With handsets one naturally holds the handset to their ear. Looking in on my usage I tend to sit back away from my computer, I use less texting, and the device doesn't encourage typing extra links. This is certainly true for the corded variety. With a cordless I can more freely walk about. Thus very appropriate for taking calls from another room or letting someone else in the house dial the world on SkypeOut (some phones only) without interferring with the PC etc. When phone handset are well integrated using the SkypeAPI the keypad becomes integrated and with SkypeIn and Out be substitued for a traditional phone, even when you have switched users on your PC.

The Headset (traditional computer):
With the headset my hands remain free, I've nothing to hold to my ear, typing and working sometimes even on other pieces concurrently --- multi-tasking is easier. However how I sit and engage with Skype is now tied to the PC. I tend to sit much more forward. It's easier to keep focused on work mode. However the corded headset tends to be messy. There is no phone rest to put it down, the cord is too long or too short and putting it on quickly well it just isn't as easy as picking up a receiver. Plus I'm used to calling others and hearing them scramble for headsets. Thus the standard headset is rather clunky. Many of the corded objections go away when a bluetooth headset is put on. It's light weight and improves mobility versus holding a typcial cordless handset. Although listening through one ear is not quite the same, (I'm yet to find the perfect stereo solution.) and connecting BT headsets can be a problem.

Just Speakers and Mic
Note many are just using desktop speakers and a well placed mic (usually very low cost) for their Skype calls. I had one journalist tell me that was the easiest way to record the call. My father uses it and I've used my laptop that way too. (For the most part laptops are better when you plug in mini earphones (the mic is often too close to the speakers and the caller gets feedback). Plus there is the example of video where many webcams have their own mic input. So some toggling between devices and outputs is becoming increasingly necessary. It's worth considering this approach too. In fact many introduce a toggle switch to go between headset and speaker, just because their PC and room then becomes like a giant speakerphone system. There are also speakerphone options that when there are groups at each end of the line can make calls more interesting.

The contrast appears very obvious. So why am I writing about it? There is an opportunity within the enterprise to rethink the communication devices used (don't just replace the handset) and separately for the consumer there are different situaltional trade-offs. You may want to have a phone, speakers, mic, bluetooth, etc. Simply all of the devices. Depending on the where and when and with who.. you may simply take the calls in different ways. The solutions could be bundled or they may be separate. However the Skyper that adopts a PDA or a small mobile solution now with WiFi in the house and office may begin to adopt very different calling behaviors. Particularly where "presence" is involved.

Without thinking many organizations are buying VoIP hardware ready desktop phones. Are enough CEO's asking why put big new VoIP phones on employee desktops when the employee spends more time mobile, in meetings, working at home etc. Is it just a complete waste of money? Could the job be done better by software and other options? The enterprise units don't add to mobility, encourage "arm lock-up" and aren't making it easier to integrate activities with IM or other desktop sharing. By contrast the solutions that integrate with the desktop and encourage multiple communications forms, make it easier to share presence etc have a much better opportunity for success. Could my mobile work seemlessly as my Skype dialer and even take calls over bluetooth when in the right proximity to my desktop or laptop? Similarly inserting a bluetooth headset adds another other dimension. If the right "software" was available would this be attractive?

I'm sure a market for phones remains. I'm just less certain about the implcations of what device to recommend. There's been lots of "press recently" about the Actiontec USB device. I mentioned in this post my missgivings (see also these Skype Forum threads) that it wasn't really integrated through the SkypeAPI. So what do you buy? If you also have SkypeIn and SkypeOut then adding a cordless phone makes a lot of sense. Adding one that integrates with Skype becomes even more interesting. Although the cordless versions like Siemens and the Olympia DualPhone are expensive. Thus the appeal remains for the USB devices. With one you can use your old phone, take Skype calls and perhaps set up some speed dial numbers. However for the most part you will still have to "click" your screen to choose a lessor known or non preprogrammed buddy. You may or maynot be able to direct dial SkypeOut calls. You can solve that all with a CyberphoneK

Like headsets there are also some devices that use the audio output and input jacks to connect phones or phone like handsets. Chat-Cord and Let's-Chat are examples of this type of product. They are some of the lowest cost solutions available.

This could easily lead to plenty of consumer confusion. When Skype goes video, some will add webcams for the first time. What's the best solution for that? Are webcams going to slip into the enterprise.. not very likely shorterm.

As telephony merges with software the determining factors will be what form factor you want to use to make the audio connection. Speakerphone, mobile handset, headset etc. They could be yesterdays world in an instant with voice dialing. Then dialing also becomes more and more irrelevant with "presence" and buddylists. Simply click or "voice" activate to connect. We are on the cusp of a new revolution in form factors and design for conversing. It can be made simpler. I'm still waiting for the iPod for telephony. Consumers want products they are comfortable with. Unfortunately even the newest Skypers won't tell you what you should design next. They are still becoming aquainted with the product. I'd like to see more product designs emerging that are thinking well forward and concurrently pressing Skype to more innovation. I wonder... Will the next iPod be Skype friendly?