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March 19, 2005
Tom's Hardware Reviews Skype via PocketPC PDA (WiFi & Bluetooth)
10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) ~ Biz - Mobile
Tom’s Hardware recently reviewed placing Skype calls through a WiFi-connected PocketPC PDA using a Bluetooth headset… I guess you’d call that mouthful of techno jargon cutting edge.
Skype offers a special client specifically designed for Microsoft’s PocketPC operating system. Most high-end PocketPC devices now integrate both WiFi and Bluetooth support, so theoretically one should be able to complete a Skype call via a PDA completely wireless (i.e., using WiFi to connect the PocketPC to the internet and a Bluetooth headset to connect the caller to the PDA). Indeed, Tom’s Hardware finds that this is the case.
Our Skype for Pocket PC operational trial revealed that a high-performing Pocket PC equipped with wireless functions can indeed be used as a device for Internet telephony. The voice quality obtainable is perfectly satisfactory for personal use, and the method offers the big advantage of the extremely low calling cost: frequent or long-distance callers will quickly notice the positive impact on their phone bills.
In a business environment, this solution is not yet mature, due to the limitations we described regarding voice quality for intercontinental calls, and the sometimes variable quality when calling fixed line and wireless numbers
The review also offers a lot of detail on how to set up your PDA to connect via WiFi and pairing the PDA with a Bluetooth headset.
Definitely a sign of telecommunications to come.
Update: 2005_03_22
Check out The techADDICTION Show #3 for an audio demo (part of their podcast) of Skype on a Pocket PC with a Bluetooth headset.
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