Pricey mobile VoIP phone: D-Link DPH-540.(Tech@Work: VoIP PHONE)(voice over internet protocol)(Product/service evaluation)

The D-Link DPH-540 is a wireless Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based VoIP telephone, offering users the freedom of wireless connectivity and the benefits of VoIP. The DPH-540 uses 802.11g Wi-Fi technology to connect to a wireless network and doesn't require a PC to operate, so calls can be made wherever a wireless Internet connection is present.

As the DPH-540 is based on SIP, it won't work with other voice applications, such as Skype. To use the phone, users will need an account with a VoIP service provider, such as MyNetFone, for example. Setting up the phone requires access to a wireless Internet connection so that the VoIP account details can be entered and registered. The DPH-540 then connects to the VoIP service provider to allow users to make calls.

The DPH-540's design is a step forward for VoIP phones. It looks much like a regular mobile phone, and its clamshell form factor is the first of its kind that we've seen. The DPH-540 measures 48.26x25.4x114.3mm and weighs 115g, so it's one of the smaller VoIP phones on the market. It's finished in a rather subtle black and silver plastic and although we wouldn't describe it as attractive, the design certainly isn't bad. Despite being a clamshell, the DPH-540 doesn't include an external display. Furthermore, the flip mechanism doesn't feel sturdy, so we aren't very confident in the DPH-540's ability to withstand harsh treatment.

The DPH-540 has an internal LCD display, but it's not as bright and clear as most mobile phone displays. The interface's colour scheme also makes it difficult to see some menu items. Indeed, white text on a light coloured background isn't the best combination for a hassle-free user experience. Despite this issue, the main screen can be read fairly well, and shows battery life, wireless reception quality, the currently connected network, the time and date, as well as caller ID.

The DPH-540 has plenty of call features, including last number redial, mute and hold. D-Link also uses echo cancellation technology, which worked quite well during our test calls. Call quality was good on both ends, with no major complaints from our call recipients. The phone is also fairly easy to use, as the buttons are well positioned and easy to press, and setting up a ...