Anyone have experience with wireless WiFi handsets?
 

Looking at Skype's SMC WSKP100, Vonage's UTStarcomm F1000, F3000, etc. Does anyone have any experience with a wireless WiFi handset? I'm wondering if it's worth purchasing one for overseas travel - typically, I'd know when I'd need to make outgoing calls, so I could plan being at a WiFi spot to make and receive calls, so I'm not as concerned with coverage: more concerned with equipment. Wondering how a WiFi only phone compares to something like the E series (or others), or maybe I should just wait til the iPhone is released...

Not a dedicated wi-fi handset, but I have tried using my Nokia 770 internet tablet (running the free Gizmo project) at wi-fi hotspots. VOIP is very dependent on the bandwidth and latency, so from a 1MB downlink satellite-based hotspot in Mexico the quality was pretty bad (almost unusable), from a domestic or hotel broadband it can be excellent. With routing through sip broker those sorts of calls can often be free.

The Nokia 770 does look wierd as a phone though if not using an earphone, like holding a PDA up to the side of your head. But as a VOIP phone at a pinch it's good enough (if the connection is good), plus with a bluetooth keyboard it does 80% of what I need a laptop for, saves carrying a laptop for trips of under a few weeks. It's a lot cheaper than some of the newer Nokia phones.

One thing to bear in mind: some of the dedicated voip phones might not be able to connect to secured networks (even with the key, as they have no way to enter it). Something to check for, and that's where a PDA/phone/mini-computer solution is more flexible.

Thanks. That's the kind of input I'm looking for. I wish my BB 7130g had WiFi.

Hi
I tried skype on my pda SPV M3000 it works not so bad, but processor of pda must be minimum 400mhz.
Now i have BELKIN SKYPE WIFI PHONE it works SUPER. Now i'm going to buy LINKSYS wifi phone to connect with another voip operators.

I use a Nokia E61 sect-band handset with built in SIP based VOIP over WiFi or 2100mhz UMTS. It works great. Sign up for a free account with truphone. My handsset handles WEP and WPA encryption and I've used it in numerous countries. Some technical knowledge is needed, but this isn't rocket science.

I use a Nokia N95 at home as my wireless VOIP phone.

On a recent trip to Poland, I was able to stand outside Orange shops, use their free wireless connection and call the UK for not a lot at all!

I've tried my Sony Mylo gadget for Skype-Out and WiFi websurfing(also use for ripped DVD's and music on airplanes). Voice quality varies, sometimes have gotten comments that it has echos and is tinny. Also touch-tone passthrough doesn't always work reliably. In general, I think a GSM cellphone usually offers better quality, but Skype is remarkably cheap. The Mylo is available on ebay for much less than retail if you wanted a cheap lightweight Skype solution.