I think the device market is under-rated by the traditional IM clients. This example from Ascalade (VON brochure) is a residential dual phone that can connect with both VoIP clients and PSTN simultaneously. Note this one doesn't work with Skype yet, it's designed to work with SIP solutions. Still embed Skype in the box and who needs a computer?

When could we see a Skype version? Perhaps sometime early in the new year. What's the achillies heel for all these devices? I see two currently. They haven't yet solved the text chat messaging opportunities, while many are stuck with memory problems when you have more than 80 - 100 buddies.

I signed the FedEx hand held. Slit open the package. There was the label I needed to see: Skype Certified. What a relief. I know Skype serves millions of free minutes every day, but I think an equal number of minutes are wasted by users testing pre-pre-close-to-beta Skype add-ons!

Thanks, IPEVO. IPEVO is a US sub of Taiwan Skype Partner PC Home.

The name means IP every where and helping you evolve your IP experience.

Free.1 is beautiful...

The user manual is in perfect English! Very professional!

Installation and set-up was a dream. Like Skype it just worked. I called my Skype buddy Neil,

“If you didn’t tell me you were testing a new USB phone I do not think I would have noticed you were not on your Plantronics Headset.”

Guess what Neil, ‘Free.1’ has a 16 KHz sampling rate! Many USB phones do not have that because the Skype’s high quality 16 KHz sampling rate is not an industry standard. IPEVO had to design their own chip set. Expensive; but a smart move if you want to be Skype Certified.

Very sharp design. It is more than a USB handset. Yes, I am tethered to my desktop with wires. But Free.1 frees me from my keyboard. Nice With the “S” key I select the Skype Application, scroll down my contacts list using the Scroll key, find Skype Test Call (Echo 123) and then hit the Call button. The test is echo and noise free!

To do a SkypeOut Call I just hit the + key and dial the number.
To send a Voice Mail I use the list key and select the right function key. Dead simple.

Look at this: a call comes in. I hit the hang-up button and it sends a “busy” signal to the caller. I love it.
$29.99. You can’t beat the price.

Skype Certified. Stylish. Functional. A great Christmas gift!