Ipevo SO-10 (Solo) Skype Desktop Internet Phone with White Handset

 

AmperorDirect Skype VoIP Solution

With the Ipevo SO-10 (formerly known as Ipevo SOLO), the business desktop revolution has started for Skype. The Ipevo SO-10 combines fantastic sleek design style, with full integrated Skype communications.

 

No Computer Required

IPEVO SO-10 is a Skype-embedded Internet phone that enables Internet calls without using a computer. An always on, dedicated device, SO-10 makes Skype calls as easy as using a regular telephone.

Always On, Always Available

SO-10 is developed to allow users to use Skype with the familiarity of a regular desktop phone. It is always on and always available for Skype-to-Skype, SkypeIn, SkypeOut and Skype Voicemail!

Simple Setup

SO-10 works wherever a broadband Internet connection is available. Setting up is as easy as plugging in the network cable, log in to your Skype account, and just pick up to make a call!

Easy to Use

The user-friendly and familiar Skype interface is displayed on 2.4’’ TFT color LCD, making operating the functions simple and easy. Additional convenient features include a built-in speakerphone and 3 quick-dial keys.

 

Product Review

IPEVO SO-10 Introduction

SO-10 is the latest IPEVO release; and their first to move the Skype conversation out of the computer box. Connecting IPEVO SO-10 to your router or cable modem, you will get a true stand-alone PC-Less Skype desktop phone. IPEVO SO-10 is currently available in some Asian countries and will reach the US coast very soon.

What’s in the IPEVO SO-10 Box?

Through AmperorDirect’s oversea department, we were able to get a hold of an IPEVO SO-10. The Asian version retail box includes:

• IPEVO SO-10 base unit
• Handset
• AC adapter
• Graphical hardware installation guide
• Quick setup guide
• User manual
• 6 Ft. network cable

Unique Features

IPEVO SO-10 is a decent designed Skype desktop phone. With the embedded version Skype software provided by Skype, it can handle the Skype incoming and outgoing calls without the need of a computer, and can do most of the extra functions such as speed dial and call diverting that we see on other PC-Less phones such as Netgear SPH200D and GE 28310EE1. However, there are some unique features which make the IPEVO SO-10 stand out from its competitors.

Eye-catching LCD Display

The first thing I notice on IPEVO SO-10 is the beautiful large sized LCD display. You can see a comparison of the screen on IPEVO SO-10 and Netgear SPH200D at the side picture: a picture is worth a thousand words.

The big display on IPEVO SO-10 does make the phone operation easier. For example, it is the first PC-Less phone that can fully present a long Skype ID, such as the “Echo / Sound Test Service”, on one screen. (Previously, the PC-Less phone will set the highlighted Skype ID to scroll mode so that the user can view the full name.) With this, IPEVO SO-10 enables users to find the correct contact name on the screen faster.

Magnetized Handset

Yes, this old feature that used to be seen on a high quality home phone has finally made onto a Skype phone. The IPEVO SO-10 handset is magnetized and thus can stay firmly on the base unit (which is also magnetized).

Have one Network Connection Only? No Problem…

The reason I like products from IPEVO is this company always take extra steps to think through what potential users need. On the back of IPEVO SO-10’s base unit, there is a WAN port and a LAN port. An IPEVO user doesn’t need to buy an extra switch / router or sacrifice the network connection to the computer, if there is only one network connection available. Just plug in the network cable from the modem to SO-10’s WAN port and connect the computer to SO-10’s LAN port, both the SO-10 and the computer can be online simultaneously.

In addition, IPEVO SO-10 provides four different network connection modes: DHCP, static IP, PPPOE dynamic IP and PPPOE static IP mode. This should be able to cover all the possible real-use situations.

A Universal AC Adapter with Interchangeable Plug

The AC power adapter of IPEVO SO-10 is rated at 100~240Vac. There is a push button on the adapter to pop out the plug. With the right plug, IPEVO SO-10 has the potential to be used in domestic and oversea. However, at this moment, it is not clear if the final US version will include the European plugs.

IPEVO SO-10 comes with a Pre-registered Skype Account

In the Asian version, each IPEVO SO-10 comes with a unique pre-registered Skype account (w ID and password). This feature can be helpful if I want to send IPEVO SO-10 as a gift to a person who has limited computer knowledge. Again, it is not clear if the pre-registered Skype account will be included in the final US version.

The Look?

The IPEVO SO-10 we purchased comes with a black base unit and white handset. There is also a black handset version available. I have mixed feedback from my co-workers about the IPEVO SO-10 design. But, those feedbacks can be very subjective basing on my co-workers’ taste. I think the best way for me to do is to provide pictures with IPEVO SO-10 taking from different angles and on different table surfaces. You can make your own call.

Question Mark on the Audio Performance

The best way to describe my IPEVO SO-10 sample voice quality is it can match the cell phone audio performance. I get distortion here and there in my testing but the overall quality is ok. It is a little disappointed especially after seeing what IPEVO can do on FREE1 – a USB phone. However, I also understand the issue might be on the embedded version Skype software provided by Skype. It comes with the 8KHz audio sampling rate. If IPEVO tries to upgrade it to 16KHz to match the sound quality on FREE1, the cost would go up.

The other possibility is we purchased a bad unit. The unit is from an auction site and I don’t know whether it is a pre-production unit or not. After reporting this issue to IPEVO US, I had a chance to talk to their tech support in California (he was on a SO-10 too). The strange thing is that I can hear him ok on my SO-10 without those distortions. I’m kind of making the conclusion that my unit is bad. I’ll report the audio quality again when I can get a hold of a US version IPEVO SO-10.

Wish List

As usual, I’ll provide my wish list for the next generation IPEVO SO-10.

• Build a dualphone to handle both Skype and PSTN calls.
• There is a USB port in the back of the SO-10. Can we connect a webcam to the port and do Skype Video using that big LCD screen? It will be a stand-alone PC-Less Video phone!!!
• A way to connect to the wireless network. (maybe using that USB port?)

 

 

 

Compatibility

	Item is PC Free Solution
Skype

 

 

Specifications