Philips VoIP 841

At last, a stylish DECT phone.

>Looks cool, Easy to switch to landline ,

Small screen Ropey call quality

A superb landline/Skype combo

We take a look at three of the best VoIP phones that also aim to replace your landline handset.

- Last year we reviewed Philips Skype handset, the VOIP321, which promised the ability to make Skype calls from a regular DECT-enabled phone rather than having to sit in front of your computer.

No computer needed for day to day running

Not many

This might actually make us want to make Skype calls

Versatile cordless phone for both Skype and landline calls

There are plenty of Skype handsets around at the moment - and most of them seem rather overpriced, often coming in at £100-£130.

Review: Philips VOIP841 Internet PhoneVersatile cordless phone for both Skype and landline calls

Works with both Skype and landline calls; attractive design; good build quality

Expensive; lacks built-in answerphone

The Philips VOIP841 Internet Phone works well, but the lack of an answerphone is disappointing

...sadly there is no compelling reason to recommend the VOIP841..

Good incoming sound quality; attractive design; clear screen; easy to use

Microphone feedback; no memory dialing; flimsy-feeling plastic; Skype incompatibilities

With the Skype-certified Philips VOIP841 users need no more phone calls to the PC.

The Philips VOIP841, which lets you place and receive calls over both Skype-no computer needed-and standard telephone lines, joins two similar phones that have recently come to the market-the Linksys iPhone Dual-Mode Internet Telephony kit for Skype-CIT40...

No PC needed. Dual phone. Supports multiple Skype features. Color screen.

Fairly expensive.

An attractive phone system that will fit in with your home decor and lets you make Skype and traditional landline calls without a computer.

The vast majority of Skype users still make their Internet phone calls through their computers, employing the built-in mic and speakers on their PCs or, better yet, a headset. But as Skype's VOIP (voice-over-IP) service has become the dominant application...

The VOIP8411B Skype phone allows Internet and landline calls on one cordless handset; there's no connection to your PC required for Internet calls; it's relatively simple to set up, has a slick design, and its phone book stores up to 500 Skype contacts; y...

The VOIP8411B can't answer a landline call while putting a Skype call on hold (and vice versa), nor can it conference between the two lines.

Slick design and mostly solid performance sets the Philips VOIP8411B apart from competing Skype dual-mode phones.