Made to work with both analog landlines and Skype, the Auvi Dual-Mode PHIP65 marries traditional calling with free (until the end of the year) Skype calling. The phone plugs into your USB port, which then uses proprietary Auvi software to interface with Skype. That means you’re going to have to keep your computer on all the time if you want to make and receive calls over the Skype service.

The PHIP65 uses DECT, which reduces interference with 802.11a/b/g, and comes with a base-unit and a handset. It’s retailing now for $129.99, and additional handsets (up to four) can be used with the base unit for $79.99 each. Even after the year’s done, long distance is still cheaper over Skype than over your landline. Call quality’s pretty good with these things, since it uses your PC to handle all the Skype processing and data routing, so you’re basically just getting a convenient wireless handset to work with your Skype setup.

Press Release [PRNewswire via eHomeUpgrade]