Use Your Landline Phone for Skype Calls (Review of D-Link USB Adapter)
By Michael Pollock in Reviews, Software
Ever since I began using Skype a couple years ago, I’ve been looking for the best way to use it without being tethered to my PC by a pair of headphones. I tried the Bluetooth route, but the sound quality was less than adequate, and I could never get used to those little Bluetooth ear pieces hanging over my ear. What I really wanted was just to use my regular landline headset for Skype and regular landline calls (it’s all about integration with me).
This weekend, during a trip to BestBuy, I found a solution. It’s called the D-Link DPH-50U Skype USB Phone Adapter.
With this little gadget, you can use your landline phone to make Skype calls. It’s really simple to connect. Just connect it to your computer via the USB cable provided with the adapter. Then connect your landline phone to the adapter. Finally, connect the adapter to your telephone wall socket. Before you do all that, of couse, you’ll need to install the driver that comes with the adapter.
Once you’ve completed all that, you can use Skype to call anywhere you want. And of course, all Skype calls are free in the US and Canada until the end of the year. After that, just use your regular Skypeout account.
You can also use your landline phone to call regular Skype contacts. All you do is assign a speed dial number to each of your contacts (in your Skype control panel), and when you pick up your landline phone, dial ##, then the speed dial number, then the * key. To make regular long distance calls via Skype, just dial ## 001 + area code + 7 digit phone number. If you were calling another country, instead of 001, you’d have to use the code for that country.
It’s that easy. The key, of course, is you must have your computer powered on and be logged into your Skype account.
On Sep 3, 2006, Char said:
Thanks for the idea - I didn’t know you could do that. I use Skype all the time and it would be easier if I could use a landline phone instead.
On Feb 3, 2007, Penelope said:
HEllo, well I have one of these dph 50 U and I have not been able to make it work. I reinstalled it etc, it only owrk twice and then it gave up. I got a new one from the factory as they thought it might have been faulty but even the new one is not working. the support line is not helpfull at all. now if I decide to not put a landline on it …(it is not require it says) hwo do you make it work then? any ideas? I am very upset this is not working at all.
On Apr 16, 2007, HudsonSpeeder said:
Just use the DRIVER from the USROBOTICS 9620 instead of the d-link one. Works great. If you need it PM me and I will send it to you.
On May 7, 2007, jdealman said:
I have been very disappointed with the D-Link DPH-50U. I don’t know what the reviewer was paid by D-Link, but it could not have been a candid review, otherwise he would have known that you cannot have a 5 minute conversation without the unit cutting off the call.
I had a Linkys wireless phone before this. I think I will go back to using its clean and crisp calls which do not get disconnnected.
On May 7, 2007, Michael Pollock said:
jdealman:
it was not a paid review. it was my honest experience.
just because it didn’t work well for you, don’t assume everyone else shares your experience
that’s just arrogance.
and to accuse me of not being candid is plain rude.
i’d still be using the d-link today if they provided drivers for windows vista.
michael pollock
On May 7, 2007, jdealman said:
Mr Pollock,
How long do you actually use a product before writing your final review?
On May 7, 2007, Michael Pollock said:
jdealman: i don’t have a set time.
On May 7, 2007, Michael Pollock said:
and by the way, jdealman, there are plenty of reviews out there on this product (see here, here and here) - some good, some bad. it’s still no reason to accuse me of lying.
On Feb 11, 2008, Latest 2008 Skype Download said:
great blog!!!
dont you just love skype? we have had it ages now and love it.
i highly recommend it to anyone who hasnt got it yet
On Mar 3, 2008, Mary said:
I would just like to say that we have been using the skype box for ages and are on our second one. The first was struck by lightning and within a week I had bought another. We love it. I have a portable phone connected to it and love the mobility. I would hate to be ’stuck’ to my computer. I talk to my daughter in the UK for hours on end (I live in South Africa). My calls don’t ‘drop’. Michael, you are absolutely correct - this is brilliant. And Idealman, I am not being paid to say that!! I don’t even know Michael. There must be something wrong on your part, although I don’t know what as it is so easy to install. I thoroughly recommend it.
On May 27, 2008, Jan said:
Before you do that just buy MagicJack
You can make calls to any landline phone from our pc for $20 a year that’s it
You just plug the thng into the usb port and plug your phone into it and make calls
go to www.magicjack.com
You do not use your regular phone jack