Aastra 6731i VoIP handset review

Voice over IP may be state-of-art technology in many office environments but the vast majority of users will still prefer the comfort of a conventional handset rather than having to use a PC and headset.

Aastra's 6731i is a mid-range VOIP phone with a typical set of features. It features a speakerphone and support for up to six SIP lines, with XML support and an Ethernet pass-through that means you can connect your PC to the network via the phone. There are also eight programmable keys on the phone.

It lacks a standard headset port but you can connect a headset instead of the usual receiver, but you can’t have both together.

Unfortunately, unlike the majority of VOIP phones, the 6731i doesn't come with a power supply as standard from most retailers, so unless your phone system users Power over Ethernet (PoE), you'll have to buy Aastra's 48v power supply unit (£16 inc VAT from Voipon), which brings the total cost of the phone up to £104 inc VAT. Alternatively, the 6730i, at £75 ex. VAT is available with a power supply).

A pair of feet clips securely into place to position the phone at one of four angles. All positions raise it off the desk at a fairly steep angle, and the receiver often slipped off its cradle when we tried to replace it. However, without its feet, the phone doesn't sit comfortably on a flat surface.

The receiver plugs into the base of the phone, with its cable threaded through a narrow channel. As with most VoIP phones, getting it securely seated in position can be a bit fiddly, but the phone's upright position means that a poorly seated cable won't interfere with its positioning. The three-line LCD screen is set just above the numeric keypad. It can't be repositioned, but was easy to see from most angles.

If you want to wall-mount the phone, it comes with a pair of screws, two rawl plugs and a drilling template printed on a sheet of A4. Unfortunately, the clip that holds the receiver in place when wall-mounted was extremely difficult to remove from the phone. We had to use flat-headed micro-screwdriver to remove it, which left gouges in the phone's plastic casing. However, once rotated into the correct position, the clip held the receiver securely.