RTX DUALphone 3088 (Skype/DECT) (Cordless Phones)

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. Hearing the pleas, Dualphone has released the Dualphone 3088 Cordless Skype handset...

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

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

As a Skype phone, however, the picture is more compelling. At nearly £100 it's expensive, but you're now able to use Skype as a decent method of communication: constantly there, but without having a PC whirring away. So your relatives in far-flung...

A DECT phone with Skype and landline support for only £88? I know what I want in my stocking.

As the Skype market gets more attention, the quality of phones is increasing dramatically and this is by far the best Skype phone I've used. Without ever needing to touch a PC, anyone can be up and running on Skype, while also having a phone for making...

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

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 a built-in answerphone.

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

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.

The RTX DUALphone 3088 is a cordless phone for both Skype and ordinary telephone calls. The DUALphone doesn't require a PC to operate, instead just us...

Doesn't require a PC, user interface and ease of setup, automatically downloads Skype contacts, 200-entry telephone book, decent in-call quality for both landline and Skype calls, can switch between a Skype and landline call, excellent user manual

Only works with Skype, microphone needs to be louder, no handset locator on charging cradle, keypad not backlit

For Skype users, this is one of the best handsets available. The DUALphone has an excellent interface, decent call quality and best of all, it is very easy to use thanks to a detailed user guide.

A Skype phone that doesn't require a PC to work and can reside anywhere in the house is a great idea.