Digital Trends

Philips VOIP841

December 4th, 2007 | by Brandon King

The issue of dual logins should have been addressed before releasing this product. While we are unsure if this is a Skype or Philips problem, the VOIP841 is at best cumbersome and at worst nearly useless without some way to manage the situation. In the end, it leaves the user questioning the general viability of the purchase at all. Quite simply, anyone considering the hybrid phone route would be better served by a dedicated Skype WiFi phone that can just be powered on when needed, and a standard landline phone.

Even so, the problems of the Philips VOIP841 are mostly software-related in nature, and we hope to see a significant revision that addresses these concerns (the unit is firmware upgradable via direct download). That possibility is all that kept the VOIP841 from receiving a still lower rating than the disappointing one it’s already currently branded with.

Conclusion

At face value, the Philips VOIP841 has all the bells and whistles a hybrid phone should possess, but fails miserably when it comes to execution. We will post an update in the attached forum discussion thread should a software update be released that addresses the laundry list of faults, but don’t hold your breath. While this is Philips’ first big stab at the Skype/landline phone world, the manufacturer’s inexperience shines through with an unfortunate ignorance to the subtleties that are required to execute such a complicated product. We look forward to the next major revision in hopes that some lessons are learned from the issues reported here. As mentioned earlier, a single significant software patch could wipe out 80% of the problems we experienced. But as things stand at publication, sadly there is no compelling reason to recommend the VOIP841.

Pros:

• Good incoming sound quality
• Attractive design
• Clear screen
easy to use

Cons: 

• Microphone feedback
• No memory dialing
• Flimsy-feeling plastic
• Skype incompatibilities