many users in this review, I was able to get the audio on the handset and an independent source of audio (ie music) on my laptop. However, this setup doesn't work all the time as I lose the audio on my laptop on the next power on. I haven't had the time to fix this problem. Overall, the product is well built, works as claimed, intuitive enough for me to use without referring to the manual. The setup is straightforward (except for the hiccup on the audio settings). The freedom to move about like with a cordless phone in combination with the free long distance outcall service (after $30 annual Skypout fee) is worth the price. I would have recommended to anyone who would like to try this technology with minimum expense.
 
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The phone has very good sound quality considering it is using Skype. The charge holds well and installation was a breeze. The entire family quickly learned how the phone worked and we are enjoying not being tied to the computer with a headset. A great value for a basic telphone.
 
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Perfect phone for Skype. Relatively low cost and very easy to set up. As easy as using your home phone. For those who reviewed and the phone took over your computer speakers, the fix is easy. Simply go back to default sounds and you get the best of all worlds...your computer speakers for everything but your phone calls.
 
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My wife uses Skype a lot to talk to her parents in Norway, and she loves to be able to go away from the computer to talk. The sound is very good in most of the house, except for some occasional problems in the far corners of the second floor. The setup was a breeze.
 
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The phone works very well and the price is excellent. I can call anywhere in North America without long distance charge with Skype .
 
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Thank you Buy.com for the best price available as this was my first purchase from Buy.com. Excellent phone with easy to operate and fully compatible with the Skype software installed.
 
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People, quit saying this device takes over all of your windows sound! Incompetent reviews almost persuaded me not to buy this awesome device. The device does NOT take over your windows sound IF you READ the installation instructions. If you think you are too smart and just plug it in - then it might (but I believe it's windows fault). I get the sounds both out of my speakers/sound card, and this skype phone for skype. All you have to do is go into the Control Panel - Sounds settings, and adjust stuff there the way the manual tells you to do. They even have a separate sheet repeating this information, specifically because people don't wanna read the manual and then complain. Anyway - the device is great, works great, loving it, loving it, loving it.
 
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I just bought this phone to try out Skypeout since my only phone is my cell phone. This is the best deal out there..Excellent reception. Excellent battery life. I originally say this exact phone at a BestBuy store for $100. I have been throughly impressed.
 
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Excellent call quality, vey easy to set up. I was skeptical that it might not work and I'll have to spend way too much time configuring but It was very easy to set up. It does not take over as windows default sound device as mentioned in other review. While installing you are given an option to set up your sound device, just follow the instructions. A must buy for skype users. Speaker quality, phone range is also very good. You'll be hard pressed to find missing features and quality like this I think it's a must buy.
 
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I love this phone. I am blown away by this thing. I can't believe you get so much for so little. Probably the first thing I'd mention that no one else has commented on is the fact that the rechargeable battery is actually two AAA batteries. Nice, no more $40 Lithium battery going bad. It comes with a charger that is a docking type. It works well, but could use some weight to it to keep it in place as my desk seems to get cluttered quickly. I still haven't figured out how to dial a number, hey it's Xmas, but I know I'll figure it out. I have been entering the numbers and names into my computer and it pops right up on my phone in my contact list. Great for me as I can't remember everyones numbers anyway. I am going to sign up for unlimited calling to any phone for the year. I like this better than my Panasonic cordless phones. I wish everyone could get broadband and have this option. It comes up as Unknown Caller, don't know if there is a way to send info to caller id, afraid friends might not answer. Great quality nonetheless.
 
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This phone works very well--good audio, easy setup. I'm not sure what others are talking but it does NOT take over your computer's audio. Here's the key: during installation, your "Sounds and Audio Devices" will pop up and it will show that Linksys is the default audio. Just change both Sound Playback and Sound Recording back to your old audio device, and then check "use only default devices". Your phone will STILL work fine and you can independently listen to music on your pc. If you miss this step, just go to Control Panel and open the "Sound and Audio Devices" and go on from there. Hope this helps. Overall, I think the product is great and am thinking of getting another.
 
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The CIT200 works great. Very simple to install. It does take over as the default sound device in WinXP Home, but it was simple to fix that. Linksys even provides a FAQ card in the box with instructions on configuring sound devices. Range is equal to a good 2.4GHz phone. Contact information must be maintained in the Skype window on your PC, but you can scroll through lists on the handset. You can even enter the digit corresponding to the first letter in a contact name and it jumps there, a great help if you have lots of contacts. Another nice feature is the + sign. Definately a 'plus' if Skype maintains the free domestic calling in 2007. With this phone you can dial any number you want from the handset.
 
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I usually do not write reviews, but this phone is an excellent phone and I had to write one. I had this phone for three months and it works well. You could be 100 feet away from the base and still hear clear as if were 2 feet away. The only thing I do not like about it is that if you want to listen to anything else on your computer, you have to unplug the base. It does not bother me as the computer still rings when there is an incoming call.
 
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I was using a Logitech inexpensive USB headset for Skpye and the quality was only so-so. Plus I was tethered to the computer. After some research I decided to try the CIT200. It was very easy to setup and worked the first time. The quality is significantly better with calls in the US equal or better than cellphone quality. There is a little delay with International calls but that is an effect of the internet. Overall, I am very happy. I only wish the phone could work directly with the router and had the Skype client built in so I could leave the PC off. But the phones that do that have been so far unimpressive from everything I have read.
 
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I've had 2 of these phones for 4 months now and I must say that they have served me well so far. Skype has been my primary service at home for as long as I’ve had the phones and my family uses them all the time. Battery life between charges is excellent. I have a 14 yr old who loves to talk with friends on the phone and the LinkSys has never died on her. Another plus is it uses rechargeable AAAs which you can get an 8 pack Duracell for less than 15 bucks at Walmart. Also, we live in a 2200 sq. ft. home and have never had issues with reception anywhere in the house through walls and floors and out in the yard. The phone has so many features that I find my self reading the manual again to look for certain features. The audio device defaulting to the CIT 200 like what other users have complained about is a non issue for me. I just created a macro program to switch between audio devices and all it takes is a keystroke to switch to the Windows Default Device if I want to answer a call using my PC. As usual, I purchased this from Buy.com for their reliable service and excellent prices! <br><br> Key Features: Bright screen, excellent Skype UI including VM, customizable ringtones and wall paper, expandable up to 4 handsets, excellent range, a plethora of features, attractive and slim design, lightweight, replaceable batteries <br><br> An improvement I would like so see is a heavier base to keep the charger in place.
 
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I am very happy with the phone. Handy, convenient & reliable. The only negative of course is the inability to be hooked up to your phone and the computor speakers at the same time (not a big deal). Three cheers to BUY.COM. What an outfit. Delivery on time, price is always great & reliable service, if needed. I've been buying from them for at over 3 years. No complaints.
 
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This cordless phone is designed by Linksys specifically for use with Skype. Its color screen lists your contacts, so you don't have to return to your computer to make or receive a call. The range is excellent and so is the sound quality. What they don't tell you: like any USB phone, when it is connected to your computer, your speakers won't work -- all sound goes to and from the phone. If your computer has a USB port on the front of it, you just plug in the cord of the transmitting/receiving module when you want to use the phone and unplug it when you don't. Yes, it's a hassle. I wonder if there is some sort of USB switching device that would let you enable/disable it more easily? If so, it would have been nice if it were included with the product. At work, where I don't need good speakers, I use the little IO Gear USB speakerphone instead, so that I can hear normal sound throughout the day and still use it as a phone on Skype without unplugging anything. The IO Gear cable detaches at each end, so you can unplug it at your desk if you need to disable sound. The Linksys module is hard-wired, however, so you can only plug/unplug it at the computer. The 100-page manual is available only online, and you have to go hunting for it at Linksys. The quick guide that comes with the phone does not explain how to access some of the features. And for some reason, they didn't include the manual on the CD that contains the software for this phone. None of this should discourage you from buying the phone, in my opinion. I just think it's a good idea to tell you about these issues up front.
 
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Skype is terrific and this wireless phone is pretty good. The one problem is that when you load the phone's software, you will lose the sound to your speakers from all of your other programs. The company is aware of this problem and the trick to fixing it is to go into Control Panel, Sounds, and reselect your old sound card as the default (Lynksys makes the computer think that it is the default sound card.) Enjoy. Gary B.
 
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Works great and has a reasonable price. Buy.com service on this product was promt and I thank them for carrying it. Very clear unit with no audible difference between a landline or cellular call.
 
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This is fantastic ~ I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the phone, and the clarity is wonderful. I had been using a headset for Skype, but this is much better. I can keep the phone with me in the house and receive calls, so no more running to the computer if I happen to hear someone trying to reach me. The only negative is that with the USB base connected, you lose sound through your system if you try to hear an email - but this is the case with any headphone-type device as well so not a negative against this product!
 
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Looks and works just like a cordless phone, only better you get to talk to all of your friends who have skype for FREE, no matter where they live. You can also call someone who does not have skype or this phone simply by buying skype-out minutes. This is NOT a replacement for VOIP, but rather a nice compliment, you do not have to pay any set monthly fees and you can recharge your account for a small fee and deplete as you use skype-out minutes. You must have good bandwidth such as cable or DSL and you need to have a rather updated modem. I had the old 3Com 'bullet' style modem and replaced it with the Linksys cable modem and I am flying !!! Overall a bit pricey but a fun and useful toy.
 
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Once you toy around with the buttons and features and learn how to access contacts and input the + sign; you've got a regular cordless telephone! I'm stoked!!
 
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