DUALphone 3088

- We've said it before and we will say it again, Skype is great, but the need to sit in front of your computer to make a call can be frustrating and too geeky for some.

No PC required, easy to set up, holds Skype contact book

Handset looks cheap, no answer machine, need to have the phone near your network router

A great handset let down by the lack of answering machine and a cheapish look

Make Skype calls without a computer

Makes Skype calling more convenient, Makes Skype calling more convenient, Excellent sound quality, Comfortable handset

Expensive compared with wired phones, Expensive compared with wired phones

The Dualphone 3088 is an excellent PC-less Skype phone. The base station means it's not fully Wifi, but is that such a bad thing considering the current state of the technology? We think not.

We've previously reviewed an earlier version of this phone. That model - still used in our office - was a dual landline and Skype phone. Working on the DECT digital standard for household phones, it was an admirable stab at VoIP nirvana...

Excellent Skype operation

Fiddly buttons

It has a few niggles, but it's worth the effort

The inch-thick manual and countless cables had us worried at first, but Olympia�€™s DUALphone turns out to be a pretty useful little gadget.

Versatile handset that works as both a Skype phone and an ordinary cordless phone for your landline

Expensive, no answerphone means it can�€™t take messages from landline calls

It�€™s dead handy �€" especially for self-employed or small business users, as it saves you having to sit with two handsets on your desk while you�€™re working. It�€™s just a shame that it doesn�€™t include

Great call quality; supports Skype & landlines; good cordless range; rechargeable batteries

Not pretty to look at; website and support forums lacking; somewhat expensive