Cheap VOIP adapter, no contract + loadsa bb/network/wi-fi stuff

dc

Staples are clearing out all Network/broadband gear that runs 54G, on returning to get a Wi-fi printer server for £19.91, (seems that 91p is their clearance indicator)

I noticed some Voip adapters also at £19.91, there was the usual Linksys Vonage locked offering, but at the side of that was a Netgear TA612V which is linked to Sipgate, a non-contract VOIP provider. Similar to the PAP2 it has two telephone sockets, a wired network connector and an output to a broadband modem. As a bonus it has 555 minutes free Sipgate calls to UK landlines.

Seems that Sipgate will give you the firmware to unlock it and use even cheaper call providers. :j

HTHs dc

Sui_Generis

I never know whether VOIP is something I should look into or not. I like the convenience of DECT phones and I have two landlines and a bundle deal from Telewest I'd dearly like to reduce the cost of yet retain my broadband connection. Any suggestions? Is the Netgear better than the PAP2 or vice versa and would either fit into my setup and reduce costs?

Sorry for all the questions its just that VOIP is this big black hole in my knowledge.

Which model was the wi-fi print server?

dc

You can use a dect phones and or fax with these boxes, so in theory little different from a phone line. You will get a better idea on the "home telephones " board, where the experts in fine detail are.

Netgear uses Sipgate as a provider, no monthly contract, free incoming calls and cheapish outgoing costs similar to the pre-dial providers and may be ok with some of the freebies like Voipbuster.
The Linksys ones are locked to Vonage wich used to cost £9.99 a monthish, though the PAP2 has been hacked for use with Sipgate, Voipbuster, etc ( some models only ) but Vonage/Linksys try to keep ahead by recalling unsold ones and altering the firmware.

They had two printservers, a Linksys WPSS54GU2 and another two seem to think Netgear and Belkin. Each branch will have different stock as it is going quickly. Belkin, Netgear, Philips, 3Com, Lynksys and BT stuff, mostly 54g, from games extenders to wi-fi cameras, HD controller, Wi-Fi extenders etc.

oh and a Netgear? model mp101 juke box/sound system for networking your music round the house, for £24.91 was £139.

obankirst

Hi There! we have just recently gone voip with skype and it's fantastic. Living in Gib means i can call the relations for nothing if they have skype or for buttons if I call their landline. It's great as it is taking the money away from the big boys and might make them look at their call charges. Hope this helps.:j

Sui_Generis

quick thought: I suppose the Netgear could be used for VOIP only as I have a perfectly good Linksys router.

Will have a look on Home phones - didn't know it existed!

dc

Forgot to say Sipgate give you a phone number on "any" exchange , local or say London, not sure if you can have an overseas number.

Found this review, £55 + post at Ebuyer.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/article.aspx?art=1789

I only got mine last night so am finding my way too.

HTHs dc:beer:

Johntea

FYI I have two of the Netgear devices as referred to here. I connected one up to my Linksys wireless router and eventually got them talking.

Advantage:Don't need any computer on to use VOIP
Can connect to any normal phone (Dosen't have to be a VOIP one)
555 free fixed line minutes (Worth the £20 alone if you ask me)

Disadvantage:A little complex for those who aren't IT Technicians by day!
Even more complex to set up in conjunction with another network

Well worth £20

jakemuk

Johntea wrote:

FYI I have two of the Netgear devices as referred to here. I connected one up to my Linksys wireless router and eventually got them talking.

Advantage:Don't need any computer on to use VOIP
Can connect to any normal phone (Dosen't have to be a VOIP one)
555 free fixed line minutes (Worth the £20 alone if you ask me)

Disadvantage:A little complex for those who aren't IT Technicians by day!
Even more complex to set up in conjunction with another network

Well worth £20

there not complex to setup at all !

my 11yr old brother has done plenty !

Sui_Generis

I know I signed up with Sipgate about 3 months ago but can't find my a/c details just checking local stores for kit now.

Sui_Generis

jakemuk wrote:

there not complex to setup at all !
my 11yr old brother has done plenty !

I think the point was complicated behind another router?

Sui_Generis

Johntea wrote:

FYI I have two of the Netgear devices as referred to here. I connected one up to my Linksys wireless router and eventually got them talking.

Advantage:Don't need any computer on to use VOIP
Can connect to any normal phone (Dosen't have to be a VOIP one)
555 free fixed line minutes (Worth the £20 alone if you ask me)

Disadvantage:A little complex for those who aren't IT Technicians by day!
Even more complex to set up in conjunction with another network

Well worth £20

Thanks for that trying to trace one now. Wonder if it's possible to set up via a Mac? Presumably just a browser window?