The Siemens Gigaset C455 IP makes it easy to get started in Internet telephony. It also enables use of new VoIP services, such as an online directory and Gigaset.net, a service that permits free phone calls between Gigaset users. This hybrid phone with integrated answering machine has a fixed network connection and a LAN port. The type of connection is selected at the touch of a button – without the need for a PC. Three lines – one fixed network and two IP lines – can be used for simultaneous calling. In addition, up to six user profiles for different Internet service providers can be configured.

With the Siemens Gigaset C455 IP, even technical novices can benefit from low-cost Internet telephony. The phone is connected directly to a router via the integrated LAN interface – a PC is no longer needed. Since the device also has a conventional fixed network connection, users choose what type of connection they wish to use for their calls by pressing a button.

The C455 IP is especially family-friendly if additional (up to six) handsets are connected. Up to six different VoIP accounts be configured – even with different providers – and three calls can be conducted simultaneously: two over the Internet and one over the fixed network.

Configuration is very simple thanks to the installation assistant on the handset. After the country and provider have been selected, the settings are automatically retrieved online and loaded into memory. Finally, the access data is entered on the handset’s keypad, which makes calling over the Internet as easy as over the fixed network.

The integrated answering machine records every missed incoming call and has room for up to 30 minutes of messages. Users can also listen to their messages when away from home by entering a four-digit security PIN. Apart from voice messages, users can also record important phone calls they make.

A range of additional benefits are offered by the new VoIP services such as Gigaset.net, which lets owners of Gigaset VoIP phones make free calls. In Germany , the hybrid phone also supports access to more than 30 million klickTel yellow and white pages online entries.

The other features are also impressive. The Gigaset C455 IP has a generous illuminated color display and can send SMS messages up to 160 characters long. The integrated phonebook stores 100 contacts, and the high-quality hands-free function offers outstanding voice quality.

The Gigaset C455 IP (in black) costs 109.99 euros.