Video quality is impressive, sleek interface

Incessant ads in free version

If you're not already hooked on Skype, where you connect with all your key contacts and friends, give ooVoo a try. You may have a higher tolerance for ads than we do. Of course, it means that you'll have to reach out to your contacts to call you using ...

Can help technical novices protect their privacy

More technical users can get the same effect without this application

Not a revolutionary technology, but an easy way to use existing functionality, IP Privacy works well. More technical users will struggle to justify the outlay, however.

Good e-mail organisation and searching, tie-ins to popular online services

No calendar, Thunderbird add-ons won't work

Postbox offers plenty of useful features that might entice you to give it a whirl. Unlike the open-source Thunderbird, however, Postbox is made by a for-profit company.

Attractive user interface, quick and easy navigation, up to nine profiles

Minor navigation inconsistencies, could do with more ISP and mobile carrier support, relatively expensive

If you always find yourself in danger of going over your data or mobile cap, iiQuota will let you check your usage while on the move.

Fast loading and navigation, attractive interface, can control multiple Twitter accounts

Twitter conversations are hard to follow, HTML links are not automatically shrunk during writing

Tweetie is a lean and fast Twitter client. Some aspects could be improved, but this app still offers numerous features that make for an enjoyable mobile Twitter experience.

Dual-mode ; support for six SIP carriers ; supports SMS, IM and e-mail ; easy to use Web interface ; decent call quality

Handset LCD resolution isn't good enough for IM and e-mail ; ugly base station

This is a great option for those on the lookout for a dual-mode VoIP solution (with some mobile-like functionality on the side). Text-intensive functions, like e-mail and instant messaging, don't look the best on the screen's low resolution, but the ...

Sleek design, easy interface, no PC required

No charging cradle, WPA2 wireless security not supported, MSN Messenger and IE were hard to use

NetComm's first Wi-Fi-enabled VOIP phone shows plenty of potential with compatibility for Skype and MSN Messenger networks, as well as an integrated Web browser. But with complicated Windows CE software and no support for WPA2 wireless protection ...

Ease-of-use and setup, large buttons, flip up colour display, built for Skype, good call quality, easy software update

Incompatible with other VoIP programs/services, plastic casing

The Webt@lker 5000 is a convenient, easy-to-use desktop telephone that incorporates Skype. It doesn't work with other VoIP services, but if you're an avid Skype user, there is plenty to like about this handset.

Low cost, ideal for travelling, contact list is attached to the Freshtel account

Sound quality could be better, it's not cordless

The Freshtel 2070 is an entry-level phone that should satisfy those after a cheap introduction to the world of VoIP.

Doubles as a USB key, ideal for travelling, VoIP software and drivers included, contact list attached to your account

Plan needs to be upgraded to call landlines, audio could be louder, minimal storage for USB key

The 4030 Stickphone is a handy on-the-go VoIP solution ideal for travellers.