I like the idea of the 3 Skypephone, mostly.

Some things were compromised to make it work:

• no SkypeOut (conflicting with 3, perhaps too complicated to sell with a mobile),
• no Skype video calls (processor, power, memory intensive),
• no public APIs (it is iSkoot's software, not Skype's),
• no end-to-end encryption (since Skype's encryption ends at iSkoot's servers).

But I can live with the compromises.

Because the point is to test things.

3 is testing if innovative calling and chatting experiences keep customers loyal. Is the buddy list and presence and threaded chat the new lock-in? Can all this soft, mushy, social balderdash pay off?

Skype is testing its ability to partner with carriers. Can Skype use its comparatively fresh Skype brand without using any Skype software at all? The phone is running iSkoot and Qualcomm software/firmware. Skype's roll is all in marketing the phone and selling SkypePro service plans.

Skype is testing its own virality on mobiles. Can Skype make the Skypephone's customers so happy they drag all their friends into the Skype network, restarting Skype's customer growth?

iSkoot is testing scale. What happens when millions use iSkoot as their primary mobile interface instead of as optional, infrequently used software? What will break? What new features will people demand?

Finally the Skype vs. Apple test: Are Skype's free/social power sufficient to defend 3's markets from iPhone mania? iPhone is rolling in the UK with O2 November 9, a week after the Skypephone.

You can buy the 3 Skypephone on Friday from the Skype online store. Or read about it now on its Skype product page.