Functionality
The ASUS AiGuru SV1 offers full Skype video conferencing facilities with the need of a PC. You can use it for Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls (both free) and as with regular Skype you can call regular landlines and mobiles at discounted rates. You may also use it to make and receive conference calls (3 or more people), however in this mode there will be no video and purely voice.
For me the main use will be when I’m travelling abroad, I’ll leave the videophone at home and be able to have videophone conversations with my family from my laptop, with the only cost being the WiFi connection in the hotel, sweet!
Installation
Installing the AiGuru was a straightforward process. You’ll need an existing broadband Internet connection and you can either connect the videophone via the supplied network cable or wirelessly. The wireless connection is the most convenient but you’ll need to enter any WEP or WPA key via the cursor keys and onscreen keyboard which is a bit fiddly. I’ve noticed it seems to forget the WEP key on occassion and you need to re-enter it, hopefully this will be fixed in a software update.
You can also tweak the display settings (brightness, hue, saturation, etc.) but I found the picture and video quality to be absolutely fine straight out of the box.
Portabilty
You can run the AiGuru straight from the mains, however it does come with a re-chargable battery so you can move it around. The screen housing is adjustable and is both comfortable with placed on a desk or your lap.
Conclusion
I’ve found the Skype videophone to be a great piece of kit and will certainly make good use of it. It is on the heavy side but I don’t think it’s meant to be used on the move. You can buy the ASUS AiGuru SV1 from the official Skype Shop for £219.95
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