With all three Windows-compatible devices:

• I lift the phone handset and my Skype client opens on the laptop; when I replace the handset, the Skype client minimizes to the System Tray.
• I have the option to initiate any Skype calls by simply saying the Contact's Skype user name
• I can dial SkypeOut calls in the traditional legacy manner (with no need to add the home country's country code) on a conventional touchtone keypad.
• I have the option to make Skype and SkypeOut calls using the Skype client interface in the conventional manner
• All my other Skype "accessories" such as Skype Chat, SMS Messaging, File Transfer, Skype Email Toolbar and SkyLook continue to be available to work in the normal way.
• I am able to listen to Windows Media Player, podcasts via iTunes and my SlingBox on my stereo speakers while on a Skype call using these handsets.
• I have had several unsolicited comments on the excellence of the audio quality.
• Power comes via the USB port; no external power adapter is required;
• Installation involves connecting the USB adapter, ensuring Skype is installed, installing the VoIPvoice software and, in some instances, resetting the default Windows Audio Device (to, say, your laptop speakers). Once performed for one of the devices, the installation is, in effect, applied to all three devices.

(Note that with the UConnect device, I lift the handset and simply dial ** to access the Skype features outlined above. To use my Bell Canada line I simply continue to dial and access services in the normal manner.)

The only problem I have encountered is that the voice recognition will have some name recognition difficulties such as differentiating Bill (Campbell) from Phil (Wolff). On the other hand when it recognizes Bill's name their "Darth Vader voice" says, somewhat monotonously, "Calling Bill Campbell vertical bar Skype Journal" (Bill's Skype name reads "Bill Campbell | Skype Journal"). The VoIPvoice device reads back the entire contents of your Skype Name field -- amusing! If they would just replace Darth Vader with a "sexy female voice", it would be perfect!

These VoIPvoice devices bring a traditional phone interface (i.e. - a handset with a touchtone keypad) to Skype while maintaining access to all the features of Skype. Combining these devices with Skype's recently announced free North American calling, Skype/SkypeOut has become my preferred service for voice calls from both my home office and remote WiFi access points (hotels, airports, coffee shops, etc.). More details will follow in the individual reviews of each device later this week.