I finally decided to review the Xlink Cellular Bluetooth Gateway (BT). I’ve been using it for about a month now and I have to say, for what it is, I’m impressed. Basically the device plugs into an outlet, then you run a normal phone line from this unit to your home phone. Then you pair the Xlink via Bluetooth connection with your cellphone much the same way you would handsfree devices such as bluetooth headsets. After the connection is made (the blue light stops blinking) you are able to make phone calls from any phone in your house using this unit and your cellphone, taking full advantage of the minutes on your cellphone plan.

Now, I bought this for one major reason. I simply DO NOT get cellular reception in my kitchen. If I walk anywhere within 10 feet of my kitchen while on a call with my cellphone the call will absolutely get dropped. Not that this is limited to the kitchen, it’s just the place where you are guaranteed for this to happen. Anyhow, since I get reception and am able to use my cellphone fine near the window, I decided one of these units might not be a bad investment. I had looked around for “repeater” type devices to improve cellular reception in so-called “dead” areas but every one I found seemed far too expensive. This Xlink solution can be had for $99. So, I figured it was worth the try.

Here’s the unit as I have it set up:

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So far, so good. I am now able to lay my cellular phone anywhere in the apartment that it gets reception and it will automatically connect via bluetooth to the Xlink. Then I can make/receive calls using my normal house phone. One of the features I was sort of skeptical about is the caller ID function. I mean I had no problem believing I’d be able to make phone calls but I figured transferring caller ID information was asking a little much. Well, I was wrong. That works great. Every time a call comes in, the caller ID info is sent to the display on my home phone.

All in all, I have to say I’m very pleased with this device. It seems to function exactly as advertised. Anyone with the same problems I was having that want cellular reception in the rest of their house would surely benefit from the Xlink. Also, it’s an obvious way to cut down on monthly bills by completely cutting out the home phone service.
Any questions?

More Pictures of the Xlink

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