To get the feature list out of the way, it uses DECT 6.0, which operates on a wireless frequency that doesn't interfere with WiFi and Bluetooth. It also supports four handsets (I only had one), has a 150 foot indoor and 900 foot outdoor range, speakerphone, caller ID, Skype phonebook, and Windows 2000/XP support.

How do I like it? Only one way to find out.

The short answer is, I really enjoy it. The phone is very easy to use, and though some would dock points off the old-school LCD screen, I give it points for its large text that makes it easy for slightly older users to read. Which ties into the other think I like about it, that it's easy enough for your parents to use. Let me explain.

Setting up the phone just consists of installing the included software onto your PC to interface with your Skype install, plugging in the USB base unit, and charging up the handset. The handset and base unit detect each other automatically so there's no setup. Then, you can plug in a landline phone to your base unit to get analog calls as well. Once everything's set up (less than 10 minutes), you can make and receive calls on both Skype and your landline from one receiver—very useful.

The call quality was pretty great on our setup, and although there was a little static, we couldn't figure out whether it was due to our PCs, or the phone, or the Skype network. As opposed to the WiFi Skype phones like the Belkin or Netgear models, all the Skype processing is done on your PC. There's tons more processing power there, so as a result the call quality and battery life both go up. The only downside is that you can't take this phone anywhere you go, but it's good for an office or home phone.

So besides the call quality being great and the screen easy to read, we also liked the one-touch Skype contact list button. The buttons are large and give great feedback, and the handset is large enough to not feel uncomfortable in your hand, something we noticed with a few other phones. All in all, the $120 price tag and feature set on this phone makes it a great deal if you're looking for a Skype phone that also does analog calling. – Jason Chen

Product Page [USRobitics]

The USR9630 makes use of DECT 6.0 technology so as to prevent any sort of interference with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microwaves, your homemade SETI dish, etc. The phone is able to communicate with the base station up to a range of 150 feet indoors and 900 feet outdoors. It also takes advantage of several Skype-specific features, like the system's voice mail and caller ID. Sorry, Phone Company, we're all about choice.

The USR9630, which only supports Windows 2000 and XP-based systems, should hit stores in September for around $120. Throw in the accompanying USR9631 Accessory Handset and you're well on your way to Skype-qulaity phone calls and fun for the whole family. – Nicholas Deleon

USRobotics USR9630 Cordless Phone for Skype [VoIP & Gadgets Blog]

USRobotics Home Page [USRobotics]

Your small business looking for a good portable speakerphone to use with Skype? Jim Courtney over at Skype Journal got the US Robotics Speakerphone we told you about a while back. He says the setup's a breeze (plugs into USB port, no power adapter or software drivers) and audio quality is high:

I called Bill Campbell on Skype; certainly at my end his voice was of sufficient volume and clear. Noting the full duplex nature of the device, Bill reports that at his end there was no "barrel effect." Convenient volume and mute buttons allow you to manage your conversation without accessing the computer application. As the final measure we were able to carry on a normal conversation with no impediment caused by the technology.

The USR Speakerphone's currently available online from anywhere between $40 to $65, a nice low price that makes it a good affordable option for business travelers, or even families that use Skype to call Grampa so the kids make it into the will.

US Robotics Speakerphone: a Wish Answered [Skype Journal]

US Robotics isn't fooling around. Its Wireless Gateway USR019108 is a broadband networking solution that combines the company's exclusive MaxG with ADSL2+ technology for a complete broadband networking solution that encompasses a router and a print server. Obviously great for home networks, it's also perfect for any small business needs. And if your broadband provider isn't giving you ADSL+, the product does support existing ADSL connections. The Gateway comes with four Ethernet network ports and says that it can deliver up to 50 percent improvement in signal range and 125Mbit/s wireless performance (compared to 54Mbit/s for standard 802.11g). Also includes one USB 2.0 port, one adjustable antenna, an SPI firewall, Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)/802.11i and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), 802.1x authentication, 64/128-bit WEP encryption, SSID broadcast disable, VPN pass-through (PPTP, IPSec and L2TP), password protected configuration access, DMZ and virtual server support. One problem: It seems the MaxG technology isn't really up to par because to get the real speed and range across your network, you'll also need to purchase wireless adapters for all your computers and laptops. Uh oh.

U.S. Robotics Wireless MAXg ADSL2+ Gateway [Bios Magazine]
Specs and pricing for U.S. Robotics MaxG routers [CNET]