Firebox VoIP Cyberphone

If Skype continues to grow at the rate is has been (yes, more Skype news today), you can expect phones like these to be as common as webcams in a few years.  The latest is the Firebox VoIP Cyberphone, a USB handset that lets you make Skype calls without the need of a desktop interface or goofy headset.  Our only hesitation about these is that there's bound to be wireless Skype phones coming along in a few months, and probably not at much of a premium.  But if you can't wait, the VoIP Cyberphone is available now direct from Firebox for £29.95.

[Via TRFJ]

[ubiquitous @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

I ordered one of these directly from Skype late last year.

What I don't like about the phone is that the USB cable and the handset to base cable are hardwired. I wish the cables were detachable so you could replace them when they inevitably break.

Contrary to the FAQ, the phone does sorta work with Macs. The number pad doesn't work, so you have to use the onscreen Skype app to make calls, but the unit is recognised and works perfectly as an audio I/O device.

[Dalton @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

Yeah, buying a wired phone these days seems so clunky - especially since I'd be connecting to a computer on my wireless network. How much longer will it take for vendors to get the hint and get us a standard wireless handset that looks like every other cordless phone on the market, except that works through Skype? Last time I was online, there were nearly 2 million simultaneous users - there's gotta be a market out there for what should be a 50 dollar piece of hardware.

[curious_george @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

Instead of the phone, it seems wiser to buy the adaptor which connects to your router, PC, and cordless phone, allowing you to use a cordless phone. Again, not sure if Mac is supported...

[Hacky McHacker @ Dec 19th 2005 2:13AM]

I'm waiting for the wireless Skype fone that let's me jump on the unsecured wireless network that the guy next door is running...