The new beta version of Skype 2.1 for Pocket PC has picked up glowing reviews from the gizmo-loving community.

The software is still work in progress, but it's more than worth a try, as many have found. "I just installed the new beta version on my x51v," says 'Patrick Y' on the Aximsite forum. "No problems at all! The interface greatly improved, with better VGA support. Also, softkey support is added. Go Skype!" And Gizmodo's Jason Chen says: "We especially like being able to tell everyone that our mood for today is sulky with a slight chance of brooding."

As well as the Gizmodo-approved ability to view contacts' mood messages and avatars, version 2.1 also includes multi-chat, which allows you to have text conferences with multiple users, just as you can when using Skype on your computer. Other features include one-click access to Skype from the home screen, profile editing capability, contact search and improved call management. As always, you can call landlines and mobiles using SkypeOut, and you can talk for free to other Skype users, whether they're using a on PC, Mac or handheld.

The beta software is supported by handhelds running Windows Mobile 5 or Windows Mobile 2003. The new version, along with 2.0, is available to download now from Skype's website.