Name: BUFFALO VH-MU01
Category: USB Skype phone
Price: JPY5320
Release date in Japan: Early June, 2008

Many people reading this will be fans of Skype, the popular service that enables free computer-to-computer and low-cost computer-to-land-line voice calling. Typical Skype setups involve fiddling with your computer's microphone and speakers/headphones, or a USB-powered "Skype phone" hardware add-on, which may still entail some mousing around to use.

BUFFALO Inc.'s new VH-MU01 isn't the first Skype phone handset, but promises to transform your Windows PC-based Skyping into a more phone-like experience. The white or black handset is generously described as "stylish", and in fact isn't too bad looking. It plugs into a USB port, and will require some initial setup - but after that, you'll be using it like a good old-fashioned phone. All the buttons you need to make and receive calls, including Skype software controls and extra niceties like volume control, are on the unit; no need to mess with the PC.

That alone will let you talk for free to other Skype users anywhere on the globe. For more fun, sign up for FUSION Communications' new "FUSION de Skype" service, which grants your Skype phone a regular FUSION IP-phone 050 number and lets you call regular land lines or mobile phones via the FUSION IP-Phone network (free if you call a FUSION IP-Phone 050 number). Early sign-ups for the service save about JPY2300 on various fees.

More info: http://buffalo.jp/products/new/2008/000705.html (Japanese)
FUSION de Skype: http://www.fusioncom.co.jp/fusion_skype/ (Japanese)

Technorati Tags: Internet phone USB