Skype turns the virtual phone into real products

I've commented before on my enthusiasm for Skype (there are certain aspects of my job where it would be difficult, if not simply very expensive to do what I do each day), and I've also talked about the Netgear Skype phone.

Now more dedicated hardware devices are being released that turn the Skype phone service - essentially a virtual phone system - into a physical service that could replace many elements of your phone calling requirements.

There's a brief rundown at Engadget (Skype readies four WiFi phones for VoIPing public) that covers the new models that are being released.

There is also a good discussion on the facilities, or lack of them, on the phones. Support for WEP/WPA security is high on the list - although some of the units support it, they don't support the web-based interface for configuration of the units out in the wild. That doesn't concern me; I want my Skype hardware to replace my DECT unit here in the home, but I can see why that would be a problem once you wanted to move out of the house.

Another issue is connectivity. One of the things I like about Skype on my desktop is that it supports my bluetooth headset, which makes calling and typing much easier. Finally, there's one element I would have trouble living without - the Skype IM (Instant Messaging) service. With so many people using Skype, I find I'm using Skype more than AIM, MS Messenger or IRC to keep in touch with friends and colleagues. Using that on a phone (in their current form at least) would be tiresome.

Still, for first generation products these look like a step in the right direction.