Skype, the free peer-to-peer VoIP desktop application, has reached monumental popularity in just a few years. Currently with more than 50 million registered users, the service has been a success — by any definition.Until later this year when dedicated hardware will be available for Skype, the service requires the use of a desktop or laptop computer to operate. So what happens when you’re away from your primary computer?
For under $80, the MPLAT USB FlashPhone lets you use Skype on any broadband-connected Windows computer you can access. While this new device is not as mobile as, say, a Windows Mobile-powered handheld with Skype on it would be, it might just be mobile enough.
Features
The FlashPhone is no bigger than most USB flash storage devices, but inside there is a built-in sound card along with up to 512 MB of storage. You simply plug in the FlashPhone to any USB port, connect the included hands-free kit, and you’re ready to roll.
Other than a computer, everything you need to use Skype comes preinstalled on the tiny device. The FlashPhone works well and sounds as good as any typical Skype connection.
In highly secure environments that restrict access to USB ports and do not allow users with limited access to execute foreign applications, you’ll be out of luck. Other than that, it’s simply plug-and-play with Windows 2000 and XP computers.
The FlashPhone doesn’t write any logs on the host computer, and a deregister script clears out any traces Skype might leave behind when you’ve wrapped up your Skype session. That’s convenient.
Installing upgrades to fix bugs and add new features as they become available, however, is a pain. Doing so requires using a third-party application. The upgrade process is cumbersome and the use of DOS batch files to deregister Skype activity is far from sophisticated.
Verdict
As neat as the FlashPhone is, the question remains about why you would need it. We live in a mobile-phone world, and there is no reason to hunt for a computer to use Skype when most people carry phones in their pockets.
Business travelers likely will bring notebook computers or other mobile devices with them wherever they go, so the FlashPhone isn’t a necessity for this crowd.
However, we concede that the vacation traveler who doesn’t want to carry a laptop will appreciate the convenience of the FlashPhone. Has anybody living in the digital world not stopped to do some e-mail while on vacation? The FlashPhone gives you the ability to make a quick call at the same time.
MPLAT USB FlashPhone
Specs: USB 1.1 and 2.0 compliant; Windows 2000 and Windows XP compatible; up to 512 MB of flash storage capacity.
Pros: Integrated audio; plug-and-play capability; additional storage offered on the flash drive.
Cons: Cumbersome upgrades.
Verdict: Easy-to-use Skype phone could be useful for travelers on vacation.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Price: $40 (128 MB); $60 (256 MB); $80 (512 MB)
www.mplat.com
