Digital Trends

DUALphone 3088 April 19th, 2007 | by Jason Tomczak

Conclusion

While Skype may not be the perfect solution for everyone, millions of users absolutely swear by it. When using Skype, it is necessary to have a reliable, comfortable device to use as the physical medium between VoIP and your ears. Many people use geeky-looking headsets (some by choice, many for lack of something better). Personally, I like the physical sensation of using a phone; it frees me from being tied to my desk by a corded headset, and it's a little less invasive than an in-ear Bluetooth headset. For those like me, the Skype DUALphone 3088 is a perfect solution. It's a simple, minimalist phone that performs all the free-calling functions of any Skype device, yet it has much greater range than Bluetooth headsets – another bonus for those who prefer to pace and roam while they talk.

The Skype DUALphone 3088 offers a significant bonus in that it doubles as a landline. 911 calls can be made using this phone, as long as you have an active landline connected to the phone. Incoming calls are generally free for landline users, so the Skype DUALphone 3088 could allow a penny-pincher to take incoming calls by landline and use Skype for all outgoing calls (perfect for folks on a budget or for those who want to stick it to the mega-conglomerate telco providers).

The Skype DUALphone 3088 seems like a well-built and reliable phone. I'm happy using mine, and I would recommend it to others in the market for such a device.

Pros:

• Great call quality
• Uses Skype AND landline connections
• Excellent cordless range
• Rechargeable batteries included

Cons:

• Slightly minimalist; not pretty
• Product website and support forums severely lacking
• $158 price range is a little high