RTX ships 'first' cordless Skype phone

Exaggerated claim?

By Tony Smith, 23rd November 2006

Danish handset maker RTX Telecom today launched what it claims is the first cordless Skype phone that doesn't require a PC. That's what the blogs are saying, at any rate. What RTX is really claiming is to have shipped the first RTX PC-less Skype handset, which is a bit like Honda making a big deal about how it's the first company in the world to ship a Civic with four wheels.

rtx telecom dualphone 3088 skype cordless

RTX's Dual Phone 3088 isn't the first PC-less Skype phone by a long chalk. Philips announced one back in September, and both Logitech and Panasonic launched similar products earlier this year. And then there are all the Wi-Fi-enabled Skype phones from SMC, Netgear et al that likewise require no PC.

The 3088 uses a DECT connection to communicate with its base-station unit, which plugs into a broadband router. It also hooks into the phone network to allow it to operate as a standard. Outgoing calls can be made either way.

RTX claimed the 3088 offers ten hours' talk time and almost six days' standby-by operation.

Available from today, the Dual Phone 3088 will retail for around €159 ($205/£107). ®

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