Danish handset maker RTX Telecom today launched what it claims is the first cordless Skype phone that doesn't require a PC. That's what the blogs are saying, at any rate. What RTX is really claiming is to have shipped the first RTX PC-less Skype handset, which is a bit like Honda making a big deal about how it's the first company in the world to ship a Civic with four wheels.

RTX's Dual Phone 3088 isn't the first PC-less Skype phone by a long chalk. Philips announced one (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/09/01/philips_dect_skype/) back in September, and both Logitech (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/14/logitech_unveils_skype_phone/) and Panasonic (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/03/09/panasonic_skype_dect/) launched similar products earlier this year. And then there are all the Wi-Fi-enabled Skype phones from SMC, Netgear et al that likewise require no PC.

The 3088 uses a DECT connection to communicate with its base-station unit, which plugs into a broadband router. It also hooks into the phone network to allow it to operate as a standard. Outgoing calls can be made either way.

RTX claimed the 3088 offers ten hours' talk time and almost six days' standby-by operation.

Available from today, the Dual Phone 3088 will retail for around €159 ($205/£107). ®

Related reviews

SMC WSKP100 Skype phone (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/11/10/review_smc_wskp100_skype_phone/)
Mobiboo UTstarcom F3000 Wi-Fi VoIP phone (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/19/review_mobiboo_utstarcom_f3000/)
Netgear SPH101 Wi-Fi Skype phone (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/10/13/review_netgear_sph101/)
TrendNet ClearSky Bluetooth 2.0 Skype handset (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/08/29/review_trendnet_clearsky/)

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