New Aastra 600D series DECT phones

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Aastra has been on a roll the last two weeks. Especially with the growing popularity of VoIP mobility solutions.

Fresh off announcing stateside availability of the 312w wireless VoIP phone last week, Aastra has announced that three new DECT VoIP phones will be hitting the streets soon.

Aastra SIP DECT furthers its range

These new DECT VoIP phones, the 610D, 620D and 630D further bolster Aastra’s SIP DECT line up. If you’re not familiar with SIP DECT it’s Aastra’s mobility solution that virtually eliminates issues of dropped calls, interference, security and range that are typically found with 802.11 b/g solutions.

It does this through a combination of SIP DECT handsets and IP DECT access points that seamlessly hand-off calls and enable roaming. At scale, SIP DECT can accommodate up to 512 handsets across 256 IP DECT access points.

The Aastra 600D series - Polycom KIRK killers?

The new Aastra 600D series DECT line-up is a move by the company to meet the growing demand for mobility solutions within small medium and large enterprises. It’s also an attempt at gain market share away from Polycom’s KIRK solutions, especially so when one considers shiny red ball features like color screens.

But the 600D series phones aren’t just about flash. They’ve got a lot of substance to go along with their sleek style.

Aastra 610D - The only model that sports a monochrome LCD, the Aastra 610D is step-up from the 142D. Designed for the basic business user, the 610D stores up to 200 contacts and supports hands free operation. With a list price of $199.99 the 610D will eventually be found for around $169 USD making it a rather affordable option.

Aastra 620D - The Aastra 620D is quoted as a “High-end mobile phone for the professional” thanks to its high resolution color screen and Bluetooth capabilities. It boasts most of the same features as the 610D, with a few minor upgrades here and there. The question is whether these additional features are worth the extra $70 USD you’ll pay for the 620D as it lists for $269.99 USD.

Aastra 630D - If you’re working in harsh environments, like warehouses, manufacturing facilities or even construction sites, the Aastra 630D will suit your fancy. Built to IP 65 industrial standards, the 630D can withstand falls from heights of up to 2 meters onto concrete and has high dust protection. Of course you’re going to have to pay for this, as the 630D comes at a price of $449.99 USD (but should settle in around $399.99).

The verdict

There was a really big hole in the middle of the SIP DECT phone marketplace.

Polycom’s KIRK line has long been popular with the upper crust and Siemens has recently nestled into the consumer space. That left the snom M3 - a great device which I recommend - but surely there needs to be more choice. It’s that the open standards way.

And in stepped Aastra with their 600d series.

Three excellent looking devices that meet the needs of just about every mobile mid-market professional. At price points that current budgets can accept.

So the 600D series looks like a winner. Even if it isn’t a Polycom KIRK killer, it will make a dent.