vB Easy Archive - XLINK BT landline replacement

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XLINK BT landline replacement
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Posted by: etwasneu

Has anyone tried the Xtreme Tech XLINK BT? I just found it on the internet and would like to hear any comments on it?
It looks like I can use it to get rid of my land line and still use both my cell phones throughout the house.

Posted by: WaltA

How do they connect, and use, three cell phone simultainously, I wonder?

How do the three Bluetooth connections not interfere?

How do you hold three conversions, with three cell phones, at the same time? A single conference call, or three independent calls?

Posted by: hrock

Bluetooth has enough bandwidth allow several simultaneous connections. The XLINK can maintain three connections to three cell phones.
The main use is not so much to talk on all three phones at the same time, although that is possible, but to allow households with multiple cell phones to be *docked* at the same time.

Say you have two active cell phones or you have one and your wife has one. They are all paired to the XLINK and an incoming call on either phone rings your house phones. If you have an active call through one cell phone and the other cell phone rings, you can actually use the flash key on your regular house phones to swap between calls across mutiple cell phones!

There are a number of advanced possibilities, but it boils down to getting past the limitation of only being able to access one cell phone from the other phones in your house. It is quite common for a household to have two or more cell phone users now a days.

Posted by: phoneking

Sounds like it is a problem to manage all the calls. Every cell phone can get up to 2 phone calls. With 2 cell phones, that is 4 phone calls; with 3 that's 6 phone calls. How can you manage that with only a 1 line phone?

You'd be flashing like crazy and not knowing who you are talking to. I know how many times I have gotten cut off by people just trying to answer 1 call waiting call. Seems like this would be a huge problem which is why the phone companies (land line and cellular) have always limited you to just one call waiting. It is one of those ideas that sounds good but is totally unmanageable.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrock

Bluetooth has enough bandwidth allow several simultaneous connections. The XLINK can maintain three connections to three cell phones.
The main use is not so much to talk on all three phones at the same time, although that is possible, but to allow households with multiple cell phones to be *docked* at the same time.

Do cell phones actually have their internal code "smart enough" to handle successfully sharing Bluetooth bandwidth with other cell phones which might be just inches away?

I don't know... but with all the odd Bluetooth problems cell phones seem to have, I would certainly be weary of the possibility that cell phones (and not XLINK) might not be able to handle it.

Posted by: hrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaltA

Do cell phones actually have their internal code "smart enough" to handle successfully sharing Bluetooth bandwidth with other cell phones which might be just inches away?
<snip>

Fortunately its not an issue. As far as each cell phone is concerned, it is only talking to the XLINK and doesn't know the XLINK is talking to other phones as well. No issues so far and there are a fair number being used by people.

Posted by: phoneking

[QUOTE=WaltA]Do cell phones actually have their internal code "smart enough" to handle successfully sharing Bluetooth bandwidth with other cell phones which might be just inches away?

I don't know... but with all the odd Bluetooth problems cell phones seem to have, I would certainly be weary of the possibility that cell phones (and not XLINK) might not be able to handle it.

[/QUOTE

Bluetooth frequency hops and allows up to 8 devices within a 30 foot range to share the spectrum. However, cell phones as of now can only connect to one audio device at a time. The problem is call waiting which is why the Phone Labs Dock-N-Talk is great because you can use 2 line phones which eliminates the call waiting problems that you can have with multiple cell phones. I have 2 line corded and cordless phones that let me connect easily to any cell phone and make and receive my calls and answer call waiting just like I would with a land line.

Posted by: Glenn 100

So, Hrock, does that mean you're using the Xlink? I want to try it because the DNT didn't work well with my cell phone but I wanted to make sure it was acceptable before I jumped and bought one.

I was going to try the DNT again in 2 months when I got a new cell phone but this seems like it is at least as good of an option if not better.

Phoneking, there probably wouldn't be anything stopping you from using 2 Xlinks (one on each line paired to only one cell phone) like you are doing with the DNT's and it would be cheaper.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

So, Hrock, does that mean you're using the Xlink? I want to try it because the DNT didn't work well with my cell phone but I wanted to make sure it was acceptable before I jumped and bought one.

I was going to try the DNT again in 2 months when I got a new cell phone but this seems like it is at least as good of an option if not better.

Phoneking, there probably wouldn't be anything stopping you from using 2 Xlinks (one on each line paired to only one cell phone) like you are doing with the DNT's and it would be cheaper.

What cell phone did you try with the DNT? What was the problem? There seem to be a lot of advantages to the DNT. I am able to charge my cell phone and connect with a cable. So at home I use a cable and at the office I use a Bluetooth Module. I can easily connect my second cell phone to my second line with the DNT with the switch on the back which the xlink doesn't have. Also I don't see a BT pairing button or ringing button for testing and intercom on it either.

Posted by: hrock

Glenn, I've been using it for sometime. Both my phone and my wife's phone are paired to it. I keep the XLINK in the back of the kitchen pluged into my phones. My cell phone is always by the door fully charged up and ready to roll. I got rid of the land line and now we just use our cell phones. It it an awesome setup.

phoneking, ins't there is seperate DNT thread?.... I'm thinking you have never seen an XLINK....obviously it must have a bluetooth pairing button...infact it has three. You should get yourself one and I think you would be converted. It really does blow the dock-n-talk away. Although being almost $100 cheaper was enough to convince me.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

I tried it with the Moto E815 using bluetooth. The main problem was the volume coming thru the house phones was excrutiatingly loud and the cell phone volume control could not not limit it. The volume control on the house phones could not attenuate it enough either and I was holding the phone 3 inches from my ear to try and use it.

I don't need the intercom feature because I have Panasonic KSU less phones with built in intercom. I also don't need the switch to select which line to place it on because I can either re-wire the jack the way I want it or just change the wire configuration in the phone cord.

I think I'm ready to try the Xlink because I'm tired of carrying the cell phone around the 3 floor townhouse. I don't have a land line. My goal is to put my front door intercom and my cell phone into my 2-line house phones.

One last rant, I don't understand why the DNT needs so many firmware updates. Especially when connecting using bluetooth. And, it was a hassle trying to get in touch with phone labs to explain the problem and then get them to update the DNT at no charge when I had only had it a week. It took about 2 weeks to get the DNT back and it still had the same issue. The USB port and a user installed download for the Xlink sounds more reasonable!

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

One last rant, I don't understand why the DNT needs so many firmware updates. Especially when connecting using bluetooth.

I don't understand the reverse. Why don't the others need firmware updates? Do they just not care to implement a work-around for all the various oddities (bugs? "features"?) that the cell phone programmers come up with, with each new phone model or phone software/firmware update?

Posted by: hrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaltA

I actually did update my XLINK the other day - took about 5 minutes and didn't cost a dime! Some of the blutooth UI (if you can call it that) works even smoother now.
http://www.xtremetechcorp.com/software.aspx

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrock

For all you want to say about xlink, I checked into it and the Dock-N-Talk is actually CHEAPER than the xlink by the time you add the $50 for shipping from Canada--WHEW! I can get a DNT and a Bluetooth Module for under $190. Also with the Bluetooth built into the xlink, you can never upgrade the hardware since you are locked in to whatever chip they use. Bluetooth hardware has changed already so many times from 1.0 to 1.1 to 1.2 to 2.0 and now 2.1. I could have been able to upgrade my Phone Labs BT module with each new hardware rev since they aways update the BT mod to the latest spec and have never had to replace my DNT. And I can use cables to charge my phone with it too. The UI works really well too.

Posted by: hrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

huh? are you making this stuff up?

http://www.xtremetechcorp.com/store.aspx - XLINK BT shipped and delivered: $160.
https://www.phonelabs.com/purchase.asp - dock and talk + bluetooth: $220.
Multiple dock and talks so you or your family can use more than one cell phone at the same time: WAY TOO MUCH

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassKozz

Are there any others?

There is also the Uniden ELBT595 which is a cordless phone system, which allows one to attach their Bluetooth cell phone as a second line ("Line 2").

The ELBT595 can import contacts from a PC running Outlook. So, if your cell phone's contact directory is also in Outlook, you could have the same directory in both. However, I don't believe there is a way to directly transfer between the ELBT595 and the Bluetooth attached cell phone.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassKozz

Right now I think I am going to go with the Motorola SD7505 because it supposedly sync's the cell phone's Phonebook (contacts) with the wireless handsets, so I can use my cell phone's phonebook without having to manually program in all the numbers again, I don't think the XLink BT does this, does it???

I know that with the DnT, you are actually using your cell phone. So, you can access the cell phone's own Phonebook either thru speed dials or thru voice dials. There is no copy, because there is nothing into which one could copy it. I believe the XLink is the same way.

Posted by: BassKozz

Sorry I deleted my Original post by mistake...
I am in the market for one of these devices, but I can't seem to make up my mind, here is what I've found so far:

1. Motorola - C51 Bluetooth® Mobile Link - SD7505
2. PhoneLabs - Dock-N-Talk
3. Panasonic - KX-TH111
and now the...
4. Xtreme Tech - XLink BT

Are there any others?
Right now I think I am going to go with the Motorola SD7505 because it supposedly sync's the cell phone's Phonebook (contacts) with the wireless handsets, so I can use my cell phone's phonebook without having to manually program in all the numbers again, I don't think the XLink BT does this, does it???

TIA,
-BassKozz

Posted by: BassKozz

WaltA,

On the Uniden can you use voice command dialing?

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassKozz

On the Uniden can you use voice command dialing?

There doesn't seem to be any way for the ELBT595 to "command" the cell phone to go into voice dialing mode.

This is in contrast to devices like the DnT that support pressing the "#" from your attached home phone, to have the attached cell phone go into voice dial mode.

Posted by: BassKozz

Just got off the phone with Uniden tech support...
the ELBT595 does NOT support voice dialing

ohh, well, I just pulled the trigger on the ELBT595 on eBay for $125 shipped... Best price out of all of them...
Hopefully the software that comes with the ELBT is easy to use, I want to transfer my phonebook from my E815 to it.

I'll keep you posted on how it works.
Thanks for the help WaltA,
-BassKozz

Posted by: hrock

My XLINK allows me to use the voice cmd system of the cell phone. It is pretty neat how you can now voice dial from anywhere in the house.

The only issue I have with units like the uniden is that you are limited to using their telephone handsets....once you start buying extra handsets to position around the house it quickly gets more expensive. I already had a house full of phone so it made sense to keep using them.

yikes - i just looked up the price of additional uniden handsets ....

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrock

Try again: xlink is $160 if you want to wait up to 12 days for delivery, 1-3 days is $200.

Have you ever heard of MSRP vs. street price??? The DNT is available all over the internet for $100-125 and the Bluetooth Module is $40-60; Phone Labs is the manufacturer so they quote MSRP, not street price. Shipping is free on most sites. So depending on who you buy from it costs less.

The worst thing about the xlink is I have tried calling the company for over 2 weeks now to see what they would say to the concerns I have about the product and NO ONE ANSWERS THE TELEPHONE OR RETURNS PHONE MESSAGES. I have also sent emails that are unreplied to...talk about a start up.

They have totally turned me off by not having just BAD customer service, that don't have ANY customer service. Who would do business with a company with no support?

I have had nothing but great service from Phone Labs and they answer all my questions immediately and professionally.

I love my Dock-N-Talk and am now thinking about getting their new Enterprise Telephone docking station.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassKozz

Just got off the phone with Uniden tech support...
the ELBT595 does NOT support voice dialing

Sorry to tell you but Uniden discontinued that product some time ago. It had a lot of bluetooth issues and there will not be an upgrade path for it. Also, you will never be able to use other handsets with it. Like WaltA said, the DNT allows voice dialing and it also does 1-touch dialing and now redialing. Phone Labs' new Enterprise Telephone I am looking at does complete directory transfers both directions so you can copy to and from your cell phone or different cell phones and also text messaging. Looks great!

Posted by: WaltA

Does anyone know if the XLINK will turn 'on' the voice mail indicator on your house phones, if they support it (usually just a red LED)???

The reason I ask, is that Phonelabs holds the patent for the protocol, and I believe that means XLINK would need to pay Phonelabs a licencing fee if they want to use it.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrock

yikes - i just looked up the price of additional uniden handsets ....

That's the price of the "fancy" top-of-the-line flip style. Their 5.8MHz line is more or less compatible across their line. You might want to, instead, check out the TCX905.

There is always eBay too.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassKozz

Hopefully the software that comes with the ELBT is easy to use, I want to transfer my phonebook from my E815 to it.

I believe you will need to transfer your phonebook from your E815 to Outlook on your PC (I am not sure how... has anyone done that?). From Outlook, you could then transfer it to your ELBT.

Posted by: BassKozz

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrock

My XLINK allows me to use the voice cmd system of the cell phone. It is pretty neat how you can now voice dial from anywhere in the house.

Yah, that is one feature I will miss out on

maybe when the XLink goes mainstream I might buy it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrock

The only issue I have with units like the uniden is that you are limited to using their telephone handsets....once you start buying extra handsets to position around the house it quickly gets more expensive. I already had a house full of phone so it made sense to keep using them.

yikes - i just looked up the price of additional uniden handsets ....

True you are stuck with using a uniden handset, BUT you aren't required to get an ELX500, the base is forward&backward compatible. So any Uniden handset will work.

To be honest I am not a huge fan of the ELX500, I've already got a flip cellphone (e815) why would I want a flip handset? I am probably going to pickup a TCX905 from Amazon for ~$30.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

What, what, what... Where did you hear this?
I just bought it from Uniden's eBay store... why would they sell a discontinued product?

And they also Still Sell it on their online store

Another reason I liked the Uniden over the Dock-N-Talk:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phone Labs

Q. Can I dock two cell phones at the same time to one Dock-N-Talk?
A. No, the Dock-N-Talk is designed to connect to only one cell phone at a time. If you want to dock a second cell phone at the same time, you will need to purchase a second Dock-N-Talk.

My Uniden ELBT595 allows 2 cellphones to be connected to the system at once.

Of course I can only use one at a time, but still it's nice when the wife wants to use the ELBT595 instead of her cell. I don't have to unpair my phone and then pair hers... it's already setup

Posted by: hrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaltA

Does anyone know if the XLINK will turn 'on' the voice mail indicator on your house phones, if they support it (usually just a red LED)???

The reason I ask, is that Phonelabs holds the patent for the protocol, and I believe that means XLINK would need to pay Phonelabs a licencing fee if they want to use it.

I guess maybe they would.....but how would that affect me buying their product?

I just searched the patent office and there isn't a single patent assigned to PhoneLabs.

Posted by: hrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassKozz

Yah, that is one feature I will miss out on

maybe when the XLink goes mainstream I might buy it...

It would be cool if you could go down the street and buy it in Frys...but the XLINK BT does work very well and i've had no issues with it.
Another reason I liked the Uniden over the Dock-N-Talk:

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassKozz

My Uniden ELBT595 allows 2 cellphones to be connected to the system at once.

Of course I can only use one at a time, but still it's nice when the wife wants to use the ELBT595 instead of her cell. I don't have to unpair my phone and then pair hers... it's already setup

That is exactly why i am so happy with the XLINK BT...it is always connected to both cell phones (it can actually connect to 3) so no re-pairing or turning one off to use the other.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Ok.... I've had the Xlink for 2 days and my opinion is that this thing is FANTASTIC and so is the company.

My phone (Moto E815) was unuseable with both DNT and Xlink because the phone passes the full volume to the house phones making it very painful to hold it to my ear. When I told phone labs, they had me send the thing in, fight them not pay the firmware upgrade fee, and sent it back 2 weeks later with the same problem.

I emailed Xlink with the same issue, they responded in an hour that they could fix it for me with a firmware change and asked me how much I wanted the volume reduced. Hours later, they emailed me a program and new firmware which allowed me to make changes myself until I was happy.

The Xlink also pairs and connects better with my phone. The DNT was very finicky at times. And, you can press a button on the Xlink to connect and disconnect the cell phone. The DNT required you either unplug it or turn the bluetooth power off on the cell phone to disconnect.

The DNT also costs more, has lousy support, will only connect to one cell phone, and can not be upgraded by the user and costs $25 to get an upgrade.

There is no choice in my book. Thanks hroc. I gave this a try based on your recommendation.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

The DNT required you either unplug it or turn the bluetooth power off on the cell phone to disconnect.

Well, on my Motorola cell phone, all I need to do is to select "disconnect". No need to turn power off to anything. Pretty simple.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaltA

Well, on my Motorola cell phone, all I need to do is to select "disconnect". No need to turn power off to anything. Pretty simple.

If I select disconnect on my phone, a minute later, it keeps asking me if I want to connect again. The phone is worse than a 2 year old. Doesn't understand the word "No".

If Xlink can be made to work well with a POS phone like mine, I can't wait to try it with a decent phone.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrock

I guess maybe they would.....but how would that affect me buying their product?

I just searched the patent office and there isn't a single patent assigned to PhoneLabs.

First of all, patents are not awarded to companies, they are awarded to individuals. The Dock-N-Talk has a patent number on the back; just check that number. They hold the US patent for docking stations.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

If I select disconnect on my phone, a minute later, it keeps asking me if I want to connect again. The phone is worse than a 2 year old. Doesn't understand the word "No".

You're right, but that's what "automatic reconnect" is suppose to do.

I guess what is needed is a smart reconnect, that knows when you want your phone to connect from those times you don't want it to connect.

I have a problem, constantly, with "automatic reconnect" when I (and my cell phone) are in the garage. My DnT and my hybrid "fight" over who gets to connect with my cell phone.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrock

I guess maybe they would.....but how would that affect me buying their product?

It would depend if you find that feature (VM indication on home phones) important or not.

Now, I don't know if the Xlink supports VM indication or not, I was simply asking if it did, and speculating as to why if it didn't.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

The DNT also costs more, has lousy support, will only connect to one cell phone, and can not be upgraded by the user and costs $25 to get an upgrade.

The Dock-N-Talk can be paired with up to 8 cell phones but has limited active connections to one cell phone at a time due to standard telco practices for things like call waiting. The upgrading is free for bug fixes but since they do cable connections, they charge a nominal upgrade charge to keep adding cable cell phone compatibility of $25 including return shipping. I agree with you that letting customers do it themselves could work for someone like you, but for many customers, they would prefer to have Phone Labs do it. They told me they may offer an in-home upgrade in the near future for those that want it. The street price of the Dock-N-Talk is either less or the same price as the xlink.

Great news for E815 owners. They just announced a cable for that phone so you can have either Bluetooth or cable.

I don't understand why you have such a problem with Phone Labs. Sounds like you work for xlink. I tested the tech support from both companies and it is not even a close call, literally. I called Phone Labs 10 times yesterday and they answered 9 out of 10 times I called with one voice mail. I have called xlink over 20 times for the last 2 weeks and NO ONE EVER ANSWERS or returns voice mail messages. It's interesting that you never mention calling xlink, I wonder why

If you like the xlink product that's fine for you, but don't trash a great product and company that has won many awards, is sold by many wireless carriers and has been endorsed by many jounalists including Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal.

Posted by: kudzu53

I ordered an Xlink on 5/10, got an email it was shipped the same day, and it arrived in Atlanta yesterday (5/16). It took 2 minutes to get it connected to my home cordless phones and paired with my Moto 815.

One obvious feature difference between it and the DNT which was not obvious is that the Xlink does NOT support a land line. You cannot connect a land line, which will work well for me as my goal is to cancel my land line if this works out.

More feedback on the Xlink later.

Posted by: T28

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Yah right, I don't know of (m)any companies that let the employees 'own' the patent. They are assigned to companies, so yah, a search for Phonelabs should find any patents held by them.

Its not like IBM or Motorola patents can't be found by searching for the company name.

Posted by: T28

Quote:

Originally Posted by kudzu53

I ordered an Xlink on 5/10, got an email it was shipped the same day, and it arrived in Atlanta yesterday (5/16). It took 2 minutes to get it connected to my home cordless phones and paired with my Moto 815.

One obvious feature difference between it and the DNT which was not obvious is that the Xlink does NOT support a land line. You cannot connect a land line, which will work well for me as my goal is to cancel my land line if this works out.

More feedback on the Xlink later.

Wait as sec, my DNT does not have any landline connection either. I don't think any DNT does.

Posted by: T28

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

I tested the tech support from both companies and it is not even a close call, literally. I called Phone Labs 10 times yesterday and they answered 9 out of 10 times I called with one voice mail.

wtf?? are you insane, can you say STALKER!!

actually, i think it is kind of funny to think that someone might do that.

What did Phonelabs say when you called them 10x in a row??
"Hi, oh, its you again, do you want something this time or what?"

Posted by: kudzu53

Quote:

Originally Posted by T28

Wait as sec, my DNT does not have any landline connection either. I don't think any DNT does.

My mistake, I thought with a DNT one could call out on the land line or cell. I may have got it mixed up with some of the other Uniden and Moto products I've been looking up.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

You figured it out!!! Every satisfied customer must work for the company.... And how long have you worked for Phone Labs?

I have not trashed the DNT. I tried it which is more than I can say for you trashing the Xlink without trying it. I was relating my experience with the product and the company just as you are. The DNT worked but not very well with my phone and my experience with the company has not been positive. They did not want to offer free bug fixes (they actually didn't even fix the bug I had) and the sending it back to them was much less satisfiying than Xlink who sent me a fix within hours that I could apply myself. What was more frustrating was waiting the 2 weeks to get the DNT back and the bug wasn't fixed.

You are correct, I did not try calling Xtreme Tech about my problem. I prefered to accurately and concisely describe my problem in an email so they could take a look, analyze, research any possible solutions, then get back to me. Which is exactly what happend! They then asked me a couple questions, crafted a solution, and got the product working to my satisfaction all within the same day. When I emailed and called Phone Labs, I did not have your stellar experience.

I am an E815 owner and it is great news that Phone Labs announced cable support for a phone design that is several years old and phased out. I would definitely try the DNT again based on that news since I'm going to dump the POS in about 2 months.

Just because Phone Labs had a product to market before another company does not mean that the second company is not as good or better. Xlink is a better solution for me for many reasons and I was relating that on this website so other people who may be considering it or had a bad experience with DNT would have some feedback on the product before making their decision to try it. I don't know why you resent that so much.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

You figured it out!!! Every satisfied customer must work for the company....

You must admit, the tone of your postings do read like a press release. You bash the DnT for very minor, or even grossly exaggerated, reasons.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaltA

You must admit, the tone of your postings do read like a press release. You bash the DnT for very minor, or even grossly exaggerated, reasons.

I was just relating my satisfaction with the Xlink and explaining the problems I had with DnT and the company. I'm sure Xlink is not the answer for everyone but Phoneking was taking shots at Xlink without even trying the product and extolling the virtues of DnT which is not the answer for everyone either.

Posted by: Nicolle

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

http://www.howardforums.com/newrepl...eply&p=9189894#
Drinks

Why would you want it ship it from Canada? Is already in US and sold on the eBay. $149.99 + standard USPS shipping rate. About the upgrades. Even the DNT BT02 is absolete. It is not the latest bluetooth class version. DNT firmware upgrade is just annoying. Ship to us we ship back to you - 2 weeks are gone including $40 bucks out of my pocket. In this time of the age nobody does it anymore. It should be online and freely available to the customers.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicolle

I was looking at it on the xlink web site which ships from Canada. The Phone Labs DNT BT02 is the latest spec available anywhere in the world--what are you talking about? 99% of Bluetooth products out there are still 1.2.

Posted by: hrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

I was looking at it on the xlink web site which ships from Canada.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Have you ever heard of MSRP vs. street price??? The DNT is available all over the internet for $100-125 and the Bluetooth Module is $40-60; Phone Labs is the manufacturer so they quote MSRP, not street price.

Seems like you got caught with your own street price explanation......

Posted by: Dave32

I have been looking into this technology for my use as well.

My problem is US VOIP number and Canadian cell carrier (any call forwarding is long distance)

I looked at the Uniden, I think Uniden has discontinued the unit. I also looked at Xcelis Patheon product and the Panasonic. In eBay world the Panasonic and Uniden are priced well, you do not see the others.

The biggest issue I find is getting a unit that support the Bluetooth profiles that are available on your device. I have HTC P4000, HTC uses the Microsoft Bluetooth stack and the Uniden/Panasonic support the Widcomm stack.

For my situation, I also use VOIP for landline, looks like Xlink may support that as well.

The Xcelis one looks interesting because it supports using incoming and outgoing calls, I believe on all of them, you need good cell signal.

The benefit in my mind to this technology is it avoids the need for call forwarding. If you cell provider has free/almost free call forwarding, none of these unit are of value, just call forward to your landline/VOIP line!!!

Anyone looking at this technology, make sure your bluetooth phone/device supports the Bluetooth stack the device that connects to your phone supports.

Dave

Posted by: gamo62

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassKozz

Sorry I deleted my Original post by mistake...
I am in the market for one of these devices, but I can't seem to make up my mind, here is what I've found so far:

1. Motorola - C51 Bluetooth® Mobile Link - SD7505
2. PhoneLabs - Dock-N-Talk
3. Panasonic - KX-TH111
and now the...
4. Xtreme Tech - XLink BT

Are there any others?
Right now I think I am going to go with the Motorola SD7505 because it supposedly sync's the cell phone's Phonebook (contacts) with the wireless handsets, so I can use my cell phone's phonebook without having to manually program in all the numbers again, I don't think the XLink BT does this, does it???

TIA,
-BassKozz

The KX-TH111 supports 8 handsets/headsets and 5 cell phones. The only problem I see is that it is 2.4ghz and totally messes up wireless video senders and wireless routers. But it works great. AND it may be the only one of the bunch that sports a 110/220v 50/60hz power supply. I bought one for my wifes family back in Morocco. And it works great. A lot less interference over there with the sparse amount of 2.4ghz wireless devices.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamo62

The Dock-N-Talk has adapters for every country in the world and has been sold in over 60 countries according to Phone Labs. The DNT supports up to 8 cell phones being paired instead of 5. The problem with the cordless phone approach is that you MUST use their handsets FOREVER. It will never work with any other corded or cordless phone even from the same company. So if you break the cordless base phone, your docking days are over and all phones will need to be replaced and a broken handset cannot usually be replaced since the handsets are discontinued normally every year.

Posted by: T28

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamo62

I hear you, but I don't want to be stuck with only panasonic system handsets. Those things have about a 6-8month life before they conk out, usually the battery, but also the keypads go wacky.

BTW, the XLINK BT I have is also a switching global power supply. It also seems to be rated 110/220V an 50/60Hz. My friend uses one in Brasil.

Posted by: snowmoon

Quote:

Originally Posted by T28

I hear you, but I don't want to be stuck with only panasonic system handsets. Those things have about a 6-8month life before they conk out, usually the battery, but also the keypads go wacky.

I hear that... and aftermarket batteries don't work in them even when they should be a perfect swap.

I'm currently in the market for one of the two DnT or Xlink. I have 2 cell phones ( e815's ) and we make infrequent calls.

DnT: Would end up costing at least $240 for two units not including a new 2 line phone system. Long track record. Worried that even if I get it I will have to re-flash it right away $50 to properly support the e815 "volume issue".

Xlink: Would run $169. Sure I know, sometime in the future it may become obsolete, but the DnT would probably require a flash at that point and a new adapter 2x $25+$50 = $150... I'll just get what's new on the market. This will also work with any single line portable phone system.

Right now I think I'm leaning towards the Xlink assuming I can feel comfortable with the unit. I have a Mac so I'm not quite sure how I'm going to handle the updates.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowmoon

Phone Labs has cables that only cost $20 so upgrading the DNT is inexpensive. Also, you can send a unit to them for upgrading if you have a Mac. I have found they have great customer service, even by phone if you ever need it. I highly recommend DNT.

Posted by: hrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowmoon

I would say XLINK is the way to go. They got a good review on CNET and as you pointed out the XLINK does a lot more for a LOT less $$.
http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phone-...?tag=prod.txt.1

The E815 is a funny phone in that it transmits the audio over bluetooth very loud. The DNT has no way to work around this, but the XLINK has the ability, when necessary, to optimize the volume for particular cell phones. You will need to use the configuration tool to do it and it takes about 10 seconds.
Depending where you order it from, you can probably have it shipped already configured for E815. See previous posts by Glenn_100.
You will probalby never need to upgrade the firmware after that...so I wouldn't much worry about that.

There seems to be a lot of places selling the XLINK, this one appears to be one of the main ones and has some interesting info:
http://www.xlinkgateway.com/about_X...th_gateway.html

Good luck!

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowmoon

I'm currently in the market for one of the two DnT or Xlink. I have 2 cell phones ( e815's ) and we make infrequent calls.

DnT: Would end up costing at least $240 for two units not including a new 2 line phone system. Long track record. Worried that even if I get it I will have to re-flash it right away $50 to properly support the e815 "volume issue".

Xlink: Would run $169. Sure I know, sometime in the future it may become obsolete, but the DnT would probably require a flash at that point and a new adapter 2x $25+$50 = $150... I'll just get what's new on the market. This will also work with any single line portable phone system.

Right now I think I'm leaning towards the Xlink assuming I can feel comfortable with the unit. I have a Mac so I'm not quite sure how I'm going to handle the updates.

I have tried both with the E815 and DNT is not the way to go with that phone, especially if you are going to use bluetooth. I did not try it with the cable because they released the cable only recently even though the phone is several years old and now past it's prime. Phonelabs also said they only offer free firmware updates for 30 days and they didn't want to offer me that. Luckily I bought the DNT through Hello Direct who helped mediate between me and Phonelabs because they were not responsive to my issues and it was easy to return the product to Hello Direct.

The Xlink BT works perfectly with the E815 becuase you can tweak performance to your preference with the programming tool and a computer. I much prefer using bluetooth to a cable because the phone automatically transfers the calls to and from the house phones as I come and go.

Also, when I get a new cell phone, I don't have to worry about getting a new cable. If needed, all I have to do is load the programming tool again on my computer and tweak for the new phone.

If you are going to connect 2 phones, you may as well get the Xlink because it will connect up to 3 phones at one time at no additional cost and you won't have to replace your current single line phones with 2-line phones.

Now when guests (even my technologically uninclined mother) are at my house and ask to use the phone, they can't believe I don't have a land line. That's how great Xlink works.

Posted by: jwootang

Just got off the phone with Phone Labs tech support: The new MV8 cable does not allow for the use of Call Waiting with DNT. They said that I was the first person to call with that issue and they confirmed it with their own testing and with talking to Motorola before calling me. It looks like I'll be ordering up the XLink BT after all!

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwootang

Just got off the phone with Phone Labs tech support: The new MV8 cable does not allow for the use of Call Waiting with DNT. They said that I was the first person to call with that issue and they confirmed it with their own testing and with talking to Motorola before calling me. It looks like I'll be ordering up the XLink BT after all!

Good choice, especially for that phone. If you have the issue where the volume is too loud for you, either contact the company to get the software to tweak it yourself or email me privately your email address and I'll send the software it to you.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwootang

I tried the now discontinued Motorola docking station with my E815 and it had the same problem. When I spoke to Motorola about it, they said it is a bug with that phone that would not be fixed so all docking stations trying to work with a serial connection with the E815 won't work with call waiting unless you press the call waiting button on the cell phone. However the E815 call waiting works fine over Bluetooth and I use the DNT and it works great.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

I have tried both with the E815 and DNT is not the way to go with that phone, especially if you are going to use bluetooth..

That is a personal experience...

For me, the DNT/Bluetooth and my E815 combo are just fine.

Well, except for the Call waiting issue (trying to answer call waiting from a "corded phone" drops both callers, but this is an issue with my V710, Blackberry, Chocolate, enV, U740 and U620 phones... it did NOT exist with my V710 until I updated the D-N-T's firmware to v.93)...

I have not sent my DnT in for another firmware update since...

Everything else is just fine.

Now, more products coming to market.... its a WIN-WIN for us consumers as we can now have a selection to choose which works best "for me"

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

For me, the DNT/Bluetooth and my E815 combo are just fine.

Well, except for the Call waiting issue (trying to answer call waiting from a "corded phone" drops both callers, but this is an issue with my V710, Blackberry, Chocolate, enV, U740 and U620 phones... it did NOT exist with my V710 until I updated the D-N-T's firmware to v.93)...

I have not sent my DnT in for another firmware update since...

Everything else is just fine.

FYI
The flash key works for call waiting with the Xlink and E815 via bluetooth.
And, if you needed a firmware update, you would be able to do it yourself.
But if you're happy with what you have, that's all that matters.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

FYI
The flash key works for call waiting with the Xlink and E815 via bluetooth.

Cool. Nice to know. Others say that their DnT and E815, V3C, enV, etc... all work fine for call waiting via Flash key too... Not sure why mine is an issue now, other than possibly firmware, since that is all that really changed since it stopped working.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

And, if you needed a firmware update, you would be able to do it yourself.

I've had the DnT for over three years and I've only sent it into Phonelabs once for a firmware update... that was when I first got the E815, just over a year ago... It was because key presses from WIRED phones didn't make it to Voice Response menus (like credit card companies, or tech support)... I'd have to go enter those key presses on the E815 itself.

I think its time for another upgrade, as new firmware releases apparently take into account quirks of newer cell phones... And I've received a few different phones I play with over the last year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

But if you're happy with what you have, that's all that matters.

Could not have said it better myself...

Each buyer has to be happy with his/her own purchase, and the item must meet his/her needs. That is the only thing that matters. Each user has different needs, each device its own strengths/weaknesses. So what is good for "me", isn't always good for "you" and vice versa.

While I would like to learn MORE about the Xlink, right now, FOR ME a $25 firmware upgrade, which takes less than 1 work week, is better than scrapping this thing, purchasing a new product, and starting over.

In the spirit of learning more about the Xlink, would you (or anyone else who has this product) mind answering a few more questions?

With the DnT (firmware v0.93) via Bluetooth, Caller ID info displayed on the Corded phones appears to depend on the cell phone and corded phones being used.

For example, Caller NAME depends on if the "corded" phone has Editable Caller ID or not, and if the user's name/number is in the "corded" phone's phone book. (If the phone has editable caller id, like my panasonic KX-TG5422, and user's name/number is in the corded phone's phone book, the name displays properly on the corded phones. If the corded phone doesn't have editable caller id, like my panasonic kx-tg5230, only the number shows on the corded phone and the name shows as "Dock-n-Talk" no matter what). The DnT only passed the Caller Name as listed in the cell phone's contacts via Caller ID when using the cable to the cell phone (back with my Moto T730 and V710).

Date/Time of the call being displayed on the "corded" phone varies with the CELL PHONE in use. (example, when using my Moto E815, corded phone shows Date/Time of call, where as when using my LG enV or Chocolate, date/time doesn't show on corded phones.)

So how does Caller ID info work with the Xlink? I'm assuming it has the same limits?

The DnT has a switch on the back which allows you to use the L2 Pairs of your already in the wall wiring, rather than the L1 pairs which may be active with a traditional home phone system... It looks like the XLink doesn't have this built in... Is that correct?

Am I safe in assuming you can use the L1-L2-L1+L2 adapters to remedy this? (like Catalog #: 55021728 from Radio Shack) so you can use your "regular home phone" as the L1 pairs, and those single line phones connected to the Xlink as the L2 pairs without having to re-wire anything.

Their web site says "User Configurable" but from their web site, and the PDF manuals, I can't seem to figure out exactly what is configurable. What is configurable? I know you mentioned the ability to tweak the ear piece volume to get around the problem SOME (not me) have when using the Moto E815... BUT from your comments (pm you and you'll send it), and the fact that it is not up on their web site, it makes it seem as this is not something they make freely available to all...

[EDIT] Wow, I didn't realize how long this post was

Sorry. [/edit]

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowmoon

I...Worried that even if I get it I will have to re-flash it right away $50 to properly support the e815 "volume issue".

Just a couple notes....

The volume issue of the DnT with the E815 is not see by all E815 users.. I dont have it. But I can't say what the cause of it is, or that you won't experience it...

The DnT should ship with the latest firmware... and firmware upgrades within 1yr of purchase are free. Ok, well you have to pay to ship it to Phone Labs (last time I did it, less than $4 for FedEx Ground).

For BOTH of these products... the only time a firmware update should be necessary would be to over come a bug in the current firmware, or an incompatibility with a newly released cell phone, right?

Posted by: snowmoon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

The DnT should ship with the latest firmware... and firmware upgrades within 1yr of purchase are free. Ok, well you have to pay to ship it to Phone Labs (last time I did it, less than $4 for FedEx Ground).

Even if I buy from the cheap eBay sellers? I seriously doubt they all have the latest firmware.... but it really doesn't matter because the only way the DnT would be cost effective for a multi-phone household is with the cable. The cable is unable to handle call waiting ( bug in phone ). There is no way I'm spending over $300 just to link the phones with a portable.

I'm currently investigating a number of options that may include switching out my phones and having a possible third in the house and that, once again, tilts my favor towards the XLink BT.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Call waiting works fine over BT for me with the E815 and V3. Make sure that you have tried it with more than 1 home phone since it could be a home phone issue and also make sure the flip is open on the cell. Otherwise, I would go for a firmware upgrade.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

In the spirit of learning more about the Xlink, would you (or anyone else who has this product) mind answering a few more questions?

With the DnT (firmware v0.93) via Bluetooth, Caller ID info displayed on the Corded phones appears to depend on the cell phone and corded phones being used.

Date/Time of the call being displayed on the "corded" phone varies with the CELL PHONE in use. (example, when using my Moto E815, corded phone shows Date/Time of call, where as when using my LG enV or Chocolate, date/time doesn't show on corded phones.)

So how does Caller ID info work with the Xlink? I'm assuming it has the same limits?

I only used it with Panasonic KX TS3282 phones which are KSU less 2 line system phones. Xlink passes the number only from the E815 and name always displays Xlink BT. Time and date were always correct.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

The DnT has a switch on the back which allows you to use the L2 Pairs of your already in the wall wiring, rather than the L1 pairs which may be active with a traditional home phone system... It looks like the XLink doesn't have this built in... Is that correct?

Am I safe in assuming you can use the L1-L2-L1+L2 adapters to remedy this? (like Catalog #: 55021728 from Radio Shack) so you can use your "regular home phone" as the L1 pairs, and those single line phones connected to the Xlink as the L2 pairs without having to re-wire anything.

Xlink does not have a built in switch to place it on either the L1 or L2 pair. It defaults to L1 only. I'm not sure why this is such a big deal to people because it is easily changed by swapping a few wires if you have just a little knowledge. If you have no knowledge, then the adapter you mention could be used.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Their web site says "User Configurable" but from their web site, and the PDF manuals, I can't seem to figure out exactly what is configurable. What is configurable? I know you mentioned the ability to tweak the ear piece volume to get around the problem SOME (not me) have when using the Moto E815... BUT from your comments (pm you and you'll send it), and the fact that it is not up on their web site, it makes it seem as this is not something they make freely available to all...

I just checked their website and saw they made the newer configurable firmware available to all. I just never checked since they created the firmware for me when I brought the E815 volume issue to their attention. They emailed the firmware and a separate program which allowed me to change the settings before loading them to the Xlink.

It seems they re-designed the delivery method of their firmware as an executible program that allows user configuration with one easy download. I haven't played with all the settings but you can:
-change the ring pattern for each of the 3 phones (lines) connected
-the volume on each line can be adjusted individually
-dialing patterns can be set
-dialing restrictions can be set
-hot keys can be changed (for example the # key is like pressing send to make the call connect quicker when dialing out)
-flash times can be adjusted
-there are some international adjustments and a few more configurations but I haven't played with it that much.

I think it's extremely cool and well thought out to allow user adjustments to fit different peoples needs. I just got a new cell phone so I connected the Xlink to the computer, loaded the new firmware, and re-adjusted the volume to suit the new phone.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowmoon

Even if I buy from the cheap eBay sellers? I seriously doubt they all have the latest firmware....

On that I can't comment, as I purchased mine directly from Phone Labs.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Since this is more geared to the DNT, rather than the XLink... maybe we should take this to the thread discussing the DNT...

(which I did post in saying... same corded and cordless phones that worked when using the DNT, BT, and V710... exhibit this problem with the E815, and other cell phones since... only change... DnT firmware upgrade and cell phone. Since then, I've been able to switch back to the V710, and the problem is there when using the V710 now too... i.e. that means only change from the original working setup... DnT firmware.)

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

Ok, same as the DNT via BT... if the corded phone has editable caller ID... then you can get the caller's name to properly show on the corded phone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

I live in a rental condo/apartment... the L1 pairs are active/hot, even though I don't have phone service. The only way to use the DnT or Xlink would be making use of the L2 pairs...

I'm sure there are others out there who RENT that do not want to take apart every wall jack and re-wire them, then have to remember to fix them before they move out. I know my parent's or my brother (who own their places) do not have the skills. So those adapters are the best bet for either.

Knowing that is a possibility is a good thing.

The L1/L2 switch on the DNT means no additional equipment to buy if you have a 2Line phone at home. Phone company service on Line1, DnT on line2, right out of the box.

Is it a "must have"... No. Just nice...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

I think it's extremely cool and well thought out to allow user adjustments to fit different peoples needs. I just got a new cell phone so I connected the Xlink to the computer, loaded the new firmware, and re-adjusted the volume to suit the new phone.

Yes, that is nice.

Thank you for your info!

Posted by: Glenn 100

AMAZING.......ONCE AGAIN!!!!!!!

I just changed my cell phone a couple days ago to the LG VX8700 and to my disappointment

the Xlink would not display caller id on the house phones on an initial call but would on a call waiting call.

So, I emailed the company with a description of the problem and we arranged a time to trouble shoot together. With the latest software change, the Xlink can be remotely connected to their tech support. So they called me a few times to see what the cell phone was doing, determined the problem, and told me how to fix it. And.....now it all works perfectly again.

This is the second time I had an issue with my particular phone and the Xlink and the second time they came up with a solution. A solution that fixed the problem without my sending the unit back to them, or pay them money to upgrade the unit (like that other product makes you do).

I am so impressed with this product

and their development team

and if anyone is still on the fence about getting one

or is still deciding to try the DnT

, GET OFF THE FENCE!
-----------
If anyone has the LG VX8700, the issue causing the caller id problem is that the cell phone has a slight delay in transmitting the caller id info and my house phones were not tolerant of the timing. By loading the XWizard, you can change the ring pattern to Coded 2 (on the line you have the 8700 connected) which alters the timing enough to make it work. You may or may not experience this issue depending on the house phones you use but if you have the problem, this should help you over come it. My panasonic KX-TS3282 phones act a little different than normal because they have a lot of electronics built in to make them act like system phones with intercom, paging, advanced line status and extension status. If I had plain phones, I probably would not have noticed this problem.

Posted by: monkeyboy

I'm also trying to decide between the DNT and the Xlink... Having a hard time... One issue that concerns me is BT: Just how sensitive is BT (particularly on the Xlink) to nearby cordless phones and WiFi ? In my intended usage, there are indeed cordless phones and WiFi units within a few feet. Is this not likely to work even if I place the cellphone within 12" of the Xlink ? Does that make the cable interface method of the DNT a better choice ?

If anyone is using either the DNT or the Xlink with a Sprint cell phone, particularly one that is current, it would be helpful to know what works and what doesn't.

Thanks.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyboy

I'm also trying to decide between the DNT and the Xlink... Having a hard time... One issue that concerns me is BT: Just how sensitive is BT (particularly on the Xlink) to nearby cordless phones and WiFi ? In my intended usage, there are indeed cordless phones and WiFi units within a few feet. Is this not likely to work even if I place the cellphone within 12" of the Xlink ? Does that make the cable interface method of the DNT a better choice ?

If anyone is using either the DNT or the Xlink with a Sprint cell phone, particularly one that is current, it would be helpful to know what works and what doesn't.

Thanks.

I am using Sprint phones with the DNT with both Bluetooth and a cable. It works great. If you have possible interference issues, go with the DNT and a cable. I use my Sprint Sanyo phone with a cable and it also keeps your cell phone charged

. You will be very pleased. If you get cordless phones in the future that don't interfere with bluetooth, you can always upgrade to the BT Module.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyboy

You will probably notice from other posts that Phoneking is using every type of phone with every type of service and has all the answers for everything DNT. This is because he is a Phone Labs employee trolling the forums. So you need to make a decision without relying on his advice.

I personally have had great success with the Xlink and a bad experience with DNT but many people have had great success with DNT. I don't care for the cable idea because it is phone specific and if you get a new phone, you'll most likely have to get a new cable. I also like having the phone connect and disconnect automatically as I come and go without having to connect the phone by cable.

So you could go with DNT and the bluetooth module but here are the advantages I see by going with Xlink.

-you can connect up to 3 cell phones at one time (you, your wife, kids...)
-if new software (firmware) becomes available, you can update it for free with your computer
-if you need/want to, you can tweak some settings to your liking. Such as ring pattern, flash times, house phone volume....
-If you are having an issue specific to your phone, they can diagnose and correct it for you remotely. I had to have this done and I didn't have to send the unit back or pay an "upgrade" fee.
-if you go bluetooth and decide you don't want the phone to connect or if in the middle of a call you want to switch to the cell phone, just press the line button on the Xlink for that phone and it's disconnected. DNT has to be unplugged. If you don't do that, the phone will keep trying to connect.

-Xlink gives you 30 days to try it and DNT probably does too so you have nothing to lose whatever you decide. I'm not using 2.4ghz phones but my neighbor is (townhouse community so it's close) and we share a wireless computer connection and I haven't had any trouble. So I guess just a little distance would end any problem you may have.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

...I don't care for the cable idea because it is phone specific and if you get a new phone, you'll most likely have to get a new cable....

Another disadvantage... I also noticed when using the Cable with the DnT, that the phones didn't charge as fast...

i.e. connect my Moto V710 via cable to the DnT, I could run the phone's battery dead in about 5hrs while talking... (Spent a day on the phone one time...), instead of the normal 2hrs on battery alone... However, using the BT module to connect, and the phone's travel charger to power/charge the phone, battery would stay fully charged.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

MONKEYBOY, I would kindly suggest that you not listen to the blubbering fool Glenn 100 and his rude and insulting comments. He clearly has no idea about anything technical and just wants to hear himself rant that everyone works for Phone Labs who has taken the time check out the products.

1. I have tried both products and the DNT is FAR superior.
2. There is no upgrade fee for the DNT except for new compatibility for new cell phones which is completely reasonable.
3. Cable connections work very well and do charge the phone. If you change phones and need a different cable, it will set you back only $17.99. Mark Venture is correct that if you talk non-stop for 5-7 hours, power drain can occur because it uses a mid-rate charger. However, this has never happened to me in 3 years of using the product and I talk on it all time.
4. With the cable solution, you will have no change of RF interference.
5. A call originating on the DNT using Bluetooth can be easily switched to your cell phone by just pressing a button on your cell phone, there is no need to go and press a button.

I suggest the cable is the solution that will keep you from having RF interference issues.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Oh... Here we go again. Yes, I am a blubbering fool because I like the Xlink and clearly listed just some of the benefits over DNT. Thanks for making this a good debate by calling me names instead of listing the benefits of your companies product. I'll do it for you since you've mentioned them many times.

-DNT has won awards
-if you get a new phone, you can buy a new cable (if..... it's available)
-you can buy new BT modules for it
-you can mail it back to phone labs when you get that new phone so it will be supported

and....
-You can pay for mailing it back to get the support you need.

I think that covers it. Except for the line switch, which is only a convenience, I can't see any benefit which I guess is why you haven't come up with any. Is calling the company for support 30 times a day just to see if they answer your call a benefit? I just can't tell so we'll leave that one out.

As far as disconnecting BT on the phone, you can do that when using Xlink too. But the phone keeps trying to re-connect unless you turn BT power off. Having the option to easily turn Xlink off is just another benefit.

I tried both products but I guess that does not qualify for checking them both out. And obviously I don't know anything technical because I like using the Xlink. Is that why DNT didn't work with my phone and why the company couldn't come up with a solution? Because I don't know nothing technical?

Good discussion Phoneking. I'm ready for the next insult. Seems you're the only one rude and insulting!

Posted by: Jumpsman23

Message to Moderator of this forum: Run an IP check on PhoneKing. If his IP Address is located in Bridgeport, Connecticuit, then he may work for PhoneLabs. If this forum does not have IP tracking and recording capabilities, then please add it to prevent people from companies bashing competitors products.

Incase you havent noticed PhoneKing obviously may work for PhoneLabs. Read some of the postings in the Dock N Talk thread, others said that he may work for them also. Read his postings also, I mean come on who else would call PhoneLabs 10 times in one day just to see how many times they answer the phone. Only a person with no life would do this and this would be an extremist. PhoneKing mentioned he did this on this thread.

Both products are good, each have their pros and cons, its strictly up to the individual as to which product is best for them. I personally chose the Xlink, because its bluetooth capabilities surpass the Dock N Talk in my opinion. However, I do like the Dock N Talk for the reason that it does let you use cables for some phones. This is good if you are located in an area with lots of outside wireless interferance. In this case a cable setup is the best way to go. Heck if you have the money, then purchase both products and decide for yourself, or keep and use both of them if that makes you happy.

PhoneKing, stop bashing the Xlink. I purchased it direclty from Intellitouch www.intellitouch.com the company that makes and sells it in the USA. Some distributors that carry both products I have spoke with, have recommended the Xlink over the Dock N Talk.

I've also called PhoneLabs directly a few times about three weeks ago to try to speak with one of their technicians. I never recieved one phone call back, and no one responded to the original email I sent to them.

When I called Intellitouch support, someone always answers the phone and I can always get a technician on the phone, and they responded to my email promptly about technical questions I had. I even called their Canadian sister company and spoke a few times with one of the engineers there to ask technical questions about the Xlink before I made the decision to purchase it.

So in my opinion, yes Intellitouch offers better technical support from my personal experiences. However I am not bashing PhoneLabs or their product, the Dock N Talk. What I dont like is when people like you promote only one product without having any personal experience with the competitors product. Its a free market economy, the better product will survive in the long run and the lesser product will lose market share.

I ordered the Xlink last week and received it in the mail this past week via UPS directly from Intellitouch.

PhoneKing you can respond back to me and argue, but I am not going to engage in this type of childish nonsense. I have a personal and professional life, which is more important than me wasting my time arguing on the internet.

The truth will prevail.

Posted by: Jumpsman23

PhoneKing, name calling shall not be allowed or tolerated on these threads. By you calling the other user on this forum a fool only makes you look like more of one.

Keep your discussions professional and courteous. Beware that Howard Forums moderators monitor these boards and they will not tolderate this kind of behavior from anyone.

To all that read this message, If any further problems arise such as this, report the abuse to the moderators of this forum and they will take the appropriate actions. People have gotten permanently banned from these forums by the Howard Forums moderators for inappropriate behavior.

Remember, do onto others as you would want done onto your self / Treat others as you would want to be treated. With respect and dignity, not name calling and immature, childish like behavior.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumpsman23

Both products are good, each have their pros and cons, its strictly up to the individual as to which product is best for them.

EXACTLY!!!

I was going to quote more of what you typed, but since I agree with nearly all of it... it would have been too much....

To all others...

I'm hear to read personal experiences of the XLINK, good or bad, since its in the thead title... and learn about the differences vs the product I have/use.

Not to read what ammounts to a pissing contest.

If you used BOTH products.. please share your comparrisons and thoughts... If you've only used ONE product, that is not in the thread title.. then ask questions.. or the only responses you make should be when someone posted a completely incorrect statement about the other product...

And remember, no one product is the best for EVERYONE... each has his/her own needs.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumpsman23

PhoneKing, stop bashing the Xlink. I purchased it direclty from Intellitouch www.intellitouch.com the company that makes and sells it in the USA. Some distributors that carry both products I have spoke with, have recommended the Xlink over the Dock N Talk.

I don't know exactly where you came from since this is your first posting, but you clearly haven't read the thread and don't know much about docking stations. Intellitouch is just a distributor, not the manufacturer. The manufacturer is in Canada and they don't answer their phones since they have no tech support people as far as I can tell. I also bought the product from Intellitouch but they can't answer technical questions which is why I called the manufacturer. I have tried both products unlike you so I actually do know a lot about both products which you don't. In fact, I have used docking stations going back to the Cell Socket days. I have tested and reviewed many docking station products and nothing has ever compared to the Dock-N-Talk. That is not competitor bashing, just the facts. I have stated in my postings the obvious advantages of the Dock-N-Talk. If the xlink had been better than the Dock-N-Talk, I would have switched immediately which it clearly is not. Try the Dock-N-Talk and see what I mean!

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumpsman23

PhoneKing, name calling shall not be allowed or tolerated on these threads. By you calling the other user on this forum a fool only makes you look like more of one.

Keep your discussions professional and courteous. Beware that Howard Forums moderators monitor these boards and they will not tolderate this kind of behavior from anyone.

Isn't it the same thing when you accuse someone of working for Phonelabs?

Even you admit, you don't know for sure (you ask the moderators to check Phoneking's IP address).

I agree that discussions should remain professional and courteous, and that goes for suggesting that some one's view might be biased. Especially when you don't know for absolutely sure.

Posted by: Jumpsman23

PhoneKing, you are right about the Canadian company not answering the phone. When I called them, I just left a message and one of their technicians returned my call the same day, so yes they do have technical support and they should return your call as they did mine. The technician assisted me with my technical question about the Xlink. If they don’t return your call, try emailing them for support.

I'm glad that you found the Dock N Talk to be better suited for your needs. I believe that the Dock N Talk is most definitely an excellent product. Right now I am testing out and using the Xlink and I am pleased with it. Based upon your recommendation and other recommendations from other users on this forum, I will most definitely also try out the Dock N Talk in the near future.

I am located in an area where there is wireless interference, so the Dock N Talk would be well suited for this. I do intend to keep the Xlink though, as I am most impressed with its bluetooth capabilities. Again, both products are very good in their own respects.

I also cant wait until the Dock N Talk, Xlink, and other similar products are sold in retail stores, if this every happens. This will help increase all these types of products popularity amongst the general public and consumers everywhere.

Walta, you are right, I want to apologize to everyone and say that I am sorry for my previous postings. PhoneKing I want to apologize to you as well. I just didn’t like the fact that PhoneKing had resorted to name calling as quoted below.

Originally Posted by phoneking
“MONKEYBOY, I would kindly suggest that you not listen to the blubbering fool Glenn 100 and his rude and insulting comments. He clearly has no idea about anything technical and just wants to hear himself rant that everyone works for Phone Labs who has taken the time check out the products.”

This thread is supposed to be about sharing accurate information and our personal experiences with the Xlink and the Dock N Talk, not being mean to each other. So, again I want to apologize. This has been a very informative thread on both products, which is great and we should keep it that way.

Thank you and kind regards, and peace be to everyone.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

I have stated in my postings the obvious advantages of the Dock-N-Talk. If the xlink had been better than the Dock-N-Talk, I would have switched immediately which it clearly is not. Try the Dock-N-Talk and see what I mean!

Maybe I'm slow because I have tried both products too and even if it would have worked well with my phone, I did not see any obvious advantages over Xlink. Maybe my Moto E815 was a bad cell phone to use with DnT (I admit the phone was a piece of junk) but it worked perfectly with Xlink. I only see obvious advantages with Xlink. And the customization and ability to connect several phones at once is unique.

I also had trouble connecting to DnT by BT. Sometimes that light would blink for 5 minutes and it wouldn't connect until I unplugged DnT and plugged it back in. It could have been my phone but I never had that issue with Xlink. The longest it has taken was less than 30 seconds and after several months, it has locked up only once and needed to be unplugged and plugged back in.

If you have tried the Xlink and didn't like something about it, fill out an on-line suggestion on the xtremetechcorp.com website. They ask for your opinion on what you like and don't like and ask for any suggestions for features you may want added. They truly want to make the customer happy and provide the product you (we) want. This was very obvious to me when they added the user customization program after I complained about the volume coming thru the house phones and again when I told them my house phones were not receiving caller id info from the LG VX8700. After they determined what my unique problem was and gave me a solution, they said they may add an adjustment to their next firmware release in case it comes up again.

Posted by: T28

The thing I find frustrating is that it is impossible for someone to mention ANYTHING about Xlink without PhoneKing jumping in with a DNT comment.

Sometimes they are not even related comments, they seem almost random. Usually they are prefaced with 'I spoke with PhoneLabs about that, and they told me...'

We get it, you despise Xlink, just stop lurking here trying to defame it for no good reason.

I have had Voxlink, Cellsocket, DNT, Motorola and Xlink, there is a progression, that is just the nature of the universe. Get over it.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrock

huh? are you making this stuff up?

http://www.xtremetechcorp.com/store.aspx - XLINK BT shipped and delivered: $160.

Using that link it defaults to Canada... click on US flag, and it takes you to.... http://www.xlinkgateway.com/buy_Xli...th_gateway.html

where its $159.99 Plus shipping... Ups ground flat rate is $4.99... you can pay more for faster shipping... I'm assuming there will be some sales taxes... then again.. maybe not, if you don't live in the same state where the company has a presence...

Btw, a friend of mine (who also has a Dock-N-Talk with BT module) told me he just got an XLink at Sam's Club online for about $130. Not sure if it included shipping & taxes or not...

His first impressions... its different... but wasn't sure if he liked it better than the D-n-T yet...

I'm interested to see what he has to say....

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by T28

We get it, you despise Xlink, just stop lurking here trying to defame it for no good reason.

I think you have missed my point. I do not "despise" any of the docking stations. I have used them all at some point as well and they each have their strengths and weaknesses. There is a reason none of those companies is still in business or if they are, still making this type of product is that none of them were as good as the Dock-N-Talk. The DNT is the only one that is also patented. The xlink has some good features but not in comparison to the DNT. Just to point some of these "good reasons" out:

1. DNT pairs to up to 8 cell phones;
2. The Bluetooth Module uses Bluetooth 2.0
3. The Bluetooth Module is CLASS 1 which works up to 300'
4. The Bluetooth can always be upgraded to new hardware specs without changing the DNT;
5. Has a cable option
6. Can charge the cell phone
7. Has a land line connection interface;
8. Has a line 1/2 switch to place your cell phone service on line 1 or 2;
9. Has built-in home intercom;
10. Allows 2 cell phone conversations to go on simultaneously; not just one at a time.

These are just some of the things the xlink cannot do. This is not bashing anyone, it is just a factual presentation of the overwhelming benefits of the DNT.

Posted by: hrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

1. DNT pairs to up to 8 cell phones;

Are you kidding? You have posetd numerous times about how confused you get just thinking about the XLINK connecting to 3 cell phones. Now you brag that the DNT can connect to 8?????

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

2. The Bluetooth Module uses Bluetooth 2.0

As does the XLINK.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

3. The Bluetooth Module is CLASS 1 which works up to 300'

Are you sure? The phonelabs website says 30'? Better change your website.http://www.phonelabs.com/prd_blue01.asp

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

4. The Bluetooth can always be upgraded to new hardware specs without changing the DNT;

Still fear mongering. When has this ever happened? Never. Bluetooth hardware does not change. You are telling me that I will have to throw away this $600 iPhone because the Bluetooth is going to change. crazy.
Infact, Bluetooth 2.1 has been released. It is fully compatible with Bluetooth 1.1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Bluetooth_2.1 . No previous stuff suddenly stops working.

I suspect that in a couple of weeks I can download a FREE updgrade for my XLINK and it will be running Bluetooth 2.1 within minutes.

How do I upgrade a DNT? oh ya, buy a new one. original solution. I like how you try to twist that into a marketting advantage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

5. Has a cable option

True, if you dont mind using cell phones that havn't been on the market for years and years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

6. Can charge the cell phone

I'd rather use the manufacturer's supplied charger so that:
a) I don't void my cell phone warranty
b) It charges within an hour instead of 12

I think point 'a' is a big concern, given all the trouble with batteries lately. I would be *very* hesitant about using a third party charger.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

7. Has a land line connection interface;

huh? what? how?

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

8. Has a line 1/2 switch to place your cell phone service on line 1 or 2;

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

9. Has built-in home intercom;

as described on page 16, http://www.powerfulsignal.com/files/DNTmanual.pdf . You can hold down a button on the XLINK and it also rings all phones.
So i guess it has this feature as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

10. Allows 2 cell phone conversations to go on simultaneously; not just one at a time.

Please explain. And dont say something silly like having 2 DNT or having 2 line phones. All of which can obviously be done with an XLINK.

Posted by: hrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Btw, a friend of mine (who also has a Dock-N-Talk with BT module) told me he just got an XLink at Sam's Club online for about $130. Not sure if it included shipping & taxes or not...

$130.....wow the price has already really come down a lot. I guess that is what phoneking would call street price.

It would seem that at the very least XLINK can do everything a DNT+Bluetooth can do....it was already cheaper at $150.....$130 completely blows it away

Posted by: snowmoon

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

The DNT is the only one that is also patented.

Plan on squeezing the competition despite obvious prior art?

Quote:

1. DNT pairs to up to 8 cell phones;

"An important new feature of the latest Bluetooth Module allows the user to pair up to 8 phones to the same Bluetooth Module. However, only one cell phone at a time can be actively connected to the Bluetooth Module. The new Bluetooth module can be identified by the model number of BT02 on the back label."

Note the word PAIR.... the DNT can only communicate with one device at a time. The Xlink for less money can actively communicate with up to three phones at the same time. Older DnT's may require shipping back to phone labs and possibly a $25 fee in order to use this new feature.

Quote:

3. The Bluetooth Module is CLASS 1 which works up to 300'

As has been pointed out it's 30' as listed on your website. 300' would mean that the DnT would be picking up phone calls before you even got close to your home.

Quote:

7. Has a land line connection interface;

You may want to upgrade your documentation.

"Warning: Do not attempt to connect the Dock-N-TalkTM telephone service to an active land line telephone service."

Quote:

8. Has a line 1/2 switch to place your cell phone service on line 1 or 2;

Ohhhh... or you buy the 50c radio shack 2 line adapter.

Quote:

10. Allows 2 cell phone conversations to go on simultaneously; not just one at a time.

Whaaaaa? The DnT can have one one active device at a time... If this is based on having TWO DnT's that's another story and one the Xlink can do as well.

Quote:

These are just some of the things the xlink cannot do. This is not bashing anyone, it is just a factual presentation of the overwhelming benefits of the DNT.

It has already been pointed out that you are full of it. You are lying about your own device's capabilities and ignoring the huge advantages that the Xlink has.

1) It works for a normal family with 2 or 3 BT compatible phones and 1 set of internal wiring.

2) You only need to buy 1 Xlink rather than 2 or 3 DnT's.

3) The price of the 1 Xlink is cheaper than 1 DnT+BT and a hell of a lot cheaper when you have several phones ( the norm these days )

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

they each have their strengths and weaknesses.

Correct.

REMEMBER... I DO HAVE/USE a DnT and love it... BUT....

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

1. DNT pairs to up to 8 cell phones;

But can only CONNECT to one at a time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

2. The Bluetooth Module uses Bluetooth 2.0

cell phone is Limiting factor, as the ones I have are BT 1.1 and 1.2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

3. The Bluetooth Module is CLASS 1 which works up to 300'

But Again, Cell phone is limiting factor as the are mostly Class 2 (10 meters or aprox 30')

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

4. The Bluetooth can always be upgraded to new hardware specs without changing the DNT;

Correct, replace BT module only. for about $70 plus shipping... BUT when its needed, DNT feature set might be "old"

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

5. Has a cable option
6. Can charge the cell phone

Works great for some phones, but not others. Charging while using the cable solution isn't as Fast as when using your travel charger, so talking on phone still wares down battery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

7. Has a land line connection interface;

I don't understand what you mean.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

8. Has a line 1/2 switch to place your cell phone service on line 1 or 2;

Can be accomplished via $3 radio shack adapters.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

9. Has built-in home intercom;

SO do my cordless phones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

10. Allows 2 cell phone conversations to go on simultaneously; not just one at a time.

huh?? Not sure I understand this one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

These are just some of the things the xlink cannot do. This is not bashing anyone, it is just a factual presentation of the overwhelming benefits of the DNT.

From reading this thread, I wouldn't call these "Overwhelming benefits"...

You said it earlier... EACH Device has its strengths... So I'll add... BUT neither device is the "BEST FOR EVERYONE!!"...

So for those who currently Have/User the XLink.. Please keep on talking about it. Posting your likes/dislikes.

Posted by: monkeyboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Btw, a friend of mine (who also has a Dock-N-Talk with BT module) told me he just got an XLink at Sam's Club online for about $130. Not sure if it included shipping & taxes or not...

I believe buy.com has the Xlink for $138+$7s/h = $145.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Btw, a friend of mine (who also has a Dock-N-Talk with BT module) told me he just got an XLink at Sam's Club online for about $130. Not sure if it included shipping & taxes or not...

Actually it is $123.66.. Link -> http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/na...t=5&item=373611

I'm not a sam's club member, so I can't comment on shipping cost

Posted by: Glenn 100

Hmmmmm......

Seems that I'm not the only blubbering fool since others appear to be satisfied with Xlink and it's incredible features.

Posted by: Wildcat_1

Has anyone tried this with a Samsung Blackjack. I am trying to find one of these that will work with it. Also been looking at the Panasonic Th111s and teh offering from AT&T, any opinions, recommendations on these ?

Thanks so much

WC

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

1. DNT pairs to up to 8 cell phones;
2. The Bluetooth Module uses Bluetooth 2.0
3. The Bluetooth Module is CLASS 1 which works up to 300'
4. The Bluetooth can always be upgraded to new hardware specs without changing the DNT;
5. Has a cable option
6. Can charge the cell phone
7. Has a land line connection interface;
8. Has a line 1/2 switch to place your cell phone service on line 1 or 2;
9. Has built-in home intercom;
10. Allows 2 cell phone conversations to go on simultaneously; not just one at a time.

These are just some of the things the xlink cannot do. This is not bashing anyone, it is just a factual presentation of the overwhelming benefits of the DNT.

1. DNT pairs to up to 8 cell phones;

One of the great joys of the English language is that word actually have intended meanings. Pair means pair and connected means connected. The DNT pairs to 8 phones and will automatically connects to the first one that comes into range. The DNT PAIRS to 8 while the xlink pairs to only 3. An advantage to the DNT.

The DNT connects to one cell phone at a time which is another advantage to the DNT. The xlink connects to 3 at a time making call waiting virtually impossible (managing up to 6 calls with a 1 line phone and violating telco standards of 1 call waiting). See prior postings regarding this issue. I have 2 DNTs so my wife and I can talk at the same time, one set to line 1 and one set to line 2. It works great! No need for splitters at every jack in your house.

More responses to follow.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

This is Advantage DNT only IF you have 4 or more cell phones...

Xlink can CONNECT to 3 phones at one time... DNT can connect to only 1... With the Xlink, I could have both my T-Mobile Blackberry (work) and my personal Verizon CONNECTED at the same time... if Either rings. then I could just pick up the house phone to answer... Advantage Xlink.

Phoneking, I'm sorry, I know you are tying to provide information, BUT the way you are going about doing it... your tone, your continuing to post these "advantages" the DNT has in a thread clearly titled/intended for XLINK discussion does make it look more and more and more like you are just in this thread to Bash the Xlink and "praise" the DNT. And like you are trying to shove the DNT down everyone's throat.

Especially since many of these items you tout as advantages for the DNT are not being considered advantages by all.

Rather than trying to convince XLINK users that the DNT is the definative "Superior" product... how about you go post what you think are advantages the DNT has over in the thread discussing the DNT? -> http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=700663 Anyone who is interested in the DNT can read it and dicuss it over there.

I can read the "specs" on paper from the web sites of both manufacturers... I'm hear to read about experiences actual users are having... what works, what doesnt, what they like or dislike about the product.

Thanks.

Posted by: snowmoon

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

More responses to follow.

Stop smoking the bad crack.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

This is Advantage DNT only IF you have 4 or more cell phones...

Mark, I think you may have missed my point. There is an advantage to being able to pair up to 8 cell phones rather than just 3. However, it is an even more important advantage of the Dock-N-Talk that it connects to just 1 cell phone at a time and automatically will connect to which ever phone comes into range first rather than the xlink of connecting to 3. Connecting to 3 causes big problems. I know because I tried it. The xlink cannot switch between 3 or more active calls. I lost callers, could not get back to others. Talk about call waiting jail. It is why when I worked for the telcos, we would never allow more than one call waiting and only on one line--not 3 lines. Having up to 5 calls waiting, not knowing which cell phone they are coming from, hitting flash and not knowing who you are talking to is just terrible. Test the product, Mark, you will see what I mean.

Mark, I am a user, with real experience and have tested it and know the problems it has and went right back to my Dock-N-Talk.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Yes, there may be an advantage to being able to pair to 8 phones. But realistically, how many people have that many in one household they need to connect? And, it is not an advantage to being able to connect to only one. If you only want to connect to one with Xlink, just connect to one. But there is always the availability to connect to more if you want. THAT'S an advantage!

Your spin on things is twisted.

Posted by: T28

PKing,
You keep talking about how you can't fathom dealing with call waiting on Xlink. I suspect that in most real world usage, it will be fine. If you suddenly have your mother and mother in law call you all at once, you can choose to ignore the extra call waiting if you think you can't deal with it.
It is just a feature, use it or don't.
Also, if you look in the config stuff on the web, I noticed you can click 'simple call waiting' this may be more suited for you.

Like others in this thread, I am tired of your tirades. Go post in the DNT forum if you want to talk DNT.

Posted by: Wildcat_1

I have a question about Xlink as I am about to buy one. Has anyone tested with a Samsung Blackjack ? Also if I take the call on my panasonic cordless (through the bluetooth link to Blackjack and I decide I need to leave the house can I transfer this back to the cell phone mid call, call transfer ?

Thanks so much

Posted by: T28

Wild1,

You can xfer a live call with Xlink. You can use the phone's menu. Most support transferring the call to and from a remote BT device.
The Xlink has another way, which is to use the blue button. When on a call, just press the blue button and the call is transferred to the cell phone.

I don't have a Blackjack, but I know that my LG works. (Choco)

Posted by: T28

oops, I thought Blackjack was an LG, sorry. I just re-read your post and saw that it is a Samsung

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Actually it is $123.66.. Link -> http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/na...t=5&item=373611

I'm not a sam's club member, so I can't comment on shipping cost

Hmm... Not available on Samsclub web site anymore...

Posted by: kudzu53

I like having my Xlink pair with my Moto 815 and BB 8830 as I walk in the house. For me, if just one cell connected, it would be a pain to run thru the house for the other phone.

Posted by: SLam_to

I'm thinking of picking up a Xlink. Has anyone experienced any GSM RF interferences coming in on the calls? (ie. that buzzing sound you sometimes hear if you put your cell phone too close to a set of speakers?). I'm throwing out my DnT because of it.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLam_to

I'm thinking of picking up a Xlink. Has anyone experienced any GSM RF interferences coming in on the calls? (ie. that buzzing sound you sometimes hear if you put your cell phone too close to a set of speakers?). I'm throwing out my DnT because of it.

That's probably not the only reason you should throw out the DnT

but it's a good start! Were you using Bluetooth with the DnT or the cable? My guess is that since Xlink is only BT, you may not experience the problem if you just give a little distance between the 2 devices which you can't do if you were using the cable.

I have Verizon (they do not use GSM) and drop my phone 2 inches from the Xlink and do not have any problem.

Posted by: Nicolle

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLam_to

Save your money. Even I like my XLINK BT the buzz noise is not a DNT issue. It is GSM issue. If you get to close to speakers with your phone it will create a buzz. To tesit turn off your DNT and just get close with your cell phone to the speakers. You should here this buzz typically once somebody call you.

Posted by: SLam_to

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

Were you using Bluetooth with the DnT or the cable? I have Verizon (they do not use GSM) and drop my phone 2 inches from the Xlink and do not have any problem.

I was using it with a cable. My current phone isn't bluetooth enabled. I'm getting a new phone, since my new car will have a bluetooth option, so I thought I'd "upgrade" my cellphone docking station at home.

You won't get that buzzing noise with a non-GSM phone. It's just a problem with GSM phones and 'single ended audio amplifiers' (ie. found in computer speakers, and the DnT!).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicolle

Save your money. Even I like my XLINK BT the buzz noise is not a DNT issue. It is GSM issue.

I'm not concerned with the DnT since I'm getting rid of it. I'm asking about the XLink. Nicolle, so are you saying you also hear the GSM buzzing when you use your XLink?

SCIENCE WARNING

To explain why I'm asking about the GSM RF interference. Your cellphone GSM transmitter pulses on and off at around 280 Hz (to save power). Single ended op-amp circuits can couple the edges of the on-and-off switching into an audible 280 Hz buzz sound. This is the buzzing you hear when you get a call on your GSM phone and they're close to a set of cheap computer speakers. I would think that any decent designer would make a device that is expected to be close to a GSM transmitter/receiver (such as a cell phone) to have sufficient shielding to protect it from such interference.

SCIENCE WARNING OFF

I'm having this problem with the Dock-n-Talk I have. I can't move my phone any farther from it, and I've tried all the shielding tricks that I use at work.

So... anyone with an XLink and a GSM phone with any reviews of the audio quality of the calls?

Thanks,
SLam

Posted by: hrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLam_to

I'm not concerned with the DnT since I'm getting rid of it. I'm asking about the XLink. Nicolle, so are you saying you also hear the GSM buzzing when you use your XLink?

I'm having this problem with the Dock-n-Talk I have. I can't move my phone any farther from it, and I've tried all the shielding tricks that I use at work.

So... anyone with an XLink and a GSM phone with any reviews of the audio quality of the calls?

Thanks,
SLam

I have a GSM RAZR. I can wave it all over my XLINK and there is no noise audible on my telephone. Of course as soon as I bring the cell phone close to the telephone itself then you can hear all sorts of noise.

My cell phone generally sits right next to the XLINK and like I said, no issue.

Must be one well engineered device!

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLam_to

I'm having this problem with the Dock-n-Talk I have. I can't move my phone any farther from it, and I've tried all the shielding tricks that I use at work.

If you ever open up your DNT, which I did, you will see it is completely double RF shielded with both inside coating and a metal can. If you are using a cable, the noise is probably coming from the GSM phone radiating into your home phone, not the DNT. Tech support at Phone Labs is great. Call and ask for 2nd Level tech. I've talked to Greg there and he is great!

Posted by: SLam_to

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Phoneking you amaze me, Dock-n-Talk must be a religion to you or you must work for PhoneLabs (as has been noticed in the D-n-T thread.

I have tried using a corded phone, in another part of the house and the person I'm talking to will still hear that buzzing sound. Even if the D-n-T is shielded, the one hole the didn't fix was the cellphone cable!

To repeat I still get the GSM-buzzing even when I am NOT using a cordless phone.

Phoneking, stop replying to the Xlink and D-n-T threads, you do not add anything useful for posts posing as ads for PhoneLabs.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Tech support at Phone Labs is great. Call and ask for 2nd Level tech. I've talked to Greg there and he is great!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLam_to

Phoneking, stop replying to the Xlink and D-n-T threads, you do not add anything useful for posts posing as ads for PhoneLabs.

He is not the Phoneking anymore. His name is Greg. Xlink is the new Phoneking

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

He is not the Phoneking anymore. His name is Greg. Xlink is the new Phoneking

Yes I highly recommend calling Phone Labs with any tech questions. They have a great customer service and found them to be very helpful. Greg is one of their several level 2 techs who can help if customer service does not resolve any issue. I spent 35 years at AT&T until I retired and know good service. Their customer service is excellent, unlike xlink who never answers their phone. Give them a call at 212-481-6166 and see for yourself!

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Yes I highly recommend calling Phone Labs with any tech questions. They have a great customer service and found them to be very helpful. Their customer service is excellent, unlike xlink who never answers their phone. Give them a call at 212-481-6166 and see for yourself!

I tried calling Phone Labs many times trying to get issues resolved and half the time they did answer the phone but couldn't fix the problem (after mailing it back to them of course! At least I didn't have to pay the fee after Hello Direct started mediating for me). It was unuseable to me and I ended up returning it

I admit I never tried calling Xlink. I emailed them with the issues I had and they either emailed back a fix (I know it's stupid to make a product that the user can update

)or they called me and remotely diagnosed and fixed the issue. Judging from both Xlink and DnT forums, there are a lot of people having DnT problems and not one unresolved Xlink problem. From those results, Xlink customer service can't be that bad.

Many of us just can’t figure out why you named yourself the spokesperson for this product if you don’t have some stake in it. You don’t help anyone with your rhetoric about the awards and endorsements it received in its day. I only stuck around these forums to try and counter act your BS and legitimately tell people about my experience with Xlink vs DnT, what it does, and possibly help them with any questions they had. That’s what these forums are for. This forum is the reason I became aware of and tried the product. For many, DnT may satisfy them but again, in my opinion, Xlink greatly outperforms and out features DnT! Anyone having trouble with or deciding to try one of these products for the first time should get honest and reliable information - Not a press release.

Posted by: SLam_to

Got my XLink-BT unit and paired it up with my Nokia6126 and also my computer (using the 2nd line option on the XLink for Skype).

So far no GSM noise coupling which is great, and as a bonus I can use my Skype-Out from my plain-old-telephones which blew me away.

Unforutnately I'd have to say I'm having a problem.

My phone (Nokia 6126) will disconnect from the XLink after a few hours, and I have to re-confirm the paring. I don't set my phone to do it automatically becuase I don't want my phone conversation to jump in the middle if it finds the XLink when I get home.

Is this the similar problems I've read with Sony/Ercison handsets?

LMK,
SLam

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLam_to

Unforutnately I'd have to say I'm having a problem.

I can't address the problem you are having with the dropped pairing but I think you can have it pair automatically. The call will not jump to the Xlink automatically because a house phone most likely will not be off hook when it pairs.

After it pairs, if you are still on that call and take a house phone off hook, it probably still won't make the call jump. You would have to force the jump by pressing *#.

Maybe having the phone automatically connect will disguise an inherent phone problem by automatically re-connecting after an accidental drop.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Actually it is $123.66.. Link -> http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/na...t=5&item=373611

I'm not a sam's club member, so I can't comment on shipping cost

Hmm... Not available on Samsclub web site anymore...

Ok, new listing -> http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/na...t=5&item=382723

Price went up... $164.67 now....

Posted by: SLam_to

Ah, I figured out my disconnect problem. My phone has a power saving feature that turns off the bluetooth connection when it does not detect any activity after a while. I de-activated the auto-pairing in my phone. So the work-around solution is to automatically pair.

No GSM noise at all, even with my handset placed right next to the X-Link.

I do however have the occasional audio breakup (sounds like very choppy audio), that doesn't recover unless I re-try the call.

I think I may have been wrong with the amount of Skype compatability. I can't seem to get Skype-out (number dialing) to work, not sure if I had it working in the first place. Works great as a bluetooth headset. Anyone else try it with Skype?

Over all, I'm much more impressed with this than the D-N-T.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Ok, new listing -> http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/na...t=5&item=382723

Price went up... $164.67 now....

Someone pointed out a while ago that there are 2 different Xlinks now. I couldn't find the post but I took a look at the http://www.xtremetechcorp.com/Default.aspx website to see what they were offering. The more expensive unit, which it looks like Sams is selling, allows you to mix a landline with up to 3 paired cell phones.

I have no use for that but would have paid the few extra dollars (just in case).

Posted by: SLam_to

I managed to get Skype working fully thru the XLink BT.

No hacking required, just the right drivers.

I have an IOGEAR GBU221 USB to Bluetooth adaptor and got the latest drivers (WIDCOMM 5.1.0.330 drivers).

When you configure the Bluetooth adaptor, there's a tab called "accessibility". Plain and simple, there a check-box to indicate if you want to allow hands-free devices to control Skype).

I linked my computer to the 2nd line to the XLink-BT, and the XLink-BT shows up as a hands-free headset.

Here's the trick. To dial a number (Skype-Out), you dial "00(number)#" so if I wanted to dial 1-416-555-1212 I'd dial "0014165551212#" on my hand set, and Skype will Skype-Out to that number.

Also, if someone contacts me on Skype, it will ring my 2nd line on the Xlink-BT.

Wow, this is a nice piece of hardware.

I still have the occasional choppy audio using my cellphone, still figuring that one out.

Posted by: monkeyboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

Someone pointed out a while ago that there are 2 different Xlinks now. ... The more expensive unit, which it looks like Sams is selling, allows you to mix a landline with up to 3 paired cell phones.

Yeah, a co-worker of mine bought the newer unit after hearing about my successes with the original Xlink. The landline feature is interesting, but in the end not of great usefulness to most people, at least not without some rewiring.

What you really want is probably not possible, which is to have a unit that you plug into your home POTS wiring that already is active with a landline, and have this box act like a 2nd phone company (driven by the BT cell phone(s)). Its not possible since you can't "fight" with the existing landline for the same POTS wiring.

The upshot is that you'd have to do something like: positioning this new Xlink (we'll call it Xlink2) near the demarc point, route the incoming landline into the Xlink2 (not the house wiring), then redistribute the Xlink2 POTS "output" onto the house wiring. This is ugly, to have the Xlink2 next to the demarc, which is far away from where you want your BT cellphone to be, so...

Probably the best you can do is: change the wiring of the landline at the demarc point to route the landline onto pair2 of the house wiring, then intercept the landline signal with the Xlink2 by grabbing back the pair2 signal (R/S sells such adapters, or they're easy to make). Finally, redistribute the Xlink2 "output" onto pair1 of the house POTS wiring. That seems to be the cleanest way to integrate an incoming landline AND the BT cellphones with ALL the standard house phones...

(in the end, my co-worker just shutdown his landline, as I did...)

Posted by: dee99ta

I am using the Xlink with a BB8320 and tmobile wifi hotspot@home service. It works great. I did have an issue when I had a 2.4GHz cordless phone. The bluetooth/wifi was causing noise on the phone. I went and picked up an At&T DECT 6.0 (1.9GHZ interference free) phone. It works wonderfully!

Sometimes bluetooth is a problem on the hotspot phones, but Xlink is doing something to make it work. My logitech BT headset sounds awefull when I am making a wifi call. The Xlink/cordless phone combo sounds great!

Posted by: RodeoClown11

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyboy

With the newer xlink it's my understanding you plug your landline into the unit and it has a separate distinctive ring if you get a call on your land line. Why then would you need to rewire things as you've described?

Posted by: monkeyboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodeoClown11

Because given the setup you suggest, if a call comes in on the BT cellphone, your house phones will not ring and cannot pick the call up. I would think most people will want to integrate both the landline and cell phones and have both ring all house phones -- at least I would...

Posted by: RodeoClown11

please correct me if I am wrong, but I understand it like this: wall jack goes to xlink (land line). house phone gets plugged into xlink. mobile phone gets paired up w xlink via bluetooth. get a call on the landline, u get one type of ring, get a call on the mobile,get another type of ring. both cause the housephone to ring. how are calls missed?

Posted by: monkeyboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodeoClown11

please correct me if I am wrong, but I understand it like this: wall jack goes to xlink (land line). house phone gets plugged into xlink. mobile phone gets paired up w xlink via bluetooth. get a call on the landline, u get one type of ring, get a call on the mobile,get another type of ring. both cause the housephone to ring. how are calls missed?

You are correct. But notice that only the housephone plugged into the Xlink is going to ring on cellphone calls. How about the housephone upstairs ? or in the basement ? We have 6 house phones scattered around the house, all plugged into the house wiring. How are all those phones going to be able to pick up those cellphone calls ? (answer, by rewiring as I detailed...)

Posted by: RodeoClown11

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyboy

Understandable. I was assuming you were using all cordless phones with the main base plugged into one location.

Posted by: T28

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodeoClown11

Understandable. I was assuming you were using all cordless phones with the main base plugged into one location.

Yah, that is how I do it too. All my home phones ring for both cell and landline calls. Since I have multi handset cordless anyways, this works good for me.

Posted by: monkeyboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by T28

Yah, that is how I do it too. All my home phones ring for both cell and landline calls. Since I have multi handset cordless anyways, this works good for me.

Of course I had thought about going that way, but that would've entailed junking 6 perfectly functional phones (some cordless) and buying a whole new *single* cordless system for $$$ (and it still wouldn't let me plug in an arbitrary phone in the house wiring in the future, even if it was cordless, i.e. I'd be locked into that one cordless system).

Just curious though, can these newer cordless systems span, say, 300-500ft across multiple floors ? I know the older cordless phone could never achieve that kind of coverage... if not, then I would need the house wiring anyways... (as another indication... in our house, a single Wifi access point is insufficient to cover the house -- we need 3. So for a single cordless system system to cover the entire house, it would have to have coverage comparable to 2-3 WiFi access points...)

Posted by: RodeoClown11

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyboy

That's exactly the thought I had after I read your post. For a big house w mult floors you'd most likely have to "rewire" as you've described. It's good to know that it can be done in a relatively straightforward manner if needed.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyboy

Just curious though, can these newer cordless systems span, say, 300-500ft across multiple floors ? I know the older cordless phone could never achieve that kind of coverage...

I don't use cordless phones anymore but my favorite was an old uniden 900mhz for sound quality and distance. When I switch to a Panasonic 2.4ghz it didn't go nearly as far or sound as good to me. Now, I only have corded phones plugged in around the house using Xlink and if I want cordless, I use a bluetooth headset.

Posted by: al0vely

I have a Doc-N-talk that I used with a Motorola V3 phone connected via bluetooth and it worked OK. I changed to a Samsung Blackjack phone and it will no longer connect. I have sent the DNT unit and BT piece back to PhoneLabs TWICE (me paying the shipping both times) and paying an Firmware upgrade fee of $25 the first time.

HAS anyone got this combination to work?

Does Xlink work with this pair?

Posted by: monkeyboy

I cannot state first hand that a V3 on AT&T (GSM) works well with the Xlink, but the Xlink tech that I talked to did say that it worked well. And I don't know about the BJ. You can call them, if you like, or email them (probably better) and ask this question... They were very eager to help me...

I've tested about 5 different phones with the Xlink and 2 of the 5 initially had a few problems -- none were completely non-functional. The Xlink folks worked with me to find solutions to both of those 2 phones that had some problems. They were very responsive and keen on making things work.

Also they had much more experience with GSM phones than CDMA phones (both of the 2 problematic phones were CDMA) -- my impression was that there were no known outstanding issues with any of the GSM phones.

Posted by: zman0069

Hi, Has anyone had any experience using the Xlink, or panasonic, or any of the bluetooth cordless phones for that matter paired up with an Apple Iphone?

Posted by: monkeyboy

for the xlink, I would suggest emailing their tech support with this question (iPhone compatibility)... they are very responsive...

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by zman0069

Hi, Has anyone had any experience using the Xlink, or panasonic, or any of the bluetooth cordless phones for that matter paired up with an Apple Iphone?

I have a Dock-N-Talk that I use with an iPhone and it works great!

Posted by: jmcnaught

I have and really like the Xlink BT. I noted however an odd thing since daylight savings time began. When I get a call on my cell, and it's routed through the Xlink, the time and date on my landline caller ID phone changes, and is exactly 1 day off (shows the 20th, when it's the 19th) and one hour off, (shows 6PM when it's really 7PM).

These are interesting because this is a leap year (the day problem) and DST, (the hour problem). It looks to me that the time and date are being provided by the Xlink rather than the phone. Is it possible that the Xlink tries to keep track of the time? Both Cell phones show the correct date and time, and when a call comes in on either phone, the caller ID is changed to the incorrect date/time, so it seems like the Xlink is providing the date info, and passing along the caller number from the phone.

I sent an email to Xlink support, but have heard no response in 4 days. Anyone else seeing this? Any idea if it's my cell phones (A treo 700P and a BlackBerry Curve 8310) or the Xlink? I could not find anything in the Xlink configuration utility (which rocks!) to address this.

Thanks

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcnaught

I have and really like the Xlink BT. I noted however an odd thing since daylight savings time began. When I get a call on my cell, and it's routed through the Xlink, the time and date on my landline caller ID phone changes, and is exactly 1 day off (shows the 20th, when it's the 19th) and one hour off, (shows 6PM when it's really 7PM).

These are interesting because this is a leap year (the day problem) and DST, (the hour problem). It looks to me that the time and date are being provided by the Xlink rather than the phone. Is it possible that the Xlink tries to keep track of the time? Both Cell phones show the correct date and time, and when a call comes in on either phone, the caller ID is changed to the incorrect date/time, so it seems like the Xlink is providing the date info, and passing along the caller number from the phone.
Thanks

I think Xlink only passes date/time if the cell phone transmits it. I thought it passed it from my cell phone because my home phones have their own date/time stored in them and have been time stamping the calls. When I connected another (separate) caller-id unit, I noticed it does not display any date/time leading me to believe Xlink has nothing to do with your wrong information.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

I have a Dock-N-Talk that I use with an iPhone and it works great!

Trolling again?

Posted by: T28

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

I have a Dock-N-Talk that I use with an iPhone and it works great!

DNT has major problems with iPhone.
I heard people have been waiting months for some sort of fix.
Predictable that you would pop in here with a plug though.
Persistent little fella.

Posted by: T28

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcnaught

Try looking on www.xtremetechcorp.com that is the mfr. website (not just some distributor) they might have info on it. That is where I get SW updates. Email them or something.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by T28

DNT has major problems with iPhone.
I heard people have been waiting months for some sort of fix.
Predictable that you would pop in here with a plug though.
Persistent little fella.

Once again you want to spread vicious lies about the Dock-N-Talk. I got the iPhone within a week of it coming out and it worked perfectly without a hitch and no firmware updates like you have to do to fix all the constant issues with the xlink. They list all kinds of issues on their own web site about problems with Sony Ericsson phones, noises that it creates, improper volume levels, not able to make outgoing calls and they just fixed working with certain Samsung phones--and you have the nerve to bash the DNT?

To set the record straight, you have never had an iPhone and I do and it has worked perfectly since the beginning. You have no idea what you are talking about as usual. The Dock-N-Talk has never had the litany of issues xlink lists on it own web site of the problems it has had. With all those issues, it is no wonder they can't charge for upgrades.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Once again you want to spread vicious lies about the Dock-N-Talk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn 100

Trolling again?

Come on everyone. Let's try to keep the scope limited and on topic? Please.

Why can't all comments about the Dock-N-Talk, good or bad, be made only over in the PhoneLabs Dock-N-Talk ...anyone tried it? thread?

Likewise, why can't all comments about the XLINK BT, good or bad, be made only here?

In other words, I think there has already been enough cross bashing in both threads already.

Gosh, even the Blu-ray vs. HD DVD debates were kept more respectable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

To set the record straight, you have never had an iPhone and I do and it has worked perfectly since the beginning. You have no idea what you are talking about as usual.

Me too. The only problems I have ever had, were due to the limitations of phone itself. However, IMHO, those phone problems would cause grief regardless of the landline interface in use.

Posted by: jmcnaught

Quote:

Originally Posted by T28

Try looking on www.xtremetechcorp.com that is the mfr. website (not just some distributor) they might have info on it. That is where I get SW updates. Email them or something.

Thanks -- I checked the web site, but found nothing that adressed the issue. More concerning however, is that the XtreamTech SUpport people have not answered my email. Is anyone else seeing this behavior?

Still looking for a solution on this. It does not seem to be the cell phones.

Regards

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcnaught

You didn't say what kind of house phone you have. Are you sure they don't have any built in date/time. I use Panasonic house phones and find the phones stamp the calls. So, if the phones have the wrong date/time, the calls on those phones have the wrong date/time but the cell is still correct.

The two separate id units I have plugged in don't date/time stamp the calls eventhough one of them has it's own date/time setting like my phones do.

Leading me again to say, I don't think Xlink is providing the wrong information but I'd be curious if you discover anything further.

Posted by: T28

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Once again you want to spread vicious lies about the Dock-N-Talk. I got the iPhone within a week of it coming out and it worked perfectly without a hitch and no firmware updates like you have to do to fix all the constant issues with the xlink. They list all kinds of issues on their own web site about problems with Sony Ericsson phones, noises that it creates, improper volume levels, not able to make outgoing calls and they just fixed working with certain Samsung phones--and you have the nerve to bash the DNT?

To set the record straight, you have never had an iPhone and I do and it has worked perfectly since the beginning. You have no idea what you are talking about as usual. The Dock-N-Talk has never had the litany of issues xlink lists on it own web site of the problems it has had. With all those issues, it is no wonder they can't charge for upgrades.

You are the most arrogant person I have ever had the mispleasure of dealing with. You are an amazing piece of work. Can you not see you look like a fool when you 'set the record straight' on things which you have absolutelly no way of knowing?
As I said long ago, I have had a DNT for a long time. When I look at the software versions I started with compared to the new ones, DNT has gone through over 44 releases in the past couple years. Don't be a jerk, they have done lots of reworks for problems. You yourself spout off repeatedly how they need to keep up with the bluetooth phones. Too bad they CHARGE you for each new release.
To set the record straight, I have had a Sony Ericsson with bad DNT performance, an e815 with piss poor volume and now an iPHONE that isnt 100%, those are facts.

I am not an employee of phonelabs like you and Walt so maybe I don't get the advance releases of software. Maybe they have a fix now, too bad it will cost me $25 plus shipping and 2 weeks for you to get off your *** to reprogram it for me.

As you are so fond of suggesting, I did call your friend Greg (probably you) at Phonelabs and he told me on the phone that it didn't work, but that they are working on it. So, go down the hall and tell him to change his story.

You are one of those people who think they are so clever, yet a quick review of your posts shows such a childish transparent attempt to try and insert DNT rah rah posts at any point, even when COMPLETELY irrelevant.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Once again you want to spread vicious lies about the Dock-N-Talk. I got the iPhone within a week of it coming out and it worked perfectly without a hitch and no firmware updates .......

Quote:

Originally Posted by T28

Right on!
And now back to our regularly scheduled program.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by T28

I do have very good knowledge as a user of the DNT for over 4 years and I also tried the xlink. Sure Phone Labs have had firmware releases in over 4 years the product has been available but that is for NEW cell phone compatibility and NEW features not available 4 YEARS AGO! The problems listed on the xlink site are for that were out when they launched the product. BIG DIFFERENCE. I have never had a performance issue with the DNT for any of the phones I have had. Just because you can't get something to work doesn't surprise me given your negative, derogatory personality.

I strongly recommend to anyone that is reading this site, go to the Phone Labs Dock-N-Talk. Sprint, my provider sells it and stands behind it and their site lists many other phone companies that sell it. That is a record not matched by ANY OTHER PRODUCT OF THIS TYPE!

Posted by: dee99ta

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Do you pay HOFO to advertise on the forum?

Posted by: T28

Amazingly, PhoneLabsKing misses the point completely. Quoted below is the part that makes you seem like an arrogant jerk. I have bolded it for you, similar to my initial post on this subject above.

Instead you blindly turn it into another rant about DNT good, xlink bad.

I have never bashed DNT, in fact I didn't come on here and say the iPHONE didn't work, I had no intention of doing that, except you came on and said it did, so I wanted to know how that could be since PhoneLabs told me directly that it did not.
Something about you and your posts is so slimey it is starting to me me queasy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phonelabsking

To set the record straight, you have never had an iPhone and I do and it has worked perfectly since the beginning. You have no idea what you are talking about as usual. The Dock-N-Talk has never had the litany of issues xlink lists on it own web site of the problems it has had. With all those issues, it is no wonder they can't charge for upgrades.

Posted by: phoneking

Quote:

Originally Posted by T28

I have never bashed DNT, in fact I didn't come on here and say the iPHONE didn't work, I had no intention of doing that, except you came on and said it did, so I wanted to know how that could be since PhoneLabs told me directly that it did not.

Maybe you should check their web site at www.phonelabs.com. It is listed at the TOP of their home page as compatible and the first item no less! I'm sure they tell you it doesn't work...get a life.

Posted by: jmcnaught

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcnaught

So yesterday, I powercycled the Xlink, and re-paired the connection to my Treo700P (which has, as you likely know, a sub-optimal bluetooth stack). Once a call came in on the cell, all the land line phones time/date are now accurate. I'm thinking that the Xlink does hold and pass the time/date, and it somehow got into a state where it was not dynmically reading the time/date from the cell phones correctly. The reset seems to have fixed it, so I'm back to being a delighted customer.

One note, however - the Xlink support NEVER responded to my e-mail for help on this. Not a great sign in my book.

Posted by: T28

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoneking

Cuz, you know, everything you read on the internet must be real!

They also list the e815 as working, which the volume issue makes unusable.
Wow, the first item, it must work better than all the others since it is FIRST

Why are you taking this so personally? I am only telling you what I was told BY phonelabs.
I have a fine life, little childish person.

Posted by: aaronwt

The Xlink BTTN is working great for me.
My Dock n Talk also worked great but I needed to get the Xlink BTTN to be able to use my cell and a line from MAgic JAck with my 1.9 Ghz(DECT 6.0) phone system.

Posted by: Mogul Guy

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronwt

The Xlink BTTN is working great for me.
My Dock n Talk also worked great but I needed to get the Xlink BTTN to be able to use my cell and a line from MAgic JAck with my 1.9 Ghz(DECT 6.0) phone system.

That may work ok for you but my wife and I need to make our calls independently of each other so the Dock-N-Talk works better for us. It has a line 1 and line 2 switch that lets me put my cell phone line 2 and my wife's on line 1. We have 2-line phones and can each make and receive our own calls. Works great.

Posted by: aaronwt

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogul Guy

Yes my phone system only handles a single line, otherwise I would have kept the DnT.
But I am happy with the Xlink too.

Posted by: rfryar

I have the XLink and a Sprint HTC Touch. I was wondering if anyone has gotten the voice mail indicator to work through the XLink on their home phones?

If you have can you tell me what cell phone you have and the provider?

I have selected the advanced setting in the XWizard under line 1 but I still do not see any voice mail indicator on my home phones when I get a voicemail.

Thanks,

Rick

Posted by: jmcnaught

My Xlink has been terrific, and I replaced a Dock and Talk that was not working well.

I've not been able to get the voicemail light working. My phones support it, but it's not worked with either my iPhone 3G or my Blackberry Curve 8310 (AT&T)

If anyone has been able to make these work, I'd love to hear from them.

Jeff

Posted by: rfryar

I got a response back from Xtreme that states:

Quote:

We are still working on that feature. We will let you know once it is working.

So hopefully they will have the voice mail notification feature working sometime.

Rick

Posted by: 34Ford

So I considered buying the Xlink BT until a friend brought up two good reasons not to buy one.

One, I cannot use this for my Dishnet DVR receivers,
and second it would take emergency services longer to find your house having to locate you verses a landline.

Oh, and my security alarm want work.

I had hopes for this, but.............

Posted by: showtz99

Quote:

Originally Posted by 34Ford

So I considered buying the Xlink BT until a friend brought up two good reasons not to buy one.

One, I cannot use this for my Dishnet DVR receivers,
and second it would take emergency services longer to find your house having to locate you verses a landline.

Oh, and my security alarm want work.

I had hopes for this, but.............

I have the Xlink BT successfully showing the caller ID on my dishnetwork VIP 722 DVR.

Get a cellular connection for your home security system. My AmFam home insurance was reduced when I notified them that this was in place. This will also solve your emergency services problem since you can hit the appropriate button (fire, police or medical) on your security panel.

Posted by: ddegentesh

A couple of general usage questions for you XLink-owners:

1) If you receive an incoming call, and the nearest phone happens to be your cell, can you pick up the cell and conduct the call as usual? Or do you have to disconnect the BT link to the Xlink first?

2) If your cell is paired to a headset, do you have to manually disconnect the BT link to the headset before connecting to the XLink? Or is it an automatic process?

3) Does the XLink seem to transmit DTMF tones ok?

Thanks!

Posted by: mirx

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddegentesh

With my blackberry 8830, I can pick it up and conduct the call as if I don't even have the XLink.

My wife's Motorola Krzr k1 doesn't play as nice. I can't recall the exact problem, but she either can talk to ppl but can't hear them, or the opposite, can hear ppl, but can't talk to them. That's very frustrating for her. She either uses the phone's menu to disconnect the bluetooth, or presses the disconnect button on the xlink or has to hang up on the person and call back, after she gets it disconnected. This behavior and and the fact that her phone gets fuzzy reception to the xlink, no matter how close or far the phone is placed from the xlink has caused her to stop using xlink. I still use it with my blackberry. So it seems the way your phone acts is up to the phone itself, and so is your experience with the xlink.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddegentesh

2) If your cell is paired to a headset, do you have to manually disconnect the BT link to the headset before connecting to the XLink? Or is it an automatic process?

I leave my bluetooth headset in my car. When I get far enough from the car it disconnects on its own, but I usually turn the headset off to save the battery in it as well. The xlink automatically sends out a request to your phone to connect, so when I come home, its automatically synced.
I you leave it so that your phone is still connected to the headset, I don't imagine any phone would automatically switch over.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddegentesh

3) Does the XLink seem to transmit DTMF tones ok?

Yup, no problems here.

Posted by: aaronwt

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddegentesh

A couple of general usage questions for you XLink-owners:

1) If you receive an incoming call, and the nearest phone happens to be your cell, can you pick up the cell and conduct the call as usual? Or do you have to disconnect the BT link to the Xlink first?

2) If your cell is paired to a headset, do you have to manually disconnect the BT link to the headset before connecting to the XLink? Or is it an automatic process?

3) Does the XLink seem to transmit DTMF tones ok?

Thanks!

With my LG DAre, when paired to the Xlink, I can hear the person, but they can not hear me. The solution is to never use the cellphone itself when paired to the Xlink. I only use one of my cordless phones and everything works fine that way.

Posted by: monkeyboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddegentesh

1) if you mean the incoming call is coming into the cellphone, then yes, you can use the cell like normal, although I imagine, that since the Xlink acts like a BT headset, that the exact behavior will depend on the specific cell phone. The phone I use, an LG Muziq, allows you to use the cell normally -- I presume what is happening is that if you answer the call by the phone, not by the BT headset, then the phone knows to use the phone's earpiece and mike. But maybe not all phones do this...
2) dunno, never tried...
3) well yes, but its not as matter of fact as it sounds... DTMF tones get distorted by the audio chain, so the Xlink specifically has logic to detect DTMF tones and recreate them properly. So actions such as logging into your bank account or nav'ng dialtone menus all work fine, but that's because the Xlink takes special pains to make it work.

Posted by: TomMac

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeyboy

for the xlink, I would suggest emailing their tech support with this question (iPhone compatibility)... they are very responsive...

I have had an xlink BTTN since January of 2009. It worked great and I was very happy with the unit. All of a sudden it quit passing the CID information from the land line to the phone or a CID display. I have emailed them 5 times and called once. They responded to the first email but no others. It has been 2.5 weeks since I called them. To date they have not returned my call. Yesterday I emailed again and still no response.

So far I am a very unhappy camper with their customer service department.

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomMac

It worked great and I was very happy with the unit. All of a sudden it quit passing the CID information from the land line to the phone or a CID display.

I don't have one of these, but it sounds like you are paired (or got re-paired) using the headset profile instead of the handsfree profile. A lot of Bluetooth devices, upon failing to connect as a handsfree for any reason, will automatically fall back to headset.

Two possible solutions come to mind. Make sure your phone is set to connect as a handsfree (usually some submenu in the Bluetooth section), or can you delete your phone's pairing in the XLINK, and the re-pair?

Posted by: TomMac

The problem is not from the cell phone CID the problem is from the land line CID. The cell phone CID is displayed.

Posted by: aaronwt

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomMac

The problem is not from the cell phone CID the problem is from the land line CID. The cell phone CID is displayed.

Then are you sure it's not a problem with the landline/

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronwt

Then are you sure it's not a problem with the landline/

Good point.

If the OP takes a regular corded phone, and plugs it directly into their incoming landline, will the regular phone display a CID for an incoming call?

Posted by: TomMac

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronwt

Then are you sure it's not a problem with the landline/

Yes the land line CID works fine if a phone or CID display is connected ahead of the Xlink BTTN.

On Thursday Xlink finally responed to my latest email. They are going to remotely access the unit for diagnostics.

Posted by: Glenn 100

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomMac

I had a CID problem with my LG VX8700 but I had it from the beginning, it didn't stop all of a sudden. They remote diagnosed it and here was the problem.

The cell phone had a delay in sending CID info so they told me to change the ring pattern from the standard ring space ring space...... to the ring ring space ring ring space...... pattern. That gave more time in the ring pattern to accept the delayed CID info and it fixed the problem.

Glenn

Posted by: jmcnaught

All,

Just upgraded my PC to Win 7 64-bit. The Xwizard app to update the Xlink BT crashes and won't operate (at all).

I'll send a note to the tech support ppl (not that we'll ever hear from them though) so they know.

jm

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcnaught

Just upgraded my PC to Win 7 64-bit. The Xwizard app to update the Xlink BT crashes and won't operate (at all).

Have you tried to run it under Win 7's Virtual XP mode?

Posted by: aaronwt

Isn't that only in Win7 pro and Ultimate?

Posted by: jmcnaught

I've not installed XP mode on Windows 7 (I have Ultimate), and don't intend to. While I won't comment on the idea, it's another layer of complexity that I'd prefer not to use.

I hope that's not the company's suggestion..... we'll see...

Posted by: WaltA

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronwt

Isn't that only in Win7 pro and Ultimate?

I just thought that everyone would get Win 7 Pro or Ultimate for just that reason alone. Virtual XP is got to be one of the best ideas out of Microsoft in over a dozen years. That feature alone, with the seamless app compatibility it assures, instantly solves problems like this.

Posted by: aaronwt

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaltA

I hate XP and if a program needs XP to run, I will not use it. I switched all my machines but one from XP to VISTA a long time ago. Everything is getting switched to Windows 7 except that one XP machine which I only use for my MAgic JAck.(an old Celeron Laptop with only 1GB of memory)
I have ten Windows 7 Premium licenses coming and one Ultimate license.
I thought about getting all pro or Ultimate but the features they offered weren't compelling enough for me to spend the extra money. I'll probably sell my Ultimate and get another Premium instead.

Posted by: TomMac

Quote:

Originally Posted by aaronwt

Then are you sure it's not a problem with the landline/

My latest saga with my Xlink BTTN. If I take the xlink out of my phone circuit all phones and equipment properly display the landline caller ID information. With the Xlink in the circuit it will properly display the caller ID information from the cell phone but not from the landline.

After much anguish working with Xtreme Technologies they agreed to send me a replacement BTTN under warranty. I had to first return my unit with $10 to cover return shipping and handling.

Per their request I returned the Xlink BTTN unit. They did not send me another unit until I emailed them requesting status of the replacement. After a few email exchanges they sent me a new unit.

I have the same problem with the new unit as I did with my original unit. I then contacted AT&T U-verse customer service. Their only solution was to state the Xlink BTTN was not compatible with the 2Wire RG. Apparently there are other VOIP services that have the same problem with caller ID information being properly displayed.

My only solution is to wait until Extreme Technologies, 2Wire and AT&T U-verse get their stuff together and come up with a resolution.

I highly doubt that will happen in the near future as each entity will point their finger at the other and say it is not my problem. The problem is yours.

So far I am not impressed with Extreme Technologies customer service. In my opinion they should contact 2Wire and work with them to resolve the problem.

Posted by: giddyup944

Do SMS text message notifications get sent to all the phones connected to the Xtech?

Posted by: kdfederer

No. just to the cell phone. It is the same for voicemail messages.