Polycom Communicator C100S. Less is more. Even grandpa and grandma can use it. Perfect for a 1 pizza meeting.

 

Finally I got my Polycom Communicator. Looks great. Perfect Skype Device for travellers. I looks a bit like a device from Star Trek. Even better…

During installation I got some problems. Minor issues for but probably troublesome for consumers. I just could not instll the software..

 

The hardware itself got properly recognized by the system itself.

So of we go to the Polycom support. http://www.polycom.com/support/communicator.  A quick download of the  Polycom Communicator Version 1.0.4.0  followed by a seamless installation solved the problem. I guess the cdrom was only ment as old fashioned decoration, then ?

User Guide   and More Documentation is also available online. Good.

It is a pitty that Polycom and Skype did not mention any Skype ID that could be called for Support…

But I did not really need it so okay… After 60 second the device will be installed, just follow the installation procedure. Really easy, once you get the updated software online.

   

Bags and Cables.

It is nice to be able to fold up the usb-cable on the inside of the polycom, but the cable is too short I find. It does seem perfectly fit for travellers. A must have…

There is a plug for your stereo headphone jack (3.5mm) or headset, but there is no jack for the microphone of your headset… hm.. That is a pitty.

 

Good points (details make the difference sometimes) is the fact that here is little pouch/carrying cae included. To protect all this expensive gear during travelling. It is certainly smaller and lighter than the Ipevo Xing.

 

 

Skype Certified.

This device is also certified by Skype.

The installation manual is basic and to the point.

On top of that you get 30 minutes of Skype Out and 1 month’s free voicemail. Good. This is also a good way

Using and setting up the polycom box.

After installation a menu screenpops up displaying diagnostics and all sorts of information/option. This allows you to test the hardware-condition of the box and see if the sound (recording/playing) is all working 100 procent. Nice one. Many other devices should learn from this !

 

I like the fact that the interface of this Polycom also provides a link to the Windows Sound settings. Since today many computer-users have multiple sound-devices, you will see that most support problems during installation can be referred to this.

Finally I arrived at the registration of this product which brings you to a website : http://extranet.polycom.com/csnprod/signon.html, which is called the Polycom Resource Center is your personal place at Polycom. Nice but it would be nicer if there would be a Skype ID present there linked to the Polycom Global Support…

Since the box provides full-duplex sound for two-way telephone conversations, there should not be many issues.

Finally something that perfectly matches the marketing language it speaks.

«The Polycom Communicator gives you the ultimate hands-free Skype experience. Polycom's legendary Acoustic Clarity Technology enables crystal-clear, natural conversations while eliminating echos and feedback. Untie yourself from your headset for high-fidelity hands-free calling, and plug into the built-in headphone jack when you need privacy»

Other advantages.

– headsets always get broken when you travel. this box does not
– it is handsfree.
– ladies with fancy hairstyles don’t have to put on a headset
– the usb wire is on the inside foldable and that is good for travelling. no cable - mess

The future.

Many in the future they could and a numberpad for dialing the skype out and a display to scroll over the Skypecontact list.

The sound quality of the laptop is not as good as this device, so this one is very good. you could even attach it to your windows media center pc for when the skype call comes in there (which is possible now).

Product Tour.
Related products (for when you have a meeting bigger than a two pizza meeting  ).

 

Polycom HD Voice delivers over twice the clarity of ordinary phone calls for life-like, vibrant conversations. It’s like switching from AM radio to CD-quality audio. The difference is so astounding, you will never want to go back to regular phone calls.

More natural conversations, significantly boosting recognition and enhancing productivity Hear every word without repeating Enable remote collaboration with vibrant, life-like voice quality Polycom HD Voice includes: Wideband technology for over twice the clarity of ordinary phone calls Polycom’s patented Acoustic Clarity Technology 2, which combines next generation industry-leading full duplex, echo cancellation, and noise reduction with advanced voice processing Best-in-class system design, bringing all these software components together with hardware design for a total solution that maximizes the overall sound quality Available on select Polycom products: SoundPoint® IP 650 Polycom Communicator SoundStation VTX 1000