KX-WP1050

Panasonic's KX-WP1050 is a Wi-Fi phone; that is, a handset similar in size and shape to a cell-phone (just over half an inch thick) that provides the ability to place and receive Skype calls over a network/Internet connection. The Skype service itself is available (and priced) separately from the phone. The phone can be used in the same manner that Skype service would be used from a LAN-attached PC, laptop, or Skype-enabled wired phone; with the exception that it connects to the network wirelessly using 802.11b/g protocols. Thus the phone can conceivably be used at public hot spots (provided they do not require browser-based authentication) or other locations where a Wi-Fi signal is available.

Potentially available features of the phone include the ability to place Skype-to-Skype calls, SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Conference calls (guest only), call waiting, and voicemail. Some features are, of course, dependent on the type of Skype service the user is subscribed to. The phone supports a contact list with a maximum 500 entries, and call history storage is supported for incoming (20), outgoing (20), missed (50), voicemails (100 max), and authorizations (20). A 1.8 inch TFT LCD with support for 65k colors provides the information display.

The phone is actually sold as part of what the vendor calls an "Executive Travel Set," which includes the phone, multi-country capable power adapter (country specific AC plugs, however, are sold separately), and a base router that functions as a combined network gateway and 802.11 b/g access point, facilitating wireless access to existing wired LANs (for example, you could plug the base router into a compatible hotel LAN port and then connect wirelessly from the phone to the base router). The router includes a LAN port, a WAN port (both 10/100 RJ-45), DHCP or static A/P connections, DHCP, PPPoE, or static LAN connections, and automatic WPA Encryption (256-bit AES) and QoS features.

Also included with the phone is a 730mAh Lithium-ion battery, which the vendor states can provide up to 55 hours of standby time and 4.5 hours of talk time. The battery can be charged by the router, or from a USB connection to a PC.

The KX-WP1050 Executive Travel Set is available now and priced at $399 (MSRP). Contact Panasonic for further information.