Voice over IP (VoIP) is hot at the moment, with over 100 million registered users of Skype's IP telephony programme alone. And why wouldn't it be? VoIP generally means cheaper local and international calls and in the case of Skype, free Skype-to-Skype calls worldwide as well.

One of the drawbacks of VoIP however, has been the need to stay chained up to your computer to make calls. Maker of the hardy cordless phone, Doro, has cottoned on to this and has come up with a smart solution. The 6351PW works just like an ordinary cordless phone, but with the added benefit of being able to switch between Skype and normal fixed-line calls by pressing a button.

The look and feel of this phone is much like that of a usual digital cordless phone, complete with features such as caller ID, a built-in phone book and a claimed 100 hours standby time and 10 hours talk time. By pressing a button you decide either to make a VoIP call or a fixed line (PSTN) call. The phone also allows you to see which of your Skype contacts are online – handy!

Plus to start you out on your Skype adventure, the phone is bundled with Skype software as well as 60 free Skypeout minutes – which will allow you to make calls to landlines in over 25 countries, says Doro.

RRP: $129.95

See: www.doro.com.au