Asus AiGuru SV1T Touch Screen Video Phone – Silver Grey
Posted by latest handheld | Posted in ASUS handheld | Posted on 30-07-2010-05-2008
5
Product Description
The original AiGuru is basically a standalone Skype-certified videophone meant for those users that don’t want to bother with the whole computer thing. It gives users the ability to make and receive calls using a more turnkey approach to the activity. Just like the original model released last year the new SV1T has a built-in webcam speaker and microphone along with integrated Wi-Fi capabilities. Where it does its older brother one better is in its display. ASUS has… More >>
Asus AiGuru SV1T Touch Screen Video Phone – Silver Grey
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I bought this from an alternative supplier to Amazon at a better price. Should have waited until the Amazon price dropped:-) It is a great product and really useful for regular skype calls which are now unencumbered by the PC. I have it on my desk beside the computer. The speaker-phone function really works well. Using my computer for Skype calls I was always scrambling around for my headset – the only way to get acceptable sound quality using a little lap-top.
If I need to open a spreadsheet or Outlook record or something during the call, I not only have my hands free but also there is no drop-out while the computer does some thinking.
The video function is good quality and makes it a great conferencing device (nb not as host though. See later.) WiFi and ethernet connections are no hassle and it remembers its settings using an internal battery when you unplug it.
The missing main battery is a PR disaster. Current promotion is simply misleading. It should be stated clearly on the product promotion that it comes without the battery which would make it truly portable. However, being tethered to a mains outlet still allows it to be a really useful product. I imagined myself using it by carrying into the kitchen or dining room or over to my partner’s office to join in a call there. It would be very nice to be able to do that, but it does weigh quite a bit without the battery. You would not carry something else at the same time. I do feel cheated that it did not come with a battery. Asus should be ashamed. Amazon and others should pay more attention and prevent such stupidity.
The product design is brilliant even though the promotion is dumb. I feel I will be using this product for years to come.
The Skype software which comes with it is really intuitive and straightforward. The touch screen fits seamlessly into the useability pattern. Making and receiving a call is as easy as a plain old telephone (only better when the contacts have their pictures uploaded) and I think I could get my 89 year old mother to cope with it – when I have set up wireless broadband in her house and her Skype address book etc. She would certainly drop it if she thought it was portable.
I don’t think you can host a conference call with the current version of Skype installed. If you can, it is not at all obvious how. As for sending or receiving a Skype IM, I have not even tried. However, I have my computer for setting up conferencing and for IM and Skype copes brilliantly with the way I can establish or receive a call on either machine. Maybe a Skype software update will become available. However, I hope the simple intuitive interface is not compromised in any way when/if that happens.
Rating: 4 / 5
The lack of a battery for the UK market makes this product unusable if unplugged (or switched off) for a couple of hours or so, as no settings are retained. It will lose the Skype login name, password, Wi-Fi configuration, everything! For many target users i.e. grandparents who are not totally PC-proficient, this makes the product unusable unless extreme care is take. What a shame as in other regards this is a superb product.
Rating: 1 / 5
I think that this product is being abandoned by Asus.
In spite of the description, and the storagespace in the phone, at least amazon.co.uk’s model has no battery included.
I have read that it only got 20 minutes of batterylife, but still it would be nice to have the possibility to roam around the house a little.
The battery is AL21-SV1 and can not be bought anywhere.
The fan is annoying.
Rating: 2 / 5
great product but for UK BUYERS BEWARE.
Asus DO NOT SHIP THE BATTERY WITH thisPRODUCT TO THE UK MARKET!!!! (only us and canada get that)
I bought through a uk retail vendor and even they were not aware.
this means you cannot use this producte other than when it is connect to the mains.
it’ still a neat product, but do not expect the battery which gives you true wirelss and anywhere in the house/office/home video calls.
and to date you cant even buy the battery from asus or suppliers in uk.
Rating: 1 / 5
Excellent product if you need to communicate will loved ones who live far away.
Works better if both side have the same dedicated unit.
Feels like you are there with them!!
Only real niggle: Battery life is very short…under 20 minutes!!
Rating: 4 / 5