We've been reviewing Skype handsets and headsets for some time. However, all of them require the PC to be on and for it to be connected to the internet to work.

What people have been asking for is for one that can work independently of a computer. Sadly, although the Philips VOIP321 looks the part, this isn't quite it.

In fact, it's a conventional Skype phone that doubles up as a handset for a normal phone line. It comes in two parts: a wireless handset and a base station that needs to be plugs into the mains, the computer and the phone line.

The box's contents are excellently packaged, with everything in its own smaller box inside, or well wrapped up. The setup guide is very clear and easy to use, and the setup process was painless. Simply install the software and plug the base into the mains and PC using the supplied cables.

The next job is fit the supplied rechargeable batteries into the handset, and sit it in its own supplied charging cradle. This is then also plugged into the mains. The phone then found the PC and our Skype profile without a problem.

Call quality is very good, although, as with all internet telephony services, overall quality is dependent on your broadband connection. It's fairly easy to use the handset, although navigating through a long list of Skype contacts is a bit of a pain.

As a standard phone, quality is also good, and it has all the normal features, such as Caller ID, built in.

One small problem is that the base station, not the handset's cradle, needs to be plugged into the conventional phone line. In these days of wireless networking, our PC is far from a phone line, and others' may be too.

This then requires a long phone extension cable, or some impromptu moving of equipment.

We left the handset on standby for a weekend, with the charger unplugged, and came back to find that the batteries were almost empty. This sort of battery life is common for mobile phones, but household units tend to last longer, so it's a bit disappointing.

Although the Philips VOIP321 will make normal landline calls, the fact that the PC has to be on when making Skype calls is not the best answer.

For those who can wait a couple of months, Philips Netgear tell us their PC-less Skype phones will be hitting UK shores soon.

Also consider

Polycom Communicator C100S
A good-quality speakerphone, but you pay extra for the privilege

All VoIP reviews