Skype is a Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone service that uses your PC to send calls over the internet rather than through normal telephone networks. The 3 Skypephone uses Skype to make calls to other Skype users over its data connection. Calls are free to other people using the Skype service.
Skype is integrated seamlessly into the phone. Press the large Skype button to launch the
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application, then choose a Skype name to sign up to the service, or enter your Skype username and password if you already have one. The contacts application also has a Skype name field, so you can ring a contact's normal phone or their Skype phone. Call quality when using Skype is reasonable. As with most VoIP services, voice had a slightly compressed and robotic quality, but it was easy to understand.
The handset is compact and stylish. The textured rear is comfortable to hold, the screen is bright and the keypad easy to use. The menu system has large icons and text sub-menus, and is functional and clear. Its calendar application lets you set appointments, and the music player can sort files on the supplied 256MB miniSD card by artist and album.
Even if you're not interested in Skype, 3's Skypephone is impressive for the price. It has many of the features of pricier phones, and if you have friends who use Skype it will save you a fortune. It's a Best Buy.
By Chris Finnamore
SPECIFICATIONS:
GSM 900/1800, GPRS, 3G data, 2in 220x176-resolution main display, 2-megapixel camera, 16MB internal memory, Bluetooth, USB connectivity
