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.

Vitaly Repin of Ice Brains Software (Russia) has launched Bombino, a smart variation on a Skype call forwarding plug-in. With Bombino you connect your mobile to Skype and use it to call your buddies or even create conference calls. In some countries this strategy wil work well with a prepaid mobile account. Thus it has some similarities to what Jyve and iSkoot offer. However, Vitaly goes further in integrating it with SMS. He's creatively used the SMS Gateway from Connectotel. All you have to do is SMS Bombino to launch your call or conference. This will only works with GSM phones. Bombino is available for Windows and Linux. Bombino has a 10 day trial period. After that it is 10 Euros.

Further details are described in the Bombino Manual. Comands are simple and described there. Vitaly has also built in additional security measures so no one can hijack your Bombino. Who knows, this almost looks like a service opportunity.