Now some Skypers might have been a little disappointed by the news last week that Philips VOIP841 cordless Skype phone won't be shipping in the US until 2007.

For those who just can't wait or those who just fancy something a bit different, the GE phone reviewed this week by BusinessWeek may be just the thing. The GE 28300EE2 (nice name chaps - catchy!) differs from the Philips phone in that it plugs into your PC rather than your router, meaning that you do have to have your PC on in order to make Skype calls (although you can happily make landline calls from it when the PC's off).

A very well-thought-out device

It does however have some nice features, such as a built-in speakerphone, and is confirmed as being hearing-aid compatible, something that not as many Skype manufacturers are building into their handsets as perhaps should. In addition, being DECT 6.0-compatible means it should benefit from improved call quality and not interfere with your Wifi or Bluetooth network as some DECT phones have been known to do.

BusinessWeek did identify some shortfallings in the phone as well, such as not being able to buy Skype credit from the phone (although surely as this phone needs the PC on to use it this isn't a big one?) and the fact you have to dial the international number whenever you place a SkypeOut call, something I noticed that RTX seem to have nailed on the DUALPhone 3088

Most importantly for me, it apparently comes preloaded with Snake, the game any early Nokia user will have used to while away boring train journeys.

The GE 28300EE2 is showing as available now from a couple of US retailers including Audio Discounter and Electronics Outfitter, priced at around $150. It can be expanded with up to 6 additional 28300EE1 handsets, if you live in a mansion.