D-Link's new Wi-Fi Flip-phone

D-Link has introduced its flip-style Wi-Fi Phone that combines the cost-savings of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology with 802.11 wireless connectivity in a compact Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based package. The sleek portable D-Link Wi-Fi Phone, together with an Internet VoIP phone service, provides both consumers and businesses a stylish way to dramatically reduce local and long distance telephone charges compared to standard telephone service. VoIP phone calls can be made where there is a Wi-Fi network or open hot spot to the Internet — without the use of a PC.

"Our phone is truly a first of its kind in both design and functionality, and the potential cost savings to be realized from this type of device are astounding. This product will act as a flagship for D-Link in this key emerging market, complimenting our popular wireless networking and VoIP telephony solutions" comments Tobie van Schalkwyk, Country Manager for D-Link South Africa.

Weighing only 3.74 ounces in a compact clamshell design, the phones feature large, bright color displays for easy viewing of numbers as they are dialed, storage of up to 100 address book entries, caller ID and polyphonic ring tones with seven-step volume control, as well as support for redial, mute, hold and text messaging. Users can expect about three hours of talk time and 70 hours of standby time on a single charge of the Li-Ion, 900mAh battery. An external power adapter and mini-USB cable are included.

The D-Link Wi-Fi Phone has the same look and feel of a flip-style cell phone, but is based on 802.11 wireless and VoIP technology. To make and receive calls, users need only an 802.11b, g or n wireless network with high-speed Internet access.

In addition, the phone, which uses a Broadcom chipset for low-power consumption and a small footprint, offers echo cancellation, packet delay compensation and lost packet recovery, resulting in similar or improved voice quality over traditional phones. The D-Link Wi-Fi Phone uses the popular SIP technology and is ready to be used with many VoIP service plans.

For accessing secure wireless networks, the Wi-Fi Phone supports WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption.

D-Link's new Wi-Fi Phone is compliant with Public SIP Telephone Network (PsipTN), the telephony technology expected to be available in the third quarter this year. Users will be able to make and receive free calls within the network via a firmware upgrade and a one-year subscription. PsipTN also allows users to receive calls from regular phones for free.

Price and Availability
The DPH-540 and DPH-541 is available through Comztek, Mustek and Pinnacle Micro at a suggested retail price of R3,499.00

The unit has a limited lifetime Warranty and 24/7 Technical Support including firmware updates.