Chapter 8 Hardware Add-ons for Skype

How to Use This Chapter

This chapter is designed to help you understand the many hardware options available for Skype. Many of these devices might not be available in your country, so the intention is to show you various types of devices and their basic features so that you can understand what these devices could do for you, and then you can set out and find one or more that are available in your part of the world. We have provided some basic information to help you understand the characteristics of these devices—user level, supported operating systems, approximate cost, where to get more information, and a basic feature list. Most if not all of these devices currently support only Microsoft Windows operating systems, but several vendors have told us they are planning versions for Apple in the future, and one vendor has told us they are looking at a Linux version as well.

Many of the inquiries we have received over the past year have related to whether a particular device is easy to install, what it costs, and whether there is a version for the Mac or Linux. So we have compiled these items to give you a quick idea about each product. The “User Level” category is designed to tell you the level of difficulty involved for the user; Basic is for any home user who is not a Skype guru, Intermediate is for users who are more literate with Skype and might need some additional configuration, and Advanced is for the truly technically proficient. By no means is this a complete list; new products are coming out almost weekly. If you know of more devices that you have had a good experience with or if you are a vendor and want us to test, evaluate, and rate your products on www.SkypeTips.com, as we have done for many of these products, send us an e-mail, or of course, Skype Me!

Headsets, Microphones, and Speakers

You can use just about any headset, microphone, or speakers with Skype. There are several headsets and microphones that are Skype certified and available at your favorite computer store or Web shop. The more expensive headsets generally provide better sound quality and are usually more comfortable. Skype uses software-based sound-processing technology that allows even the most basic microphones to provide acceptable results. I have my Logitech noise-canceling microphone mounted to my FlexStand with my computer speakers and it works fine when I am at the computer or performing a video call. You can see a picture of my setup at www.VideoCallTips.com. You can read more about the topic at http://video-call.internetvisitation.org/web_pages/ratings_misc.html.

If you want to have a more private conversation and avoid background noise, a headset is the best solution. This is an area that is completely of personal choice and experience. Or you can opt for one of the many options we discuss in this chapter.

Bluetooth Headsets

As we will discuss in Chapter 12, Bluetooth is another headset option you might consider. Though I am not a fan of Bluetooth due to warbling, range, and battery-life issues with many of these headsets, I am aware of many people who are quite satisfied with the Bluetooth headsets they use with their cell phones. As we discuss in Chapter 12, there are several solutions that can be made to work with Skype on your computer, but very few Bluetooth headsets are specifically designed for your computer. Be sure to test Bluetooth headsets thoroughly and make sure you understand Bluetooth’s distance limitations—roughly 30 feet (10 meters). Obstructions in the line-of-sight will lower the effective range dramatically. So if you wander very far from your desk, sound quality issues and dropped calls will result.

Plantronics CS-50 USB Bluetooth Headset

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $299

You can get more information at www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/cat640035/cat5480033/prod5300004.

Features of the CS-50

• Instant USB connectivity for easy compatibility and quick setup for softphones
• The only complete wireless VoIP solution—take conversations up to 200 feet with no headset cables
• The first wireless with remote-ring detection and call answer/end at the touch of a button, thanks to Plantronics’ PerSonoCall™ software
• Superior sound quality for clear, private, and completely secure calls, including noise-canceling microphone and TIA810a compliance for echo elimination

Photo as featured on www.plantronics.com

Telephone Gateways

A telephone gateway allows you to make Skype calls or calls from your existing telephone service using the same telephone that you use now. The following picture shows a typical telephone gateway configuration.

Diagram courtesy of Actiontec.com

The following picture is the back of a typical device to show you the three ports of a gateway. Some gateways have a fourth port to connect a fax machine.

Photo as featured on Actiontec.com

The basic idea of a telephone gateway, or Skype gateway as we will now refer to them, is that they allow you to connect your existing telephone, corded or cordless base station (which may also include answering machine capabilities). You are then free to use the cordless handset anywhere in the house to make or receive both Skype calls and regular telephone calls. In Chapter 9 we cover how to install one of these units to allow you to make Skype calls away from your computer. The following section details some of the providers of these devices and their features. We will leave it up to you to decide which unit to purchase based on features, availability in your country, and cost.

Understanding the Basics … Telephone Gateways

A Skype gateway is the best device to purchase to free yourself from using the computer to make Skype calls and be able to use your existing cordless telephone.

VoSky (Actiontec) Internet Phone Wizard

Actiontec recently renamed its Skype product line to VoSky to better focus the Skype products. The VoSky Internet Phone Wizard (IPW) is probably one of the most popular Skype gateways available. It provides an excellent software driver and is as easy to use as any gateway, though easy to use is what all Skype gateways should be. One key feature that many gateways do not have is the ability to place a Skype call on hold when a landline call is received (and vice versa), and to switch between the two calls. Several gateways allow only one call at a time, which causes callers on the other line to receive busy signal.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $69.95, UK £39.95

You can get more information at www.vosky.com/index.htm.

Features of the Internet Phone Wizard

• Easy to install and use
• Patented I-Phone Switch for switching between Internet and regular phone modes
• Call waiting between Skype and landline calls
• Echo-cancellation technology
• Speed-dial integration with Skype
• No external power required
• Phone rings on incoming Skype or regular calls

Photo as featured on Actiontec.com

VoSky (Actiontec) Call Center

The VoSky Call Center is the latest Skype gateway from VoSky that does everything the IPW does and more. If you want to be able to call home on your cell phone, for example, and make a Skype call to Austria via Skype or SkypeOut, you can do all that with the VoSky Call Center. If your Skype contact is offline, the device will call you back and let you know when he or she is online. It also has Call Forwarding and a software answering machine. Below is a picture of the VoSky Call Center configuration.

Diagram courtesy of Actiontec.

Key Points

• Potential users Home, small businesses, medium-sized businesses, and corporations
• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost Varies depending on the country

You can get more information at www.vosky.com/index.htm.

Features of the VoSky Call Center

• Outgoing call forwarding (Internet calls to ordinary phones)
• Incoming call forwarding (ordinary phone calls to Internet calls)
• Call notification when Skype contact is online
• Computer answering machine software included
• Connects directly to your home phone so you can make and receive Skype and regular calls from your phone
• Patented I-Phone switch for switching your phone between Skype and ordinary phone modes
• Call waiting
• Caller ID for Internet calls
• Patented I-Phone switch for switching your phone between Skype and ordinary phone modes
• Supports Skype speed-dial and SkypeOut service
• Voice menu
• No external power required
• Echo-cancellation technology

Photo as featured on Actiontec.com

YapperNut YapperBox

This is a feature-rich Skype gateway that includes a software answering machine, and it performs well.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US$49.95

You can get more information at www.yappernut.com/us/en/yapperBox.htm.

Features of the YapperBox

• Amy software answering machine software
• Morning call – wake up call
• Separate audio for Skype calls
• Pass-through line allows regular telephone to ring if the computer is off
• Call switching
• USB powered

Note: The phone is not included with the YapperBox. The cell phone photo (left) is featured on Panasonic.com. The Yapperbox photo is featured on Yappernut.com.

RapidBox

The RapidBox is another Skype gateway that offers all the basic functions you would need.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US$49.95

You can get more information at http://rapidvoip.com/products.html.

Features of the RapidBox

• Send/receive both VoIP calls and PSTN regular calls
• PC-to-PC, PC-to-phone, phone-to-phone operation
• Built-in driver; no additional driver is needed
• USB1.1 Plug-and-Play, no sound card needed
• Complies with H.323, MGCP, and SIP
• Echo cancellation, noise reduction
• Full-duplex communication
• Auto Calling Router (ACR) function
• No external power required

Photo as featured on http://rapidvoip.com

SkyBox

The SkyBox is another Skype gateway that offers all the basic functions you would need.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $44.90

You can get more information at www.mplat.com/eng/productdetail.asp?post=22.

Features of the SkyBox

• Make/receive both VoIP calls and PSTN regular calls
• Incoming calls ring loudly
• PC-to-PC, PC-to-phone, phone-to-phone operation
• Driver built-in; no additional driver or plug-in software required
• Plug-and-Play, USB1.1 compatible, no external power/sound card required
• Echo cancellation, noise reduction
• Full-duplex communication with crystal-clear speech
• ACR function
• Complies with H.323, MGCP, and SIP

Photo as featured on www.mplat.com

iPMate

iPMate is another Skype gateway maker that has several models to choose from and includes a PCI Card version that installs inside the computer.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost Depends on the country

You can get more information at www.skype.net.cn.

Features of iPMate Devices

• Allows you to forward the Skype phone call into PSTN
• Allows you to forward the PSTN phone call to Skype phones
• Skype follow me: W90 can forward Skype phone calls to mobile phones; allows you to receive Skype phone calls anywhere, anytime
• Skype to any (local) phone: W90 can forward Skype phone calls to any phone
• Allows you to call any phone or mobile phone anywhere in the world at the local phone fee rate if W90 is used in pairs
• Allows you to call any phone or mobile phone anywhere in the world via SkypeOut at the local phone fee plus the SkypeOut fee
• DSP and echo cancellation

Photo as featured on www.skype.net.cn

Telephone Adapters

Telephone adapters connect your computer to only one phone and do not integrate with any local telephone service. These adapters are for people who know they do not need to integrate a local telephone service but want the flexibility of using a cordless phone, for example. These adapters could be used in small to large businesses to allow a cordless phone to be placed on a desk. The following picture shows how a telephone adapter connects.

PhoneConnector Phone Adapter

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $34.95

You can get more information at www.phoneconnector.com/products.aspx.

Features of the PhoneConnector

• Eliminates the need for a headset or microphone/speaker combination
• Adds mobility using a cordless phone
• A hardware-based answering machine may be added to provide voicemail to any VoIP client
• Three-way calling with Skype
• Supports multiple VoIP clients: Skype, Xten, MSN, PCPhone, Yahoo, and others

Photos as featured on www.phoneconnector.com

PCPhoneLine VTA1000

The PCPhoneLine VTA1000 is a basic Skype adapter that provides the ability to connect a telephone to your computer.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $59.00

You can get more information at www.pcphoneline.com.

Features of the VTA1000

• Eliminates the need for a headset or microphone/speaker combination
• Adds mobility using a cordless phone
• A hardware-based answering machine may be added to provide voicemail to any VoIP client
• Supports many of the VoIP clients from AOL, MSN, Skype, Yahoo, and others
• Works with H.323 and SIP-compliant VoIP networks

Photo as featured on www.pcphoneline.com

USB Phones

There are many varieties of USB phones, from wired to cordless, and from basic to fully Skype-enabled. There are many sizes and options, so be sure to consider the features you desire before selecting a specific unit.

DualPhone

The DualPhone was the first to appear, and is still the most popular USB cordless and fully Skype-enabled phone. It also acts as a Skype gateway, allowing you to connect your landline to the same base station. We are not aware of any better alternatives that also include the connection of a landline (more on this topic in Chapter 9).

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $139.99, Є134.95 for a base unit; US $79.99, Є67.50 for additional extensions

You can get more information at www.dualphone.net.

Features of the DualPhone

• Call free of charge worldwide via Skype to other Skype users; all other calls are charged
• Two-in-one cordless telephone—Internet telephone and standard telephone in one
• Plug and dial, easy to install, easy to use
• International and long distance calls at low rates with SkypeOut (requires purchase of SkypeOut credit online)
• Extra telephone line free of charge—simultaneous ordinary telephone and Internet calls
• Ability to participate in Skype conference calls
• Secure and encrypted communication
• Multiple handset capacity—up to four units
• Caller ID (CLIP)
• Call forwarding, Call waiting
• Future-proof: The software of the handset and base station can be updated via the USB interface
• Dialing via PSTN (requires a telephone subscription with a telecommunications operator)
• Dialing via Internet: Skype to other Skype users
• Dialing via SkypeOut to standard telephone numbers
• Distinctive ringing between standard telephone and Internet calls
• Range: Indoor up to 50 meters/outdoor up to 300 meters
• Talk time/standby time: Up to 6.5 hours/up to 100 hours
• 16KHz audio sampling
• Telephone book: 160 entries
• Redial: 30 entries
• Call log: 30 entries
• Key lock

Linksys CIT200

Linksys has entered the Skype telephone market with this cordless telephone. This device does not connect to your local telephone service, so if you still have a landline it will not eliminate the need for an extra phone, and it will still be attractive to businesses that desire a cordless Skype phone. For a very detailed review of the product, visit the following Web site: http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/skype/linksys-cit200-skype-phone-review.asp.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $129.99

You can get more information at www.linksys.com/international/product.asp?coid=52&ipid=821.

Features of the CIT200

• Complete cordless Internet phone solution for Skype
• Connects Skype to Skype
• Connects Skype to regular phone lines (with SkypeOut service)
• Accepts calls from the regular phone network to Skype (with SkypeIn service)
• Plug and dial—easy to install and easy to use
• Expandable—a single base station supports up to four handsets
• Intercom support allows talk between multiple handsets
• Built-in speakerphone in handset
• Graphical color LCD display with status indicators
• Superior sound quality
• Voice encryption for maximum security
• Standby time 120 hours, talk time 10 hours
• Base station with USB connection to your PC

Photos as featured on www.linksys.com

Siemens M34 USB Gigaset Adapter

This device allows you to add a supported Siemens Gigaset cordless telephone to your computer. The supported Siemens Gigaset cordless telephone must be purchased separately if you do not already own one. You can read a review at the following Web site: http://digital-lifestyles.info/display_page.asp?section=platforms&id=1910.

Key Points

• User level Basic, intermediate, and advanced
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $129.00, plus a compatible Siemens cordless phone

You can get more information at http://gigaset.siemens.com/shc/0,1935,hq_en_0_69566_rArNrNrNrN,00.html.

Features of the Siemens M34

• USB data adapter for PCs: Cordless data transmission with ISDN telephone line
• Enables Internet calls via Gigaset S44 and Gigaset C34 cordless handsets
• Gigaset SX445isdn
• Gigaset SX440isdn
• Gigaset SL440, S645, S445, S440, C345 and C340
• Gigaset CX345isdn
• Gigaset CX340isdn
• Transmission of Messenger Services to/from Gigaset cordless handsets: News ticker, SMS, etc.
• Internet applications via Gigaset cordless handset: Internet radio anywhere at home
• Compatible with Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP

Photo as featured on http://gigaset.siemens.com

VoSky USB Phone

The VoSky USB phone is a basic USB wired phone that can be added to your laptop bag or to your desk. Skype calls can then be made using a device that has the look and feel of a familiar telephone handset.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost Varies depending on the country

You can get more information at www.vosky.com/index.htm.

Features of the VoSky USB Phone

• Easy to install and use
• Speed-dial integration with Skype
• Full-duplex audio with adjustable volume control
• Call waiting and hold features
• Conference calling
• LED displays call status
• Microphone mute to protect your privacy

Photo as featured on http://www.vosky.com

SimplyPhone

The SimplyPhone is a basic USB wired phone that can be added to your laptop bag or to your desk. Skype calls can then be made using a device that has the look and feel of a familiar telephone handset.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost Varies depending on the country

You can get more information at www.simplyphone.lu.

Features of the SimplyPhone

• Fully Skype certified
• Comes in blue, green, red, or silver
• Comes with country colors and country logo of Germany, France, or the United Kingdom
• Standard phone keypad and LCD display
• Phone rings for incoming calls; select your ring tone
• PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone
• No sound card or external power required
• USB1.1 compatible
• Echo cancellation and noise reduction
• Caller ID functionality

Photos as featured on www.simplyphone.lu

US Robotics USR9600 and USR809600

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost Depends on the country

You can get more information at www.usr.com/talk/details.asp.

Features of the USR 9600

• Compatible with Skype
• Auto-interface with Skype accounts
• Excellent voice quality
• Full-duplex operation
• Full-featured LED screen
• Caller ID

Photo as featured on www.usr.com

IPEVO

IPEVO makes two models of USB phone, namely the Free-1 and the Touch-1. Both are available in white or black, and in two-packs. These USB phones have attractive features.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $15.99 for the Touch-1 and US $29.99 for the Free-1

You can get more information at www.ipevo.com.

Features of the IPEVO Free-1

• Superior sound quality (16KHz sampling rate)
• User-programmable buttons enhance customization
• Smart and stylish design, small form factor and lightweight
• Ten selectable ring tones (including silent)
• USB Plug-and-Play technology
• PC sound card not required
• Independent use of phone and sound card allows for Skype calls while listening to music on PC
• LED indicates USB connection state plus off-hook condition
• Acoustically isolated speaker and microphone to eliminate echo
• Built-in volume control and mute button

Photos as featured on www.ipevo.com

Features of the IPEVO Free-1

• Fully integrated with Skype
• Flashing LED indicates incoming calls
• Assign up to 100 speed dials to contacts
• Four selectable ring tones
• Easy to install USB Plug-and-Play technology (driver required to integrate with Skype)
• PC sound card not required
• Press the Show Skype button and Skype window will pop up
• Independent use of phone and sound card allows for Skype calls while listening to music on PC
• Superior sound quality

Photos as featured on www.ipevo.com

PCPhoneLine VPT1000

The PCPhoneLine VPT1000 is your basic USB corded phone.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $49.00

You can get more information at www.pcphoneline.com.

Features of the VPT1000 Device

• Regular telephone call experience with comfort noise generation (CNG)
• Volume control button on phone set
• On-hook/off-hook buttons
• Standard DTMF-style keypad
• H.323/SIP Control Protocol Support
• All types of dialup and broadband Internet connects supported
• Automatic NAT firewall detection and traversal
• DHCP compliant
• DTMF detection/generation and out-of-band signaling (H.323)
• Full-duplex voice compression
• High-performance echo management
• Voice activity detection to save bandwidth by delivering voice, not silence
• Advanced dynamic jitter management
• Gateway ANI authentication support
• Automatic gatekeeper and registrar server registration
• Automatic route to hotline on off-hook
• Call volume control setting
• NetMeeting/Windows Messenger compatible

Photo as featured on www.pcphoneline.com.

CyberPhone K

The CyberPhone K is a good USB desk phone. CyberPhone makes several other devices as well. Visit the product Web site for more details: www.skype.voipvoice.com.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost UIC£39.99

You can get more information at www.skype.voipvoice.com.

Features of the CyberPhone Devices

• Solid-state hook switch
• Hook switch button in handset
• CCITT dial pad
• Volume up/down key
• LED for connection/status
• Directory key
• Dial key
• Redial key
• Latching mute key with LED
• USB cable, 2000mm
• Ringer
• Color side panels

Photo as featured on www.skype.voipvoice.com

Speaker Phones

Both home-office and business users like speaker phones because they can be placed on the desk or used in a conference room to provide convenient hands-free operation. They can effectives replace the requirement for a headset, a microphone/speaker combination, or a handheld USB phone.

VoSky Chatterbox

The VoSky Chatterbox is a basic speakerphone that meets the need for conference calls and hands-free operation with Skype.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost Varies by country

You can get more information at www.VoSky.com.

Features of the VoSky Chatterbox

• Verified by and certified for Skype
• Replaces a headset or microphone/speaker combination
• Small, lightweight device goes anywhere you go
• Full-duplex speakerphone with adjustable volume and mute control
• DSP-enhanced sound quality

Photo as featured on www.VoSky.com

CyberSpeaker

The CyberSpeaker, from CyberPhone, provides speaker phone capabilities to Skype.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost UK£36.99

You can get more information at www.skype.voipvoice.com.

Features of the CyberSpeaker

• The CyberSpeaker allows users to make conference calls over the Internet; it can be placed in the middle of a table while colleagues, friends, and family gather round to chat
• A futuristic design of USB handset with a large built-in speaker phone for all conferencing requirements
• The unit is plugged into a USB port and will be recognized by Windows as a USB device
• The product has a magnetic hook switch and LED indicators to show connection and when it’s in use
• The CyberSpeaker features enhanced DSP echo cancellation and ASTI™, a proprietary algorithm for injecting artificial side tone, making the product as close to a traditional speaker phone as possible

Photo as featured on www.skype.voipvoice.com

IO Gear USB Speaker Phone

The IO Gear USB Speaker Phone is another small speaker phone unit.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost Varies by country

You can get more information at www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product& Item=GPH100U.

Features of the IO Gear USB Speaker Phone

• Full-duplex speaker phone with 110dB peak volume
• Use with IM software (AOL, MSN, Yahoo, etc.)
• Use with VoIP software (Skype, Vonage, Webex, etc.)
• Speaker: 2w peak, 40mm, 4ohm, 500Hz to 5KHz
• 8KHz input sampling rate
• USB audio
• 2.5mm headset jack
• Dimensions: 3.2 × 2.2 × 0.8 inches (8.1 × 5.5 × 2.0 cm)
• Weight: 1.5 ounces (42 grams)
• DSP voice processor
• 40mm Mylar speaker and Electret Condenser, omnidirectional microphones

Photo as featured on www.iogear.com

Desktop VoIP Phone with Speaker Phone

This VoIP phone is a full-featured desk phone that works with Skype.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost UK£49.99

You can get more information at www.gadgets.co.uk/voip-phone-skype-desktop.html.

Features Desktop VoIP Phone with Speaker Phone

• Desktop phone with backlit LCD
• Commercial-grade, high-quality speaker phone, ideal for conference calls
• USB1.1 and 2.0 compatible, no need for a sound card
• Phone ring for incoming calls, ring style and volume selectable
• Complies with H.323, MGCP, and SIP
• Skype-ready through Skypelink bundled software
• Echo cancellation, noise reduction
• Full-duplex communication
• Caller ID function of VoIP calls, 199 incoming calls and 199 dialed numbers

Photo as featured on www.gadgets.co.uk

Other Hardware

Here we look at a device that is just a little different.

MPIat Flash Phone Portable USB Phone

The FlashPhone F1K for Skype is a USB audio device plus Flash drive. You can download and install Skype in the Flash drive, make and receive Skype calls with FlashPhone, save your Chat history, and transfer files with the Flash from the drive. The FlashPhone F1K focuses on the mobile user. Drop in any Internet café, keep your important files and chat record, plug in and talk, unplug and leave. This is the perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite Skyper.

Key Points

• User level Targeted at basic, intermediate, and advanced users
• Platforms Microsoft Windows only
• Cost US $46.90

You can get more information at www.mplat.com/eng/productdetail.asp?post=27.

Features MPlat F1K Flash Phone

• Compliant with USB1.1, 2.0 full-speed operation
• Compliant with USB audio device class specification v1.0
• Embedded USB audio device; doesn’t require a sound card
• Embedded high-performance 16-bit audio DAC with earphone phone buffer
• Compatible with Win2000/Win XP without additional driver
• Power by USB port without additional power
• Volume up, volume down, and playback mute support
• Echo cancellation, loss noise reduction
• Full-duplex communication
• Embedded 5V to 3.3V regulator for single external 5V operation
• 48K/44.1KHz sampling rate for both playback and recording
• 32-bit DSP modifies and enhances the audio signal
• Includes microphone and speaker
• USB plug and talk, unplug and leave
• 128MB Flash storage capacity to store your files (roughly 90MB after Skype is loaded)

Photo as featured on www.mplat.com